How much should I focus on bass?

[el jeffe bass]

I’ve been retired (disabled) since I was 51, I’m 64 now. Before becoming disabled I played in part time working bands and church music. I played out almost every weekend and enjoyed it immensely. Since retiring I have done a bit of recording but I really don’t enjoy the process. I play a half dozen different instruments, recently added keyboards to the mix. Music helps me stave off the boredom of being mostly housebound. I keep trying to improve my playing and general musicianship even if no one else will ever hear it again. I honestly feel that I was born to be a musician, have been since I was six years old. You might be able to stop playing music. If you want to do something different with your time and can actually minimize or eliminate bass playing then do so. As for myself, I have absolutely no choice but to make music in some form. Good luck and Gods blessings to you. Enjoy retirement, you’ve earned it

 

[Nedmundo]

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

Just exactly as much as you want to.

I'm with these folks. There's no need to stress out about what you "should" be doing. It might be great to establish some goals and work toward them, because meeting challenges and improving is very satisfying, but if that becomes unpleasant and interferes with your enjoyment of music or other spheres of life, then perhaps scale back. The proper blend will probably evolve over time, which is fine.

I find that some pressure to perform and improve contributes to my growth as a musician and my enjoyment of music, but, in my semi-retired state, I don't want a huge commitment that's overly stressful and time consuming. Luckily I've been in a great situation for a couple of years thanks to an adult "band camp" here in Philly. The bands within the camp are a blast, and I've ended up in a Grateful Dead cover band with the camp's owner, which has been a wonderful experience and a musical education in itself. It's great, but I'm sure I'll do something else eventually.

You'll find your way, and I'm looking forward to hearing about it!

 

[SuperTheBass]

Don't have much in the way of advise, as retirement is still a ways off for me..

Just wanted to say congrats and all the best in retirement. I've always enjoyed your posts on here. Looking forward to more for many years to come.

 

[N. Kentucky Bass]

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.

I answered this same question by adding a something new to learn that's related to bass. And don't tell me I'm fired!