A friend of mine has been a professional fingerstyle folk guitar player since the late 70's.
In the early 90's, he went to see a show by this guitarist he had heard good things about, named Tommy Emmanuel. The guy was so good that my friend was totally discouraged about his own playing.
He told me that he quit playing for several weeks and felt so depressed that he considered selling all his music gear and doing something else for a living.
His wife talked some sense into him and told him not to judge his own worth as a musician by that unrealistic standard. She said to practice more and strive to the best of your ability and be happy with your career as a professional musician.
He took her advice and dedicated himself to improving everything about his playing and performing. He wrote more songs of his own, hired an agent to promote himself, recorded some record albums, then started an acoustic guitar duo and went on a national tour while maintaining his solo career.
Ten years after he saw that one show, he opened up for Tommy Emmanuel when he came to play at a local theater. Tommy was impressed with his playing and invited him onstage with him during his show to play a couple of songs together.
I guess the lesson here is always listen to your wife.
In the early 90's, he went to see a show by this guitarist he had heard good things about, named Tommy Emmanuel. The guy was so good that my friend was totally discouraged about his own playing.
He told me that he quit playing for several weeks and felt so depressed that he considered selling all his music gear and doing something else for a living.
His wife talked some sense into him and told him not to judge his own worth as a musician by that unrealistic standard. She said to practice more and strive to the best of your ability and be happy with your career as a professional musician.
He took her advice and dedicated himself to improving everything about his playing and performing. He wrote more songs of his own, hired an agent to promote himself, recorded some record albums, then started an acoustic guitar duo and went on a national tour while maintaining his solo career.
Ten years after he saw that one show, he opened up for Tommy Emmanuel when he came to play at a local theater. Tommy was impressed with his playing and invited him onstage with him during his show to play a couple of songs together.
I guess the lesson here is always listen to your wife.
