Thanks 124. I think possibly part of what Gary is talking about is having the "choice" to retire or to continue on making a living in a rapidly changing "live" music environment.

In my 50's, I felt like I'd never want to retire from gigging, because I enjoyed playing so much, and always got a "contact high" from it, but the changing work (playing) places, the Internet, and my own evolving personal preferences, contributed to my decision to at least step back a bit and re-evaluate my situation...and, I am very lucky to have been in the position to do so. I had a CHOICE!

I still love playing, and I still spend several hours at my Tyros4 every day (making styles and doing some recording), but it is so nice to be able to choose to step away from gigging and clinician work and "smell the roses".

I have several full time musician friends, around my age of 64, who are getting weary of trying to find good paying jobs amid more forms of stage competition, and who are becoming less capable of dealing with the set-up/break-down (plus transportation of) of keyboard (and amplification) gear due to the slow, but inevitable, change in their physical make-up.

Some of them, unfortunately, have no retirement plans.

So, perhaps the operative word in this thread is choice.

I've gotten away from most keyboard forum participation due to other music, and non-music, related interests, and I don't plan on posting very much, but I must admit, I do benefit from the occasionally useful (to me) shared info, and sometimes enjoy a chuckle at some of the more petty tussles (maybe "discussions" is a better word ) between the usual suspects.

So, I will peek in occasionally and try to remain up to date with anything new in, or around, the Arranger field.

Again, it is good to see the "old-timers" still active, and also heartening to see some new posters. It is, however, disappointing to see several long term, and very valuable, members no longer participating.

Now, back to enjoying the incredible spell of 30 C summer weather here on Cape Breton Island...thankfully, I don't have to move gear in this heat!

Best wishes to you and all,

Ian