Wrinkles Posted September 8, 2011 Share Posted September 8, 2011 Serious question, not just mind wandering here. I have listened to a lot of music (as we all have). At 8 years old I took guitar lessons for a year. Moved away and stopped taking lessons. Never really got any better. I’m in my 50s and I’m not looking to go on stage. I learned a while ago that the ingredient called talent is not in my makeup. But I have wondered what is it really like to be up there playing in a band or an orchestra. Why do you do it? It can’t be just for the money. Or is it? Is it just a job? Is there a thrill or a "high" when you play a piece correctly and with emotion? Is it a self satisfaction thing when playing it right or when playing it to the tune that you hear in your head? Do you play with a purpose? I’ve watched enough music videos (especially "Orchestral" [Y] ) to see their expressions of a job well done. Is their perspective of the piece the same as my perspective from in front of my speakers? I’m just looking for insight from those who know. Why do you do it? Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldtimer Posted September 8, 2011 Share Posted September 8, 2011 I was almost finished with a response but lost the post. The short version is that you have extra adrenaline pumping and strive for perfection. It can be just a job, but usually it isn't, unless you're in the orchestra pit for a musical. Then it's torture. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldtimer Posted September 9, 2011 Share Posted September 9, 2011 If it's a solo performance then I was extra nervous. It's just you and the audience. Basically you start and after a few bars muscle memory takes over. If you screw up you cover it as gracefully as possible, keeping the flow and getting back to the music where you left off. Or, barring that, fake it by making it seem like it's all on purpose. The perspective from the audience is completely different. They hear only what you play, not what's in your head or how dry your mouth might be. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigStewMan Posted September 9, 2011 Share Posted September 9, 2011 They hear only what you play, not what's in your head or how dry your mouth might be. thus the beauty of playing your own music--you're the only one that knows "how" it was supposed to be. Years ago when I was in the service, I was in charge of an honor guard unit. The first funeral we had to do, i spent the night before giving the speech that i was to give to the widow while presenting her the flag. I knew it backwards and forward. When i came face to face with her, my mind went blank--i probably couldn't even remember my name. After about five seconds of silence, i told myself that i had to say something, and i managed to get out about three quarters of what i was supposed to say. i did it in a smooth manner and she was grateful. I was upset with myself and then i realized that she (and the others) had no idea what I was going to say, so they didn't know that I forgot 25% of it. And Wrinkles, in my opinion, talent is earned through practice--some catch on faster than others; but, if you start playing some each day; you'll be surprised at how quick you can make a recognizable noise [] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
picky Posted September 9, 2011 Share Posted September 9, 2011 When you know you've done your best and the crowd responds positively, its pure adrenaline! Few things in life duplicate the feeling you get when you play your heart out in front of a responsive crowd. -Glenn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
germerikan Posted September 9, 2011 Share Posted September 9, 2011 I don´t play an instrument but did sing in a band a couple of years back. First big gig was a city festival where we did not think many people would come. Before we started we saw about 100 or so people in front of the stage and thought cool some folks will be here. Nerves got to me and I had to [+o(] right after that the sets started so I could not think about it. Throughout the night more and more people came, it was dark so we did not see them, somehow the crowd just got louder and louder. After the first break we found out that over 2,500 people came to our stage (there were 3) and we got this feeling like holy s#*t. Somehow after that we got better and better the longer the night went, call it feed back from crowd or we just got psyched. We were supposed to stop at 24:00 but did not get "let go" until 01:30, totally wiped out and I could hardly talk anmore let alone sing. That was the 1st and only big gig we did, I do not sing anymore (least not in a band) but the memory will be with me forever. One of the best things I ever felt. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marvel Posted September 9, 2011 Share Posted September 9, 2011 I'm always incredibly nervous whenever I play in public. It's easier when there is a group, ensemble, compared to solo. I toured with a couple friends for about six months or so, back in the early '70s, and that was a blast. All acoustic music. On the nights when it 'clicks', you feel on top of the world. When it doesn't work, sometimes it's embarrassing, but you just have to go on and play. We played CSNY's "Ohio" when we toured some colleges in Ohio in '71, right after it came out. We did it so poorly, that we never did a again. I don't even think any of us brought up the subject. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigStewMan Posted September 9, 2011 Share Posted September 9, 2011 I toured with a couple friends for about six months or so, back in the early '70s, and that was a blast. Hi Bruce, You’ve mentioned knowing Gary Richrath—did you ever jam with him--even informally? How did you meet him—college? Although I can think of guitarists with a cleaner sound, or maybe more technically skilled, since 1978 Gary has been one of my favorite. He has that hard driving sound that captures the rock of the seventies. I got to meet my all time favorite, Brian May of Queen last year. I was wondering if I should try to shake his hand, and he was the one that extended his hand to me first. We chatted briefly, he told me that it was pure joy listening to me play and he wished he could get that sound out of his Red Special—you know, I’d be so honored if that last part wasn’t completely made up. We did meet and talk; but, not even about music. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tromprof Posted September 9, 2011 Share Posted September 9, 2011 As someone who makes a living playing it is certainly not for the money. Although I truly enjoy listening to music on my system, it is a little like porn, exciting perhaps, but playing with a good orchestra is like a night with a beautiful women. When the concert is over you leave with a smile on your face and completely satisfied (for a little while). [] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tromprof Posted September 9, 2011 Share Posted September 9, 2011 Double post. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators dtel Posted September 9, 2011 Moderators Share Posted September 9, 2011 That's a good question, I always wondered what it felt like, it looks like fun. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boxx Posted September 9, 2011 Share Posted September 9, 2011 I thought it was because of the chicks.... lol... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stormin Posted September 9, 2011 Share Posted September 9, 2011 I thought it was because of the chicks.... lol... As Dire Straits would say "money for nothing and your chicks for free". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boxx Posted September 9, 2011 Share Posted September 9, 2011 I thought it was because of the chicks.... lol... As Dire Straits would say "money for nothing and your chicks for free". How true.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick Posted September 9, 2011 Share Posted September 9, 2011 Was somebody talking about music here? Or chicks? [] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldtimer Posted September 9, 2011 Share Posted September 9, 2011 I thought it was because of the chicks.... lol... Only if you need that kind of help my friend. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boxx Posted September 9, 2011 Share Posted September 9, 2011 I thought it was because of the chicks.... lol... Only if you need that kind of help my friend. Oh, If I really needed a guitar for that, I would need help.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marvel Posted September 10, 2011 Share Posted September 10, 2011 I thought it was because of the chicks.... lol... Only if you need that kind of help my friend. Oh, If I really needed a guitar for that, I would need help.... I did... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wrinkles Posted September 11, 2011 Author Share Posted September 11, 2011 Thanks everyone who helped answer the questions. I think I have a little better understanding of some of what its like and why performers get on stage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rennoc442 Posted September 11, 2011 Share Posted September 11, 2011 I have a unique job, ASL intepreter. Must say its a rush alright! Heres a pic with Nelly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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