The 3 reasons you'll get work as a musician

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I've watched and rewatched the commencement speech that Neil Gaiman gave at The College of the Arts in Philadelphia in 2012. In that talk he outlines the three reasons he believes people keep getting work in a freelance world. I've tried to apply those lessons to my own experiences leading a jazz band that I had back when I still lived in upstate NY.

The band featured students from the university, usually in their last year of school, so the band evolved over time. I think there were four or five versions of the group over the four and half years I played that weekly with them.

It was the epitome of the old saying that, "a night on the bandstand is worth a month of practice in your room."

I hope the story resonates for you and you can find something to enjoy in there.

If you've made it this far in the description and haven't yet subscribed, please do.

Until next time, thanks for being a part of the five watt world.
Keith
p.s. And yes, the mixed sun and clouds of this blustery fall day raised havoc with my lighting. But I've decided to embrace "organized imperfection", just like I had to do on the bandstand pretty much every night

[countvond]

"I can do it cheap. I can do it right. I can do it quick. Pick any two."

- Red Adair

[babayaga]

When I was 13 I realized everybody wants to be a guitar player so I became a bass player And a really good bass player I'm 57 and I've been gigging ever since

[RickBeato]

Fascinating video! I feel like I’m transported back 30 years.

[LiveToPlayGuitar]

I had a guitar teacher in the 80’s who told me to think of the band I was hoping to create as a metal chain with me being the weakest link in that chain...in other words surround yourself with people who play better than you and let the magic begin by learning through immersion...he was right...you can apply the advice in this video to all the things you would hope to accomplish in life not just guitar...some other sage advice that same guitar teacher told me was if you hit a wrong note when soloing either keep your head down and play on like nothing happened, or hit the wrong note again and tell everyone you meant to play it that way! He took my playing to the next level...I get the same vibes from you and the videos you make...Thanks!

[germanllanosmusic]

Great video! These 3 concepts apply to every job and profession in life. Thanks for sharing this type of wisdom!

[evelyntelevision]

This was a really sweet story! Really drives home the reason for the music in the first place, for me at least; bringing people together. The way you talk fondly of the relationships with the bandmates, the comradery, makes me feel warm just hearing about. Always love to hear about the relations that bring musicians together and have fun and appreciate one another.

[TropicalReflections]

Very astute observations! Most people would say, "this is just common sense". However, I would argue the culture we live in seems to be sorely lacking that quality and we are in desperate need of this type of wisdom. Thank you for the reminder. Always enjoy your videos Keith!!

[paulcoleman]

This is great and so true - I'm of the "not all that good but reliable and friendly" type and I've always been in a band since I left school! If only I could crack the last category!

[justinpridham]

7 downvotes?!? I really appreciate your videos, your delivery especially. Keep it going KW

[telecasterplayer]

You have a genuine combination of intellect and humility. I would love to have been able to hear you guys play.

[theguitarczar]

blows my mind to see people that unlike his videos!? it must be personal because dude just gives practical/solid advise. how can one dislike that?

[reiddillashaw]

Great message in this video.
One of my maxims is; "I would rather be an hour early, than a minute late ". Also, great advice in regards to jamming with musicians who are better than you. I instinctively started doing that when I was much younger, and have continue to do so, whenever possible.
Keith, I have one more of your videos to watch, and then I'll have watched them all. It's good stuff and your messages are all spot-on!

To you and the folks who are helping you create this wonderful and relevant content, keep doing what you're doing with the Five Watt World channel! And thank you!

[ollegrane]

Lovely and very honest story! There’s some mirror gazing to be done. Very relatable.

[DavidHBurkart]

Came across this little short. Great truths & Miles Ahead... Apropos Keith

[PedroBernardiGuitarra]

I've just discovered this channel while looking for videos on Fender Princetons. That was the first I watched, and this is, I don't know, maybe the fifth in a row. Great channel!

[michaelhobgood]

Simple concepts but profound too. It's surprising how many people miss the part about being a person people want to be around.

[gcole]

Hi Keith I heard about you over at Rick Beato's site doing his Live thang' Loved the above video and the one on the Fender Champ! I'll keep coming back! Thx!

[jimmyc]

Haha, so honest and wise. Great guidance and brought me back to a steady college gig we had Gtr/upright bass/ trpt, both better than me. When the trumpet stopped it was bass and myself, brutal. They enjoyed it and I was turtured every gig but makes you stronger.

[carolynshulman]

I stumbled upon your channel tonight while searching for reviews/comparisons of the Fender Tonemaster amps, and down the rabbit hole I went. I really appreciate your general philosophy and approach to gear. This video was my favorite of the ones I watched. It is so true and really made me smile. Thanks for the straightforward, easy to watch, unique videos you're sharing here!

[brandonshaunclark]

This video is outstanding. For one, the content is great. But more true to my heart, 1997 was my freshman year at SUNY Binghamton. I had the privilege of not only playing with Mike Carbone and Darnay Campbell in the SUNY jazz band, I most certainly saw your band on a regular basis at the Lost Dog. You were a great part of the cultural centerpiece of Binghamton at that time. Well done sir!