Deep Thoughts

In music, the question of how one marks their progress seems to be crucial to how one continues down the path.  For example, there are things like financial success/security and technical know-how, both of which are fine and generally aid one’s continued development.  Money is needed in order to have the time to devote to the practice; technique aids one in the pursuit of realization of ideas.  However, while money is relatively stable (in the sense of, “this pile of money pays my rent”), technique is so completely relative to our musical situation.  We record our shows and listen back years later, perhaps hearing that we have a better definition of pulse or that our notes are cleaner, but were we awake and aware of what we were doing then?  More importantly, are we now?  What is driving our music playing?  Do we ceaselessly chase after social gratification, money, more and better gigs, or do we try to figure out just what it is we’re doing and why we’ve chosen to do this?