My story...introduction to prog.... and more...

MikeDupont, I can see where you are coming from about the music.  I was a classically trained musican and I do not play anymore.  I have not played an instrument in 25 years.  Prog music like jazz makes me think and takes me places that nothing else can take me.  All I can say is keep on playing and listening.  Do not listen to the nay sayers.  We all have dreams but not all of us have the balls to live our dreams.  If playing music and listening to music brings you joy, be happy.  I know I am happy.

Fantastic Blog MikeDupont, and as for your question "Am i pretentious?", judging from your blog, you are a humble person, a quality im sure many Progarchivers respect and one i certainly respect

I think that you should totally follow your dream of playing that style of music.  We need some musical rennaisance anyways.  I went to school for music and recently graduated with a B.A. in Piano Performance, and I love classical, jazz, and ....progressive metal:-).  There is nothing in life more satisfying (except my faith, of course being a Christian), and you should at least examine the possibilities of trying music out as a career or at least a very time-consuming hobby.  Good luck!

What a great post, Mike. Understand what you mean. To make a living as a musician is terribly hard. Most of all you need luck, I guess, and timing. To make a living as a prog rock musician is probably very hard. But as I have told my son, who has studied art for some years and want to make a living as an artist: If you have a plan B, you'll end up on plan B.
A friend of mine who I grew up with in the 70s, studied guitar for a number of years, (inspired by Steve Howe). He has now been a guitar teacher for 25 years. He has a couple of groups on the side and loves it, flamenco and classical guitar. I wish he could start a tribute band, or a Classic Rock Ensemble playing all kinds of prog. As the old heroes get old, there will be a golden age for tribute bands in years to come. Better to be a great Yes cover band than a prog band with no new ideas, just borrowing from the old masters, IMO. I know I'd rather go and see one myself.

You've pretty much told the classic prog tale that most people here will tell. Maybe not the classical first but it goes classic rock to famous prog to obscure prog.

btw, there is a "Welcome Newbies" section. And there's no need for the huge font, we can read fine.

I used to ask myself the same questions about playing music.  I am two years older than you but got into music it seems well after you although I might have played an instrument longer (sax since I was 10).  I came to the realization about a year ago that few things in life so far have really given me the joy and fascination that music delivers me.  So I have decided to stick with that one thing that I found that makes me happy (other than my friends and family) and go to school (hopefully) for music when I get out of high school.

Edited by White Shadow - January 02 2008 at 21:27