The Joy and Benefits of Playing Music: Insights from a Long-Time Guitarist
Music and acting have helped me support my lifestyle, and I fulfill my passion. What’s the biggest benefit I get from playing musical instruments, and do my friends ask me to play a lot at parties? The answer to both questions is deeply intertwined with my personal journey and the profound impact music has had on my life.
Why Music and Acting Pay the Bills
Music and acting are not just hobbies for me; they are professions that keep the bills paid. Over the years, these passions have evolved and developed into a stable livelihood. I enjoy performing and sharing my love of music with others, which brings me immense satisfaction and purpose. As a musician and performer, I am fortunate to do what I love for a living.
Entertainment at Parties and Ballroom Dancing
Do you remember the last time you danced to a classical sonata, or perhaps a bourree or minuet at a party? As someone who plays a variety of instruments - guitar, banjo, mandolin, and fiddle - and is known as one of the best ballroom dancers among my age group, I find myself being preferred for dance rather than music at parties. Playing music is certainly a privilege, but at 52, being part of the dance scene is just as appealing.
While I enjoy playing music with other musicians at parties and occasionally accompany friends with their singing, the truth is that I rarely play alone at such gatherings. Many of these events involve musicians from different backgrounds, and I prefer jamming and collaborating with others. When it’s not a music jam party, I leave my instruments at home to avoid entertaining solo. At parties, it's much more fun and relaxing to dance with friends rather than play.
Do friends ask me to play at parties? While I get my share of requests, the number of times a 71-year-old man is invited to play music is quite limited. Of course, there are exceptions like funerals, where a musician’s presence is often sought after, but overall, the opportunity to play at parties is rare. However, when I am asked to play, it brings me great joy and satisfaction to entertain and connect with others through music.
The Journey of Playing Instruments
Playing an instrument is never a destination but a journey, and at 71, I am still enriching my skills and discovering new dimensions of music. I started by playing the drums and being part of a band, but found the environment too loud and tiring. I then shifted to becoming a singer-acoustic guitarist, inspired by the love for singing and the simplicity of the acoustic guitar.
The journey with the acoustic guitar has been profound. Learning to sing well took longer than learning to play the guitar competently, but the effort was more than rewarded. The acoustic guitar, and its various styles, have become the works of art I invest time and energy into, bringing immense satisfaction and joy. For me, playing an instrument is a lifelong learning journey, and I have no plans to stop.
Playing Music as a Form of Relaxation
Playing before an audience is always a joy, and it is immensely rewarding to witness the reactions of the audience when they appreciate the music. In this way, music not only enhances my life but also entertains others, making a difference in the lives of those around me.
Conclusion
The benefits of playing music extend far beyond entertainment. For me, the biggest benefit is the incredible networking and friendship that develops through music. The joy and relaxation I experience through playing an instrument are invaluable, and the journey of learning and improving continues well into my senior years.