I am writing this reply surrounded by several top-shelf Gibson and Fender guitars and Marshall amplifiers. The good stuff. Expensive. And these instruments will never see a lighted stage. Never earn for me one penny. I put my rock star dreams to rest a long time ago.
Here's the sad truth. The type of music that requires the above level of technical proficiency just isn't popular anymore. Not to say they're aren't bands playing it, great bands, but he's not going to make any money. For that matter, he's not going to make much money at all in the music business. Those days are gone. Even popular bands are barely scraping by financially.
This being said, there's few greater rushes than playing live music. He's young, few responsibilities, he should go out and have fun. You can only live the rock star dream while you're young. He's got the whole rest of his life to be a responsible adult.
Aahhhh . . . memories. I too have tasted of the life of which you speak ! SWEETEST 15 yrs. of my life ! 1980 - 1995. First & second set: cover tunes, next 2 1/2 hours ALL original !! Sold out venues ( most of the time ) and never had to go to a “clinic” in all those years ( the girls LOOOOVE ‘da boys in ‘da band ) !! Even met my wife of 23 yrs. in a bar, how ‘bout that.
Snoot ;o)
Right on! I might add... if he decides to major in music, insist that he minor in education. I have too many friends with degrees in performance who are giving private lessons because they are not qualified to take over the high school orchestra. Best definition of a working musician I’ve heard is a guy who will put $10,000 worth of equipment into a thousand dollar car to play a hundred dollar gig... something I do about twice a month.