Being Versatile as a Musician

Being versatile as a musician

Growing up taking guitar lessons, one of my teachers said something that has stuck with me for a long time "be versatile". Those two words have resonated in my mind all these years, and they are some of the bedrock of my own teaching today. In a world where artists struggle to express themselves and considering making a living with what they have inside their hearts, versality is a good thing. The whole goal of being a musician (or artist) is to get out there and do what you do, and share it with as many people as you can. The art doesn't begin or end with you, remember that. But each of us has something unique to share.

Learning to be versatile has enabled me to work in a number of situation. I've done church ministry, conferences, street dances, weddings, dinner parties, graduations, club gigs, festivals, coffee houses and many other events of all sizes; both as a soloist and as a band or ensemble. Sometimes gigging may not be dependable enough to base your entire income chances on, but it can get you some great opportunities and change your view on what to play and what's out there. Some practical tips from my experience: