The pianotech google list Im on has seen an interesting discussion on retirement, specifically on why so many piano technicians choose to keep working well beyond 65 into their 70s, and even 80s sometimes...... Musicians fall into this group in a way you will see below. Some of you will know exactly who the bass player is I am talking about in my example. My philosophy is that life is an opportunity to learn, to grow, to explore, to pass it on, and we should redeem the time that we have, while we have it. As I move through these phases to one degree or another in different areas of my life, I can not envision any of these 4 steps being accomplished when living in retirement I always desire to remain engaged as much as possible, as long as possible, insomuch as serves the mission best with the abilities and strength I have left. That I see as meaningful and fulfilling, that I view as desirable and a source of joy and satisfaction. Yes that will take different forms as life evolves, and as I can negotiate less physical work, less road hours, and take more time for other areas of my life, but that is the point, it will evolve, but it will never end. I will never put my tuning kit in the closet, close my clarinet case for the last time, go to the cottage and play golf and read books for the rest of my life. My hope is to have the time left to simply do less income generating mechanics, and more investment in recording, writing, training, and more time with certain charitable organizations as I am able. I think it would be sad to live for the day you can quit. I live for the day I can invest more time in the same things I love. Here is a related story A full time bass player with the NAC orchestra retired He also played tuba, and was on a gig with me. In the break he told me how glad he was that he retired because there was one thing he really really wanted to do before he died, and now he finally had the time to do it. What is that I asked. I really have always wanted to learn to play the bass he replied. I was stunned. Your kidding, you have spent your entire life performing with a world class orchestra, what are you talking about, your joking right He began to expound on how in the orchestra all his time was taken just leaning to negotiate the parts he had to perform for the orchestra. He explained about all the fantastic bass solo repertoire there was, and talk about his favorite solo bass players, and pieces. He exclaimed with excitement and passion how he finally had the time to practice and learn this repertoire........ Life demands a hight level of commitment, and financial obligations monopolize all our time for a season, but if that season begins to pass, and of we love what we do, the vision remains. Rediscover it. Oh the joy of exploring all that is possible. The privilege to have the time to do it. It is never over until it is over. Cheers Dave Renaud
Posted on: Mon, 31 Mar 2014 13:52:57 +0000
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