The Devastation & Opportunity of COVID-19

I’m an okay pianist, who became pretty good by experience. Experience because I found out I was good at getting gigs—on the job training. I’m also not the world’s most disciplined practicer. I do okay, but I’m so easily distracted that sitting at the piano for hours at a time (unless I’m being paid to do so) has always been a challenge. A fellow musician suggested Ritalin some years back, but I never pursued it. Maybe I’d be a better pianist if I had.

As I said, I’m pretty good at getting gigs. I was a business management major before I switched to music, and I’ve always enjoyed the marketing/web design/relational part of being a musician.

I didn’t set out to make my living as a jazz musician, but as one opportunity led to another, I eventually found that I was indeed a professional musician. I love the jazz community—the musicians young and old, the venue owners and restauranteurs. I love the art of improvisation. I love the grind.

When I got a job playing for a nursing home, I discovered that the music I love to play really resonates with the 60-to-80-year-old crowd. So I’ve spent the last year with a spreadsheet call list and a plan. It’s been paying off too. I’ve been averaging twenty gigs a month since November of last year—right where I want to be.

My first coronavirus-related cancellation was on March 11th and over the course of the next several days the phone didn’t stop ringing with them. So nine gigs in, the month was over.

So what to do? I’m in a better position than some. I work part-time for Emmaus Church in Berryville. That’s a treat, a thrill, and a fulfillment of my calling. My wife is a public school music teacher, and though school isn’t in session, she’s not out of a job. This isn’t easy, but we can make it.

Many are in far worse positions. I have a friend who’s a restaurant manager who has lost his job completely. Some musician friends are out of work completely—ones who have spent the past fifteen years making relationships and honing their craft. My musician friends are some of the smartest, hard-working people I know. It’s possible to make a living—but it’s not easy. It requires brains, determination, consistency, daily practice, and a little bit of luck. There’s more to say here, but I don’t have time to go further.

What will I do? When life gives you lemons, make records. 🍋🍋🍋

I’ve been talking for months about the albums I’m working on (and I indeed am). I’ll spend the next weeks working on some recording projects that I believe will change the course of my career. Will jazz be back? Yes, it will. It took a dip with the dotcom bubble burst. It’s been up and down for years. It will come back up. Maybe though, I’ll be there with some new art to show, some new skills to put to consistent use, and a new appreciation for each normal day.

In closing I’m reminding myself that God promises to care for those who turn toward Him.

Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
    He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
    he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
    for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk
    through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
    for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
    they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me
    in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
    my cup overflows.
Surely your goodness and love will follow me
    all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
    forever.