I have always advocated self-education.
I have spent most of my life educating myself from every source I could find. I have taught myself many music-related careers throughout my life, playing several instruments, songwriting, sound engineering, recording and production.
I had long thought of YouTube as “America’s Funniest Home Videos” on steroids. My opinion has changed as I’ve found it to be a useful source for expanding my knowledge base for music, the most important subject matter to me at this point in my life.
Not only have I discovered guitar lessons, but lessons from the best. As my guitar playing continues to improve, I began to search YouTube for guitar solos by guitar great Joe Satriani. Satriani has written such rock classics as “Satch Boogie” and “Surfing With The Alien.”
Not only did I discover note-for-note guitar lessons of Joe’s solos from seasoned guitar players, I discovered lessons by Satriani himself.
I uncovered sound engineering lessons from Eddie Kramer, the man who recorded Jimi Hendrix.
Advisors from the Berkeley School of Music answer FAQ’s for students and potential students while the school’s instructors offer online instruction.
I think you get the point.
I offer you a challenge.
As we get older, we often discover our God-given talent goes undiscovered and underutilized. I remember in my early 20s speaking with a man in his late 60s about learning to play an instrument. He said he always wanted to learn, but believed he was too old. He thought there was no purpose in learning at such a late age. I told him it was too late when he lay in his grave. At 47, I vividly remember that moment.
Our perspective on life obviously changes as we age. We recognize the most important strands of life experiences as God, family and relationships. We have a tendency to play it safe and coast. My pastor stated last Sunday that if you are coasting through life, you’re going downhill, and you will eventually hit bottom. Life takes work and effort.
So here’s the challenge.
What is the one thing in your life you always wanted to learn?
You can start YouTube if you like, but the key is to find you passion regardless of your age, restrictions or responsibilities. I am learning why guys my age don’t pursue music careers. Even a Christian music career has a multitude of obstacles by those who only want the young and impressionable. However, I will not stop until I no longer possess the ability God has granted me. Then I will learn something new or take my knowledge to a different sector of the music business.
Be an inspiration to your friends and children.
Discover your passions and gifts.
Use them for the glory of God!
Pursue the doors to your gifts and allow God to unlock them for His purpose and a more fulfilling journey through life.
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