The response to yesterday’s article was amazing, and the feedback mirrored my own thoughts and feelings. There are those who overcome so much to play their music…and by comparison, very little stands in our way.
If yesterday’s amazing demonstration didn’t jar you into action on your instrument, perhaps this one will. PTM reader Dan Kieffer turned me onto the story of Patrick Henry Hughes, a talented and inspiring young man who has just become my hero. He and his family exemplify the values of music, love, family tragedy and triumph, and everything else that we all talk about at length, but so seldom demonstrate with any conviction. The video tells it best.
To Patrick and his family: thank you for all you do. Without even trying or intending to do so, you are an inspiration. Play on!
As a Part-Time Musician (PTM), what holds you back? What is keeping you from reaching your goals with your chosen instrument?
This video was passed along by a family friend (hat tip to Matt Hamrick!), and since my first viewing, I just can’t get it out of my mind. I suspect it will have the same effect on you. Pull up a chair and prepare yourself for the best 2 1/2 minute investment in your state of mind that you may ever have made!
This man did more for my musical drive than words can relate. Faced with obstacles that, in most people’s opinions, would make playing the guitar impossible…he did it anyway. He overcame his formidable circumstances to share the music that is within him.
The next time you’re struggling with your sound, technique, or anything else, you may want to visit this gentleman again for a reminder of why we play. Feel free to bookmark this page, and if you know a fellow PTM who could use a boost, please share it. Simply put, we play because the music is within us, and it only gets sweeter when shared.
Wherever you are in your musical journey, I wish you all the best.
Keep playing,
Mark
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pushes you to the edge of quitting at times – yes, it happens to all of us – and makes you wonder why you ever thought you could master your chosen instrument?
Great news for lovers of vintage sheet music! Some of the best, long-forgotten music is on its way back into print, thanks to the efforts of an Evanston (Chicago), IL Part-Time Musician named Francis Lynch.
The full article in the Chicago Tribune tells more about Lynch, a software engineer, pianist, and singer who is screening and scanning, fixing and formatting, in order to make these classics available once again. For whatever reason, the Trib lists Mr. Lynch’s website but doesn’t link to it; if you want to visit it directly, just follow this link to Sheet Music Back in Print.
A cover photo, lyrics, and an MP3 sound file are featured for each piece so you can get a good feel for it from your favorite desk chair. At only $2 each or $25 for a year’s subscription to the entire (growing) library, it’s a great deal. If you’re looking for a piece to showcase that’s unknown in your area, or if you’re just wanting to play something a bit “off the beaten path”, there’s a good chance you’ll find it there. If not, check back; the collection gets larger each week.
If yesterday’s amazing demonstration didn’t jar you into action on your instrument, perhaps this one will. PTM reader Dan Kieffer turned me onto the story of Patrick Henry Hughes, a talented and inspiring young man who has just become my hero. He and his family exemplify the values of music, love, family tragedy and triumph, and everything else that we all talk about at length, but so seldom demonstrate with any conviction. The video tells it best.
Band, Brass, Inspiration, Piano, Videos | Mark September 11, 2009 | 
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