Another long term goal (in addition to moving across the country and perhaps to another country and perhaps also to another hemisphere and, retiring early), is to become a musician. I’ve wanted to do it since I was…I suppose 10, but again money or the lack of it got in the way. I want to be the next Frank Zappa (guitarist, composer, pianist, and even drummer). And to afford all the stuff that I need to be a musician I need to save the money to devote myself to it. I might be the oldest rockstar if and when I do make it (projected age: 98), but at least I would have reached my goal. I can’t get started on that goal just yet because of the move that will happen at the end of the year.
This is yet one of those other interests I’ve never pursued, despite an apparent talent because of a lack of money and the lack of confidence. I have friends in the art world who have wealthy parents that support their artistic endeavours. I have no such financial generosity…so I have to work my way to afford the lifestyle some people are born into.
A somewhat minor concern I have about this particular goal involves all the "sky is falling" end of oil predictions. Will it be impossible to have rock concerts and rock tours when civilization ends? The Ditty Bops did have a biking tour, so rocks tours on a bike isn’t that impossible.
Get a used guitar off of Craigslist. I think I got mine for about $40. There are free online lessons for guitar too so you don’t even have to pay for lessons if you don’t want. Anyone can be a musician if you’re willing to practice.
Comment by arduous — February 26, 2008 @ 1:22 pm
starving musicians!
i’ve always dreamed of being a rock star, sort of like karen o of the yeah yeah yeahs! but i really lack that kind of artistry and i dont know how to play guitar. it also seems like that kind of dream would take years of pay off unless i got lucky like falloutboy or another band that hit it big.
Comment by sfordinarygirl — February 26, 2008 @ 3:22 pm
Hi, found your blog when you commented on mine. Sounds like we have some similar goals. I’m really impressed by your dedication to lessening your impact! We need another Frank Zappa, so I hope you go after this dream.
Comment by Elizabeth — February 26, 2008 @ 3:44 pm
Arduous: I actually did have a used guitar for several years that I recently gave away since we’re downsizing. I did learn alot from the online lessons as well as some one-on-one lessons from friends and paid tutors. Plus I’ve taken a few piano classes in college. Right now we’re focused on our impending move so I’ve put music on hold for the time being but am working on my other art: drawing and writing fiction.
SF: I’ve actually been a starving immigrant to avoid wanting to be a starving musician…I’ll leave that sort of toil to other people. I can’t handle that level of uncertainty and stress at any point again. I am actually not too keen on making it big. I would like to have a small devoted fan base that would at least pay for my DSL bill. The short term goal is to be good enough to be a backup musician (for the very drugged out musicians who can’t hold it together for a concert).
Elizabeth: Thanks for such a positive comment! Hope you visit again.
Comment by Beany — February 27, 2008 @ 9:23 am