I APPROVE THIS MESSAGE

No matter who you are, where you live, what you do…we all want the approval of others to feel justified and qualified in this world.

NO exceptions!

Social media has definitely brought out all the showboating and self-aggrandizing personalities that we’d otherwise know nothing about. Am I guilty of this? Absolutely. Whether you’re a musician, sports figure, actor, or someone in the political field, we all want “eyes on us”.

I’m honestly getting tired of seeking approval. I know my worth because it bothers others. And yet I’m the one hoping someone likes me?! GTFO! I am the one who shines bright, yet people try to dim it so they can feel better? And I take it?! WTF? No more lowering myself (not that I ever truly did that) so I can feel sanctioned. You don’t like me? That’s your problem.

I will say though, that my students truly enjoy my presence. They WANT to learn and have fun. I have yet to find another musician who feels that way. Will never happen. Too many are trapped in their own perceived image and I shatter it. This is why musicians get all weird around me. I must be more confident than I realize because others get all flustered. I’m not Steve Vai, but around here, it feels that way at times. (Now if I only had Vai’s fingers come through the fretboard!!)

But back to my students…when I hear things like “This is the highlight of my day” and “I could not wait to ask you to teach me this song…”, those words are music to my ears for sure. My students know that whether I teach them in the store, or in their own homes, they are safe with me. They can talk to me without fear of judgement or prejudice. My talents are being put to a much better use as a teacher.

However, I still love to perform and create. I have not been asked to do a gig since January 3, and if that well ran dry, then so be it. Had a bunch of demos for a prospective 10th album, and shelved those for an indefinite period of time. When the muse taps me on the shoulder, as I always say, then I will make my move. I’ve changed quite a bit since November 10 (you know what happened), and my need for approval has become fading. Not 100%, mind you. It is nice when someone says “I really liked that one song” or “That solo you did was sick”. But now I receive unsolicited praise and compliments, whereas in the not-too-distant past, I craved it. It’s a very liberating feeling to know that I no longer chase after someone’s verbal handshake.

Yet there’s always one who says “You know what you should do? What I would do is…”

I will tell you what you should do…but this is a family-friendly website 😉