I just wanna play!

[ma1ne]

I know I play at church, but I really would love to play with cats who are serious about what they do. Im not even talking about cuttin records or anything like that, I mean just play like for services or something. I really just want to maximize my gift, feel me. Does anyone else feel this way? Am I wrong for feeling this way even though I have other group members at my church that I play with?

[floaded27]

not wrong at all. i feel the same way. i dont even have to play services. just regular sessions to just jam, learn, work together, etc. When you are serious about your craft, you long to be around other musicians who feel the same way. Just serious, dedicated, and in love with what you do. Not to be famous, not to make money, not to be noticed, not to impress this or that person, but just for the love of playing.

When you learn how to color within the lines, you may not be on the level to hang with Picasso and Van Gogh yet, but u sure as heck dont wanna stay around the other kids eating the crayons!!!!

[blue_jays]

All musicians have one thing in common and thats passion. If you find someone that shares the same passion as you then more power to you all. Share your gift with everyone around you. That's whats good about it.

[under13]

Play for a local group that ministers at events and concerts. Or better yet, start one yourself and recruit some good musicians and singers.

[blue_jays]

That's also an option

[chevonee]

I know I play at church, but I really would love to play with cats who are serious about what they do. Im not even talking about cuttin records or anything like that, I mean just play like for services or something. I really just want to maximize my gift, feel me. Does anyone else feel this way? Am I wrong for feeling this way even though I have other group members at my church that I play with?

I feel the same way about playing! I want to be more than just a church musician. I want to be a universal musician. I'm not going to play in a club....So don't be throwing stones at me. I just want to be more than just "Amazing Grace"...."PredaLawd Everybody"....you know what I mean?

[blue_jays]

Understandable, one of the things is that musicians feel confined in that same routine and want to experience something new. It's called broading your horizon and that cool. It's hard though

[floaded27]

All musicians have one thing in common and thats passion. If you find someone that shares the same passion as you then more power to you all. Share your gift with everyone around you. That's whats good about it.

blue_jays, i think this is the problem that people in this situation like ma1ne is talking about. there are musicians that do NOT have passion at all. they just play. i dont know if they had it once and lost it, were forced to learn and play by parents, took it up hoping to make some money or get attention/recognition/fame, etc. They just DONT have any passion, and sometimes in your church, you dont get to choose who you play with or what level of dedication they're at.

[berbie]

I want to play as well so I understand fully. The church actually gives so many of us a chance to play that we would not have otherwise had though, that it is a blessing to amateur musicians. I want all the time to be able to play better, but I really want to play church music better.  I often play pop music though(sometimes easier to play)and I want to play that better as well. But I really sometimes don't know how to reach the next level.(without totally going back into the trenches so to speak) I really don't see anything wrong with playing pop/soul music.  I do know that it is often suggested that playing with musicians who play better than you do will improve your skill. Incidently, if I were younger, I would be more willing to get deeper into basics and foundational learning. I would advise that for others, and except for places that insult you sense of what is right, just play.

[ma1ne]

Ay yall all make good points. I do feel like not alot of musicians have the passion to just play. I think once they reach a certain level, now theyre ready to be paid for touching the keys. I would LOVE to have a group though, but I would love to play the background role. There are an abundance of musicians in the Philly area, but everybody seems to want to be famous. I just really wanna play yall lol. Oh and Berbie Im not sure of ur age, but I just want to say dont let that stop you. I can understand it being difficult and easier said than done, but keep going.