Finding Your Own Path In Music

When I was younger, I thought the only way to make it as a serious jazz musician was to truly "go for it." This is my story about finding who I wanted to be and how I came to that realization.

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[donschneider]

OMG! Such wisdom, talent, authenticity, heart, and beauty. What a gift to the world.

[VeritasGames]

It’s so refreshing to see content like this. It’s not trendy, it’s not sexy, it’s not here to satisfy the algorithm or get maximum views. It’s just honest wholesome wisdom from someone you can tell is a genuinely good soul. Thanks for being an inspiration in so many ways Aimee!

[CPF]

BTW, Aimee, many of us here look at your level of playing in much the same way that you look at those jazz greats that you mentioned. You're a legend to us.

[ChloeYoutsey]

Wow. Bringing me to tears. Thank you for speaking grace over us as one human to another. I am a young mom musician that has an existential crisis over this conversation in my head almost every day. God is good and He has made us each uniquely qualified to live the life we alone are able to lead.

[rma]

I have been playing guitar for over 50 years. I started learning jazz over 40 years ago. My skills are not as developed as my years might suggest. In any event, I didn't "go for it ". I decided to study law instead. I have no regrets, though I still play. I just want to say that I find great value in your content. I am always learning in general, and I learn from your approach to and philosophy of certain things in particular. Thank you.

[JasonBlair]

Aimee, I can't express how much I appreciate this kind of content. It may be because I've hit one of those reflective times in life, but I chose a career path in technology, even though I live and breathe music in some way, and have always done so. This kind of talk lends needed perspective for me to not regret a vocational path away from professional music. I'm sure it would have been fulfilling, but so much of what makes us musicians is the life we live which gives expression in the music we play and feeling we give it. I only appreciate now how much the playing I can give to a band or my church comes from the life experience I've lived. I didn't "go for it" or spend all my time in the shed (not that it wouldn't be an absolute joy), but I've found a place to work on my own craft at my own place, and share the joy of it with others. That in itself is a gift. Thanks for sharing your wisdom with us!

[AJCoppa]

Poignant as ever Aimee. As someone with two young kids and a "real job" trying to invest in music too, it's so hard to make it all fit. Hearing you describe the choices you made brought me to tears -- spot on. Thanks for being a shining example that so many of us look up to.

[jimkangas]

After a slow start I spent several decades in the tech world "going for it". Although music was and is my true passion. I'm not sure that I ever considered music seriously as a career choice. But after many years of really crazy hours doing tech, I dialed it back rediscovered music and created my "side career" doing restaurant gigs, etc. (had never played out before that). Frankly, it totally saved me. That was 20+ years ago. I'm retired now (still working on that restaurant gig thing) and enjoy music even more than ever. Going for it can be hazardous, regardless of what it is.

[aishavocal]

Yes! Finding your own style, path, journey is so important. It's hard not to compare yourself.

[joshdistefano]

Aimee, thank you so much for sharing this story! Being a musician is a hard road to follow, and the expectations of what we “should be doing” or “how far along we should be” don’t alway line up with the reality. Achieving a balanced life and being happy are so much more important than musical mastery, or fame, or whatever that elusive carrot is dangling from the end of the stick.

I posted a video on my channel about my own musical journey, and how I ended up in the Army Band. While the circumstances are obviously different, I think the end results are similar - a happy and musical life.

[tyrmorris]

You seem happy with the choices you've made, & as an outside admirer looking in, you seem like you have your cake & are enjoying eating it as well. You perform, you teach, and you inspire musicians like myself that aspire to greatness & are trying to find the path. Plus, you've got a beautiful family AND a supportive spouse. The work you put in to achieve all that may be transparent to your viewers, nevertheless you have the career AND balance that I'd be VERY happy with. I don't know who a lot of pianists are, but I know who Aimee Nolte is. Multiple roads can lead to the same destination.

[oselini]

"Anyone who only knows about football knows nothing about football." Quote of Jose Mourhino the greatest football coach

[altmilan]

"A music degree was keeping him from pursuing music to the degree that he wished he could."

[rachelsmename]

Excellent video! Many dying celebrities or famous people asked if they have any regrets in life, a common theme was "I wished that I had spent more time with my family".

[eNnI]

This was some real talk. Makes me think how many young musicians think that life only revolves around music (I was also guilty of this myself) that they also forget other experiences the world has to offer.

[martinduffy]

Thanks a lot sis, from a music major in college for 2 years who dropped out to do life with an accountant major in college for 2 years, ended up having 5 kids, lost her to cancer after 20 years, raised the 5 by myself for 3 years and married again 16 years ago. Life's an adventure. Never lost music totally through all the years. As empty nesters I'm finally practicing as much as I want to. Enjoying jamming along to backing tracks with my flute and keyboards with the audience pretty much just being my wife. :)

[JustinHennessy]

This post is so timely. I am an aspiring musician, started late in life (well focused late) and are really struggling with a full time career and trying to “master” my music side. Thanks for sharing, it makes me feel much better and that, within the scope of my life and my path, I am doing pretty well. 🙂

[TheCtracyreynolds]

At 62, I can concur that there was a definitive time in my musical journey where I had to take stock where I was, where I wanted to be, and what was ultimately important to me. I made similar decisions to yours, Aimee...and I feel like God has honored that choice by affording me opportunities all along the way for music to be a definitive and important part of life without being my all-consuming passion. Thank you! I look forward to your YouTube channel every week...you make me a better player and person!

[midoramma]

This message is pure wisdom. Thank you very much for sharing

[TonyThomas]

Great video. My grandpa was a jazz sax player and sat in with Basie and Ellington. He also used to watch Art Tatum play at a small club in Cleveland. He had his own big band for a while but never really attained popularity. Life got in the way. He had a family and needed to feed them. What I have seen is that those who dedicate themselves completely to music usually have to pay a hefty price. Each person needs to decide if it is worth it. I think you made the right choice. Keep being amazing!