We asked our readers what defines success as a musician and we received some pretty inspiring answers. Check them out below!
It depends on what you want out of it. For me, its when I see people grooving to the sounds I’m putting out. But what I love the most, is my kids telling their friends their Dad plays bass. That means a lot to me, and to have them become interested in playing themselves.
Andrew Jordan
Mattydale, New York
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For me, it is hearing from people that my songs have helped them change a situation they’re in or get them through chemo, or make them feel so good they cry. And when they love my music so much they buy it and then come back and get more to share. And when I play and can hear a pin drop because they get it. Those are the moments when I feel most successful. Those are the moments when heaven meets my earth.
Lisa Sanders
Poway, California
When I have that wonderful moment, however rare or fleeting it may be, when I can see that they [the audience] are connected to what I’m doing in the same way I am. That, plus all the mansions and fame …
Steve Haskell
Minneapolis, Minnesota
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Just like I would if I was a sculptor, painter, or novelist … finding enough time, in the day, week, or year, to complete a vision. My finished work is my success.
Spud Davenport
Escondido, California
Back when I was doing original music and playing countless nights to mostly disinterested rooms, success was measured by positive response (some nights any response). In those days, I shunned, and downright scorned, what I have since become: a guy in a capable cover band that gets the marquee gigs that I always pined for in my original music days. But being that cover guy has allowed me the pure joy of connecting with entire venues of people—sometimes hundreds, even thousands. On a few fleeting occasions, all of us forgetting our and the world’s troubles for a couple hours.
Pete Szymanski
Syracuse, New York
I define success in music in several ways, depending on who I am playing for. If I am playing for myself, I have achieved success if I have relaxed, gotten lost in the song, and enjoyed the music. I love to be creative, arranging songs and combing voices and different rhythms on organ and keyboard. If I am playing for others, I have achieved success if they have truly enjoyed the performance. I love seeing people move and sway to the music and smile. If I have touched them in some positive way, I am happy.
Music is a passion that enriches my life and hopefully the lives of others!
Sharon Weatherhead
Sebring, Florida
I think I am successful when I am able to play in front of people and not feel embarrassed at the result!
Joanne Dyer Fekete
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Success could be the first time you play a C major scale without a mistake, or it could be your first gold album. It could be your first band or finally supporting yourself without a day gig. It could be signing your first autograph or your first record deal. Success comes from within by achieving personal goals.
Phil Smith
Liverpool, New York
In my opinion, true success is when you write a song and you reach into your soul and try to tell a story or get a your ideas out to the world. If your song/music is admired and accepted and your lyrics are talked about or quoted by the people of the world, I think that is success. I like to think true success is when your music/song can stand the test of time, when 20-plus years from now people are still rockin’ out to your music, and mothers are singing your songs to their babies.
Ron Castaldo
Oswego, New York
For me, it’s got nothing to do with being able to make a living from doing it, because Lord knows I can’t. It’s the ability to project my world into another persons and make them feel: “Yeah, I know how that goes brother.”
Steve Roche
San Diego, California
