Re: [Harp-L] Get a career!

[Roger A Gonzales <gonz1@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Michael,
I am a bit surprised at your reaction...a bit.  You have been in this business long enough to 
know that comments like those mentioned are always 
going to be there.  People like little miss "why don't you get a career" speak from ignorance.  
This is not to say that she is stupid or dumb, she is just 
uninformed.  That is because you know something that she doesn't about what it takes to be 
a professional musician.  

There is alot more to it than the lady with the questions understands.  Judging by her 
comments she is probably coming from a corporate background 
and young in her profession.  I have been there, 25 years worth.  I am 53 and have been a 
public school music teacher for 3 years.  I went back to 
school in my 40's and have gone through the educational process and will finish my masters 
in May '08.  

If you are out playing long enough you will get the comments that you received.  Just 
remember that you have knowledge about what it takes to be a 
professional musician that this woman does not.  My corporate buddies who see me out 
playing at a gig or see me off when they are still working and 
know that I have changed careers get a little ticked off when they realize they are still in a 
suit and tie and I am not but I make just as much as they do 
with a much more flexible time schedule than they have.  

You know as well as I do that it takes a thick skin to be in this business and that comments 
like those you received won't go away any time soon.  You 
know what it takes to play at the level that you are at, she doesn't.  You have been all over 
playing with top names and teaching along the way, she 
doesn't know that.  
Play on Michael, play on.  Oh, and wear the shirt, it a nice touch.  You'll get more comments 
that way.  ; )

Blessings and good wishes on to you and your new bride.  A bit of advice; Talk to each other 
alot, but listen to each other even more.

regards,
Roger Gonzales
Fresno, CA.