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Considering Video Retirement

Dr. Cheese

Dr. Cheese

Supporting Member
Mar 3, 2004
57,321
120,614
Metro St. Louis
#1
I saw an announcement that Evan Marien had a live video on IGTV today. I turned to it, and it was Berklee’s summer bass camp and it featured middle school kids taking turns playing and soloing over Dean Town. I was like, dang, do I ever want to post on Instagram again with the bar that high?

When that video was on, I was struggling, trying to read the final measures of Bach’s Prelude #1 in C Major. I played all of it yesterday with my teacher showing me what to play, but I really am catching it trying to read parts of it. Those kids would likely sail through it.
 
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#2
If you’re not enjoying posting videos, then maybe it’s time to quit. if you’re thinking about quitting because you’re worried what others will think, then I really think you shouldn’t.
Heavens knows, Dr. C, you get some pretty positive feedback around here from some guys that have made a living playing bass. I love seeing your videos. If I want to see Marcus Miller play, I’ll tune in elsewhere to see what he is doing, but I enjoy seeing you work through Bach, or any of your other pieces. Helps keep me grounded.
 
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#4
ShawnG said:
If you’re not enjoying posting videos, then maybe it’s time to quit. if you’re thinking about quitting because you’re worried what others will think, then I really think you shouldn’t.
Heavens knows, Dr. C, you get some pretty positive feedback around here from some guys that have made a living playing bass. I love seeing your videos. If I want to see Marcus Miller play, I’ll tune in elsewhere to see what he is doing, but I enjoy seeing you work through Bach, or any of your other pieces. Helps keep me grounded.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the kind words. I will keep posting my videos on YouTube, but I don’t know about Instagram/IGTV.
 
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#7
Dr. Cheese said:
I saw an announcement that Evan Marien had a live video on IGTV today. I turned to it, and it was Berklee’s summer bass camp and it featured middle school kids taking turns playing and soloing over Dean Town. I was like, dang, do I ever want to post on Instagram again with the bar that high?

When that video was on, I was struggling, trying to read the final measures of Bach’s Prelude #1 in C Major. I played all of it yesterday with my teacher showing me what to play, but I really am catching it trying to read parts of it. Those kids would likely sail through it.
Click to expand...

Modern time, I believe there has never been a time with so many gifted and talented musicians in the world, you can't beat it.

It's not about the goal but the journey right?

I'm over forty, I have accepted I'm a mediocre bass player but it's such a joy to keep on progressing and to put something out there.

Keep doing your video, they're cool!
 
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#8
Benko said:
Modern time, I believe there has never been a time with so many gifted and talented musicians in the world, you can't beat it.

It's not about the goal but the journey right?

I'm over forty, I have accepted I'm a mediocre bass player but it's such a joy to keep on progressing and to put something out there.

Keep doing your video, they're cool!
Click to expand...

I am at peace with the knowledge I am not particularly gifted, and I am happy to post videos on my channel. You know what, the next time I record a video, I will put on Instagram/IGTV too because I am a working bassist. I am not accomplished, but I truly enjoy playing every chance I can.:):bassist::)
 
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#15
Dr. Cheese said:
The internet got me back to seriously studying when I realized how far behind I am.:)
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While you may be behind in one thing, you might be ahead in another! Not that I think you are behind anyway, but you know what I mean! Don't worry about comparing yourself to others. You make quality videos and are a quality player.
 
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#16
You can find any number of videos of small children playing any instrument at high level. Doesn’t mean $€£¥. Kids have very malleable brains and don’t have to work for a living or raise kids. Most of those kids will stop playing music in the next few years. Sad but true.
Ultimately no one cares about our bass skills. It’s about everything else. If all we cared about was skill than Steve Vai and Jaco would be household names. But they aren’t. I haven’t learned how to play Punk Rock Girl by the Dead Milkmen because it’s an amazing challenge. I learned it because it’s a fun song to listen to and play.
Like all the great musicians we admire you bring more to the table than just fast hands. If you are enjoying it don’t stop.
 
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#17
WestyBassBob said:
You can find any number of videos of small children playing any instrument at high level. Doesn’t mean $€£¥. Kids have very malleable brains and don’t have to work for a living or raise kids. Most of those kids will stop playing music in the next few years. Sad but true.
Ultimately no one cares about our bass skills. It’s about everything else. If all we cared about was skill than Steve Vai and Jaco would be household names. But they aren’t. I haven’t learned how to play Punk Rock Girl by the Dead Milkmen because it’s an amazing challenge. I learned it because it’s a fun song to listen to and play.
Like all the great musicians we admire you bring more to the table than just fast hands. If you are enjoying it don’t stop.
Click to expand...

Very well said. Another thing to remember is that just because some people can make killer solo videos, it doesn't mean they know how to play with a band at all. Not that that diminishes their talent in any way, but you've got to put perspective into everything. Plus, with videos, you have an endless number of attempts to get something right. :D
 
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#19
Do what pleases you. There's always gonna be someone better and especially when it comes to instagram, skills aren't always what draws people to musicians. Just do you.
I got a youtube channel. I do covers. I'm lucky if I get more than 50 views at best on most videos. Would I like to have more? Certainly. But that's not the main reason I do it and nor is it my bread and butter.
 
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