I just don’t need this gig

I’ve had a few jam sessions playing trumpet and cornet with a very talented pianist here in Hung Yen, Vietnam over the last couple of weeks. And I decided I would commit to doing a few concerts with him this summer and fall.

What’s interesting is that 10 years ago, making this commitment would have been a no-brainer. It’s what I lived, breathed, bled. But now, it’s not exactly my top priority in life. Not even close. My priorities currently are building my business (of which trumpet playing plays no role at the moment), maintaining my marriage, and staying plugged in with my son as much as possible while physically separated from him.

Quite honestly, I could put my horns away forever and not miss it one bit. I’ve taken up singing, so that can be my musical outlet and it doesn’t require practicing for an hour per day to keep my skills in top shape. And podcasting, let’s be honest, gets the creative juices flowing in ways that aren’t possible while pressing a metal mouthpiece against my face and blowing through some glorified plumbing to produce a sound that on a good day is considered offensive to most of Polite Society.

So when my pianist friend proposed these concerts, I hesitated. Not because I don’t enjoy playing trumpet, but I really didn’t know if it would be worth the considerable effort required to play these shows at the level which I’m accustomed to performing. I don’t mean to sound arrogant, but I do have standards, and I’d just as soon not play if I can’t play at the standards I’ve set for myself.

To make a long story short (but still too long I admit) I decided to commit to doing the shows. There were some providential cues that I should do it, such as buying a horn last fall for less than $200 that I can play the Haydn concerto on.

And perhaps I’ll be a part of this young pianist’s success in some way, shape or form. Sort of how Andre the Giant, although suffering severe pain, and had achieved everything he could have possibly wanted as a professional wrestler, did Wrestlemania 3 in 1988 and catapulted Hulk Hogan’s career and the professional wrestling brand in general into the upper stratosphere. He didn’t need to do it, he chose to do it because that business had been good to him.

Now, I don’t expect we’ll be performing in front of 90,000 screaming fans, and millions more on pay per view. I guess that’s how time and experience has shifted my priorities and motivations for doing what I do. I don’t have to do these gigs. Actually, initially I didn’t even want to do them. But I choose to do them because it will do some good beyond what I’m able to accomplish on my own.

Plus, more than a few folks have told me I’m above average on the trumpet, so there’s that.

When I left the military 2016, I knew I wasn’t going to go the teaching private lessons, find what gigs I can get in the local community route. No disrespect to anyone who’s done that, and I’d be lying if the occasional paying gig didn’t save my bacon a few times in the early years after leaving the Army. But I wanted to choose the gigs I took, and not take whatever I can get because I have to do it.

I started a podcast in 2017 called Musicpreneur: Making Money Making Music to help musicians have the same freedom with their own skills. No, I’m not a full-time musician, but the new fellow who hosts it is the real deal. We’re scheduling interviews right now that are designed to assist musicians adopt the right mindset when it comes to music and money – and courses and/or subscription type products aren’t far behind.

If you want to check it out, just visit musicpreneur.com and that will get you started.

Be well,

James Newcomb