Day Jobs!

Today on @yamahamusicusa #silentbass and #laklandbasses Friday, we talk "Day Jobs". I have had conversations with countless players and students on this subject..some actually vibing each other...so let's start with this:

Being an artist in is in no way measured by your level of musicianship, involvement or how much $$$ u make at it. There are many roads in art, and they are all good. PERIOD...u dig?

Ur decision on how u pay the bills bears no weight on ur art. Yes, it may hinder your ability to take advantage of some opportunities....but all of that enters into your decision. Throughout my career, I have had several day jobs...both part and full time as well as some playing situations from HELL ...I did what I had to do..just like everyone else...whether artist, butcher, baker or candlestick maker. Understand, nany famous players and composers had day jobs, some for their entire careers.

Charles Ives sold insurance

Modest Mussorgsky  was and  officer of imperial guard and a government clerk

Duke Ellington was a sign painter and a messenger for the US Navy and State Dept.

Bo Diddley was a carpenter, mechanic and Deputy Sheriff of Valencia County, New Mexico

Davis Lee Roth is an EMT

Brian May is a PhD in physics and worked on the Cassini Project

U get it? There is no value judgement..u do u. A second issue is the two income household..wtf? Apparently having another wage earner diminishes the player's need to work or get paid (I have been vibed for this on several occasions).  I call BS.  So, to sum it up..no matter how u meet ur bills...U R AN ARTIST!!! And what u do is valid. Create...explore...improve...evolve! UR PART OF THE COMMUNITY!! As always,  I invite your insights. #yamahamusicusa #makewaves #pirastro #glasserny #laklandbasses #sitstrings #tsunamicables #philjonesbass #basslessons #remotelessons