Defining the Eager Musician
I personally think hustling is an over used phrase (just my opinion, I’m entitled to it) and the “on fire” mantra has been claimed by legendary entrepreneur JLD, and honestly, I didn’t think any word matched my vision, or experience as to what it is like to be a musician. Lets take a closer look at the word, “eager” and I’ll show you what I mean: The word Eager is an adjective, defined as: “(of a person) wanting to do, or have something very much” “The man was eager to please’ Synonyms: anxious, impatient, longing, yearning, wishing, hoping, hopeful It’s secondary definition: (of a persons expression or tone of voice) characterized by keen expectancy or interest “Small eager faces looked up and listened” Synonyms: keen, enthusiastic, avid, fervent, ardent, motivated, dedicated, committed, earnest, gung-ho These definitions, and their synonyms, to me, really convey what it is like to be a musician, no matter what stage you are in your musical career. Let’s unpack that thought a little… We will take a look at the first definition: (of a person) wanting to do or have something very much Beginners are excited, anxious/impatient to just start. (enter brief example of how I was excited, or some of my students were excited to start learning) Have you ever wanted something so much as you do out of music? Now lets look at the second definition: (of a persons expression or tone of voice) characterized by keen expectancy or interest Anyone can tell when you are eager, because you radiate excitement. People can see it in your face, the way you speak, and how you present yourself Another way to put it is passionate: when you are eager, you are passionate about your craft..its your favorite thing, the one thing that makes you who you are. When you are eager, you give every ounce of energy to this one thing, and are motivated and driven by finding success. We will cover what success really means in a later episode. EAGER Musicians can be found at every stage of the game! Beginners are EAGER because: They are excited and anxious to learn The are hopeful that one day they will be great at their instrument They are impatient, because the learning process is difficult, and they just want to be good! Intermediates are EAGER because: They have shown dedication to practicing and improving their skills They strive to be even better They start looking forward at the next step, anxious at whats to come They are committed to improving Pros are EAGER because: They have a burning, ardent passion for music They strive to alway be better, always practicing, always improving It shows in the way they present themselves, especially when they are performing They are GUNG HO! Nothing will get in their way Teachers are EAGER because: They MUST be motivated in order to motivate others (repeat this!) Always learning Dedicated and committed to the success of their students Now does this mean that your musical journey is going to be one without obstacles or hardships? NO WAY! It’s a very rough road, sometimes frustrating, especially when just starting out. Not everyone is an eager musician. If after a few years you discover that music, just isn’t for you…then go ahead and pursue your other interests. I’m sure you are an eager artist, or an eager business owner, or even an eager stay at home mom/dad. Nothing wrong with that, follow your passion! For those of you here, who are true, eager musicians…I am talking directly to you, Eager Nation, and I am here to help you along your musical journey no matter what stage you are at. Lets not forget, I’ve been at the beginning (bright eyed, excited) and I have faced my frustrations, I know what its like to perform, teach, and learn…and i am EAGER to transfer all my personal experience, to you, so that you can make it to that next level. This has been a more general informational/motivational episode…but I do have some in the pipe line that are more the nuts and bolts, how to’s, guides, and interviews with other Eager Musicians as well. I just wanted to thoroughly explain the meaning behind the Eager Music Brand, and why it was chosen. Connect with Joseph Rocha at: Comment on the show notes Email joseph@eagerstudios.com Subscribe on iTunes, or anywhere podcasts are found Follow Eager Studios on social @eagerstudios Visit eagerstudios.com