I am 74 and I am still getting calls to play music. The dollars are not as good as they were. What keeps coming back to me is my friend’s statement;
“Quit music before they quit you”.
To give it up is not an easy thing to do, the love of playing, the energy, and the self-gratification of performing – can you imagine less and less calls until the phone stopped ringing. Aaaaaaah

My question; When is it time? Better still, When is it the best time to leave.

Looking for something to think about, your thoughts will help.

John C.

never!

When you can no longer make the fingers do what you tell them ...OR, they carry you out in a box.. I shall be 81 in a couple of days and the phone still rings. Not as often as before admittedly but enough to keep me happy. It aint the playing but the lugging about of equipment that becomes more of a chore.

NEVER GIVE UP !!!!!!!!

Hallo Bruno,
the great Pianist Artur Rubinstein played Piano with more than 90 years of age.
Greetings
Peter

thats the spirit....get a rock & roller kart for the gear.....never leave home without one
http://www.rocknrollercart.com/

My wife says I can retire three days after I'm dead. In my case, it will be somewhat like the movie "Weekend At Bernie's" only I'll be sitting behind a keyboard and she'll be swatting the flies off me.

Never Quit!

Gary

------------------
Travlin' Easy

Interesting question...
Many years ago, with the band we had in NYC, we were speaking with a guest at a function we were playing ... He said to us "I USED to play also..." but he had 'retired' from playing ... Later, we were discussing how we would never want to say "I USED to play..."
After being with the band for 26 years, I moved to RI ... With out the 'security blanket' of the other 4 guys, I did not play 'out' for about 7 years, and found myself saying "I used to play..." I got out and started gigging again, and I don't EVER intend to quit ... In fact, as I have said before, when I retire from the day job in Feb., I will accomplish my dream of being a "Full-time Professional Musician" ...
t.

There's your answer, John. As long as the joy is there, keep playing. If it's not for the money, give it to someone you can teach how to haul and set-up your equipment. Keep playing = have fun!

Glenn

Hi John

I think one needs to think and do things that makes them feel good and happiest.

Scott

Donny, John T. Peter, Gary, Glen and Tony –Thanks.

A little lift is always appreciated. I still have not learned that we only have today --- worry, worry and worry about tomorrow only makes me confused.

OK, I’ll give another go, thanks again. Boy, that was easy.

John C.