How much should I focus on bass?

[Dr. Cheese]

I will be retired this time next year. For quite a while, I looked forward to retirement so I could focus on improving as a bassist. I am will continue to study and practice, but I am starting to think I should downgrade studying’s importance because I fear I will never be as good as I would like to be and I may not have enough life left to really do anything with increased skill.

 

[bholder]

The joy is in the journey, not the destination. There's no real "I'm there finally" with Music.

That said, you should focus way more than I do (and I'm retired already).

 

[DrBnz]

On no...... retirement can be boring as hell. You need all the hobbies you can stand and bass has about 5 hobbies rolled up into one. Plus you'll need activities to keep your mind and body sharp as long as possible.

 

[ardgedee]

You could take up woodworking

 

[nonohmic]

I will be retired this time next year. For quite a while, I looked forward to retirement so I could focus on improving as a bassist. I am will continue to study and practice, but I am starting to think I should downgrade studying’s importance because I fear I will never be as good as I would like to be and I may not have enough life left to really do anything with increased skill.

You may not get as good as you want, but what's the alternative to trying?

 

[bholder]

Thanks for giving me some incentive, Doc, I haven't been practicing anything much since my scary surgery last fall, and some subsequent hand issues, just started loosening up my fingers again recently. Hasn't all disappeared quite yet!

 

[57pbass]

I don’t know if you’re in a band but if you’re not you should think about that when you retire. You will have some fun and continue to grow musically.

 

[JimmyM]

You do whatever makes you happy, Doc. You earned it.

 

[JRA]

The joy is in the journey, not the destination. There's no real "I'm there finally" with Music.

I don’t know if you’re in a band but if you’re not you should think about that when you retire. You will have some fun and continue to grow musically.

 

[GwenOnBass]

"You don't know your limits"

is what I learn with Ari Cap.


Retired, retired, retired
completely retired
retired into something far more interesting
and feeling very good about continuing education for both our students, and for my own self.

 

[Isaac_James]

From what I see just on this site, it's clear that you love playing bass. Focus on that, have fun with it. I will probably never be as skilled as I'd like to be but that doesn't mean I can't enjoy making music, and I hope I'm able to spend more time on it as I grow older and have more time to spend on myself. I still try to improve my chops, but the point isn't to achieve any particular level of skill. It's to have a nice time on the way.

Congrats on retirement! I hope you make the most of it.

 

[Pilgrim]

I will be retired this time next year. For quite a while, I looked forward to retirement so I could focus on improving as a bassist. I am will continue to study and practice, but I am starting to think I should downgrade studying’s importance because I fear I will never be as good as I would like to be and I may not have enough life left to really do anything with increased skill.

If you want to play more, do so. If you don't, don't. There are many options in retirement, and life is an ongoing thing. You'll make decisions as you go - I've been retired six years now.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

I don’t know if you’re in a band but if you’re not you should think about that when you retire. You will have some fun and continue to grow musically.

I would love to join a band. I currently play at church, but a lot of church dynamics have made it less fulfilling in recent years.

 

[mambo4]

The joy is in the journey, not the destination.

This is 100% true for me. My curiosity is more than enough motivation to keep learning. I just want to F around and find out.
At any point you might stumble onto a blissful state. Remember: the 4 rooms have no walls.

 

[LoveThatBass]

Thanks for giving me some incentive, Doc, I haven't been practicing anything much since my scary surgery last fall, and some subsequent hand issues, just started loosening up my fingers again recently. Hasn't all disappeared quite yet!

Definitely do not give up. Keep working at it. I like sitting at the computer, learning songs and playing to them.

 

[PrimitiveMan]

I'd say focus on the elements of playing that bring you the most joy!

 

[Element Zero]

I would love to join a band. I currently play at church, but a lot of church dynamics have made it less fulfilling in recent years.

Dude… you’ve no idea how true that rings.

 

[Smallmouth_Bass]

If you don't think you will improve, then you won't. If you want to improve, you have to be positive about it and work at it!

But, do what makes you happy! That could be to take a break (from playing) or to play more. It is up to you to enjoy your retirement!

 

[KenSmithFan]

Is anyone ever as good as they want to be?

The legendary cellest Pablo Casals was asked why he continued to practice at age 90. "Because I think I'm making progress," he replied.​

 

[mapleglo]

I've been retired since 2018 and I've never been so busy. Just got the band together again and we have the fall and winter booked solid with gigs.