oboeinsight

A friend recently said he was packing in his particular art form, at least for now. He was weary. He mentioned that the mediocre things seemed to receive the most praise. The poor quality work seemed to get the most attention.

It’s true. That can happen.

I don’t name names. I won’t go there. But there are musicians that are extremely popular that I consider pretty awful. The “general public” (whatever that means!) might enjoy something that, to me, is simply not good. Sometimes it’s an artist they love. Sometimes it’s a composer. The same can go with photographers … some that I see as not-so-great are big hits.

But you know what? I’ve decided that it not my problem!

Coming to that conclusing was very freeing when it happened.

Whether a person likes my work or not is not what I will dwell upon. Because of my faith, I strongly believe I am called to do my best, and I’m called to glorify God. But I’m not called to be popular. I’m not called (or guaranteed) to make a lot of money (if any!). I’m not called to win over people. That is up to them, their ears and/or eyes, and how God may or may not move them. Trying to appeal to the masses … trying to make a lot of money … trying to be better than someone else … that just can’t be my goal.

That being said, of course I sometimes get envious. I sometimes wonder why I only went as far as I did in music (although, in truth, I know it had a lot to do with my laziness!). I sometimes wonder if I’m really just a bad musician/photographer and haven’t a clue that I am! But surely I must be “okay” at music, having survived in this music business for nearly forty-five years. I can hope! With my photography I haven’t a clue. I like what I do. That will have to suffice.

So I hear and see other work that is not only less-than-stellar but is just, plain and simple, bad. That is not my problem! I must let that go.

There will always be mediocrity. For all I know I’m only mediocre at my music and photography and simply don’t know it. But I attempt to do my best and I think that is what is of utmost importance.

I do love teaching. Students bring me such joy, and it’s a honor to guide them in their oboe adventure.

When students keep in touch and I learn about an impending marriage I find happiness in offering to play for their weddings. I’ve had the honor of doing this three times now. The last I played was a few years back. That student, who is one I have always held dear, has now had a baby! WHAT a wonderful time I had the other day spending with Caitlyn, her husband Héctor, Caitlyn’s mother Barb, and the guest of honor, baby Tahlia!

Caitlyn asked if I would bring my oboe and play for Tahlia. Talk about making me even more honored! That was something I had never been asked before, and doing so is something I will never forget.

With Caitlyn’s permission I post the video she just sent me. Thank you, thank you, Caitlyn! (I’m hoping I loaded this properly, as a unlisted video so it won’t be seen without my sharing it … I’m really not sure how all this works!)