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Words and meaning.
Certain words that once held some meaning — or that may have not had any meaning at all in the past — catch my attention now and then. Perhaps I am advancing in years or the daily exercise of blogging has brought this on. I am not sure.
I often switch hit between my two horns: a Conn and a Yamaha. It may depend on circumstance or as the spirit moves me as to which instrument I might use. While I aim to produce the same sound on either instrument, there are some subtle differences that cannot be helped.
Words like bright and dark in describing horn tone quality have always been bothersome to me. The subtext associated with these terms is often warped. It becomes a black-and-white opinion of what is viewed as right and what is viewed as wrong.
Bright and dark can incite prejudices — some bold, others subtle.
» Amateur – a broad definition
It is fairly well-known that amateur has “lover of” in its original Latin/French roots.
In its broad use, amateur is defined as someone who performs a task with no pay; as opposed to someone who draws a salary — a professional.
For musicians, this can translate as someone who performs out of love rather than for money. Playing music is like a hobby. It is something done in the off hours.
Amateurs then, are akin to aficionados and connoisseurs.
» The other side of the coin
Is “professional” a permanent marker, a milepost that once reached, never expires?
In this sense, there is an implication is that professionals do not necessarily love what they do. They do it for the money. It might even be a banal occupation, one that is done in order to make a living and perhaps little else.
One the opposite side, the label amateur may also have negative connotations. An amateur athlete for example, is understood to not be on the same level as a professional athlete.
It probably does not help too, that amateur and immature are two words that sound very much alike. For some, I imagine that these words are practically interchangeable.
Never mind that some professionals may behave like children at times.
» Identity crisis
Where is this train of thought leading to, you might wonder?
I do not play and perform as often as I used to, especially in the summer months. In the fall, winter and spring, I usually have several paid engagements every month that keep me busy playing.
What contracts I have are strictly per-service these days. I do not draw a regular salary from music making, yet consider myself a professional by training and experience.
Yet, I wonder if that remains a valid assertion. At what point does one in my position no longer call himself a professional?
Is it a permanent marker, a milepost that once reached, never expires?
