Intimidation

I think one of the hardest things when you're learning especially now with the whole world being connected is trying not to be too intimidated by all the great musicians out there.  One of the main reasons behind this blog and my Instagram account is to give hope to others who follow in my footsteps.  I didn't exactly start from ground zero on this blog but seriously no one wants to follow from that low down because it was months and  months and months of dredge before I could really do anything.  It's once I got to that early intermediate stage and could start to apply technique, learn deeper theory and push myself that I think all this comes into play.  It's why I don't put much bass or drums on here yet but that will come in time.

Seeing how far I still have to go after 2 years of really hard work should put things into perspective for beginners but at the same time (I hope) give them some confidence that even playing like I do can bring so much enjoyment.  Seriously it's cool, it feels GOOD, for many the level I'm at will be great for them, for others it will be like it is for me a ledge from which to reach higher.

From then on it's hard hard work and lots of baby steps forward.  Most people learn an instrument when they are younger, they spend several years learning and then put themselves out there showing their brilliance.  But to someone who's just starting out especially if they are older like me it can feel unobtainable but it's really not.

I still struggle with this too, I guess because I have always appreciated good playing even when I didn't play a note.   It means I've set the entry bar very high as to what I consider "playing".  When asked my husband now says I play guitar and I'm learning other instruments.  I disagree, I say I'm learning to play four instruments and don't feel I'm remotely close to saying I'm a guitarist or musician.  I will be though of that I'm confident, how good a musician I don't know obviously but I will be deserving of the title one day I'm sure.  To earn the title of multi-instrumentalist will be the most wonderful amazing thing.   I always looked on people who could play several instruments with the greatest admiration and love .... and yes, envy!  I promise it never occurred to me in my wildest dreams that I may one day be one too, so it just shows you even if you struggle in your life, if things don't turn out how you hoped, even if you're older and it feels too late - it isn't.

All it took for me was love for playing and two teachers who saw potential in me to give me the courage to take the first steps and I will get there.  So if you stumble upon this blog and this post in particular and you're feeling overwhelmed by all the super talented musicians that play so much better than you, don't.  Keep looking forward to your next goal and one day you'll be one of them with someone else looking up at you.  And always remember how it felt to be the little guy and if you take my advice you'll pay it back & pay it forward.