I recently listened to an interview featuring the great bassist Jeff Berlin. He was speaking about the lack of quality education for bassists, more specific, the lack of quality bass educators. During the interview he made mention to how a common comparison between music/musicians and other professions is useless. We often hear that it's not like your going to die from pursuing music, but that's not necessarily true.
We have often heard about musicians, especially those that have come and gone, and the many issues they faced pursuing music. The list of unfortunate events include divorce, drug abuse, debt, homelessness, etc. There are those that have also reached the end of their lives with no money and have no resources to depend on for the remainder of their years.
For those of us that have, continue to, or will pursue this path, we must give ourselves credit even in the most basic sense for the contributions we may be making. The effects on others lives and ours is no light endeavor! The decisions we make will effect our families and friends. Our influence may be the driving factor for the 18 year old sitting across from us wondering if this is the right career for them.
There are many great things that come from music and it can evoke a feeling of being carefree, but don't underestimate the great power and influence it generates!
