harpist’s pockets are always empty

[deb-l]

whenever I have little money in my pocket, I’m shopping for harp stuff.

[andee-craig]

Wow Deb, looks like you’ve got plenty of ideas for your Christmas wish list!

As for me, there’s nothing I need or want at the moment, *except* I’d like a (lever) harp with just two more strings at the bottom end, but I don’t think that’s going to happen any time soon.

[deb-l]

hi Andee, I don’t really need anything either, but when the going gets tough and I have money in my pocket, I go shopping.. and lately all I like to shop for is harp stuff!

[catherine-rogers]

When I’m feeling flush in the wallet (not often!), I also look at harp playing clothes and shoes. The favorites wear out and aren’t easy to replace. Or I put funds aside for a regulation, always a good idea.

[patricia-jaeger]

Deb, as musicians we aren’t very often concerned with the years ahead; I wasn’t, that’s for sure, until I became a widow. I joined a nearby “investment club” and also took a course “Accounting 101” at a nearby community college. It really, really helped and now whether the economy goes up or down I have more peace of mind. Try it; you’ll like it!

[deb-l]

good point Patricia, thanks I need to keep my feet on the ground.

[harp guy]

I agree. I may be in my early twenties still but I’m always thinking forward. This economy has been really rough and it’s been almost impossible to carve out a living as an emerging adult (and musician no less). In a year I’ve over quadrupled my income (from minimum wage part time retail to full time salaried position with a music company while gigging on the side). I don’t expect any favors, nor do I expect any retirement funding other than what I can save up myself.

My wife and I live very modestly so that we will be able to retire with dignity. Sure we indulge in music goodies (both of us being musicians), but we are also knocking out our student loans and credit card debt (a bad decision) as fast as possible.

If you are unfortunately receiving a severance I would strongly recommend investing it in something that will bring you happiness and sustenance long term. Maybe set aside money as an emergency fund and clear out some debts along the way. I’m not saying to formally ‘invest’ but rather… harp lessons with the intent of gigging in the next 2-3 years sounds like a great idea to me.

[randal]

Yes, I’m one who was never future-oriented…although I did spend too much time and money acquiring college degrees.

[andee-craig]

Randal, busking sounds like a wonderful idea, something I’d like to do more of! I’ve got a Dusty Strings FH 26, and an FH32. Both are perfect for busking, I just wish I had the FH 34 for those low D and C strings.

[deb-l]

I know I should know this but what exactly is busking?

Anyway I am going to start ballet, and pretty psyched about it too.

[Tacye]

Busker = street musician of the sort with the emphasis on the latter word rather than the former.

[patricia-jaeger]

I was given a book: Busker, Tales of a Renegade Harpist, written by David Michael, containing a 73-minute CD of him playing his small harp, and including “50 hot tips for buskers with invaluable pointers and lessons for novice and expert buskers alike.” He had a 40 year career doing this all over the world, first alone, then with his wife. His web site is http://www.renegadeharpist.com, from which it can be ordered. I have never busked but this book is not to be missed if you intend doing it, to avoid many pitfalls out there. Parts of it are hilarious; it is such a good read for any musician.

[kay-lister]

Deb – BALLET!? I took that for 12 years and LOVED it! Found my old toe shoes a few years ago, put them on, pulled up on my toes, got cramps in BOTH legs and down I went. Hmmmmm, well it had been a . . . few years.

[deb-l]

that looks like a very entertaining book Patricia.

[randal]

I love ballet too…perhaps the most beautiful of the arts–the most aesthetic athleticism.

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