I know what I want in life but its not so attainable?

[A]

I'll keep this short but I could go for hours. My name is Walter, I'm 23 and from NYC. My whole life, I've been making music, music where no one has ever said "I've heard that before try again" or where I've been given constructive criticism. Off of that and what I feel, I think I really have that sound that's pleasant to the ear. I feel I have the combo of talent and creativity and when you cross the two, you have something special. Kinda like the *Beatles or *Spike Lee, the talent/craft/profession is there (*musicianship, *direction) but so is the creativity which is the part where you feel the heart of the product, something generally heartfelt and different and is why both those artists are such legends. I feel I have that combination.

I guess I want advice on how to maybe show this to everyone. I've just purchased many things to get me started like a laptop, a recording interface, and recording software. (mac,profire610,protools). I've got some marketing ideas but I just want advice from everyone. I've just started a twitter, don't really know how to use it and I have an old myspace music profile.
Im working with foster children at the moment and I love showing them a better life and enjoy asking them for their dreams while also letting them know mine when they ask.

Any advice? I could go back to school for my masters and continue to pursue social work or counseling but my real life long dream is all this I've mentioned, it's the only thing I'm sure of. I've never been so expressive about it where I feel trembly and teary eyed but this my complete mind set.

Thanks to everyone that helps you're kind people.

PS. I haven't really recorded anything personal and official as I wanted to wait till getting my BA but I have some home recordings if your just wondering how I sound like a bit
at
myspace.com/walterrgarcia
and I was in a band http://www.transitvenus.com which is more professional than home recording

[mamianka]

I put your question on my Watchlist - and waited to see if anyone else answered first; they did not, so here I am. I also wrote other responses - and erased them. First of all, let me thank you for all the work you do with foster kids; they really need a caring person in their lives, and your own thoughts about them seeing your own struggle is noble. However - and here is where reality comes in - the chances of you ever having any professional work in music is less than slim. there are thousands upon thousands of people out there ( due to reality shows??? who knows . . ) that think that if only THEY work hard/get discovered/get on American Idol/ get viewed on YouTube/ etc., that doors will open for them. The Beatles and Spike Lee? Everybody would like to think that they have the same talent and work ethic as their heroes - but in reality, nobody does. The world is swamped now with wannabees - people who LOVE what they do, and really think that someday, their dreams will come true. Not likely. Possible - but a less than decimals of one percent. Meanwhile, use your love and your talents in any way you can - church, community groups, etc. If a professional opportunity arises, then so be it. But to focus or obsess about this happening only leads to heartache. The word "amateur" is not a bad thing - it just means that you choose to make your living in a meaningful way, and do what you do for LOVE. I occasionally have to work with other full-time *professionals* (I did not book this - I got called) who are jaded, bored, and "phoning it in" - they have long ago lost the love and zeal of live music; the roll their eyes in boredom when a new program or rehearsal schedule is passed out, or when the first rehearsal comes around. They are flawless and musical, but make what we do sound like having a root canal. When did their souls die? I just want to finish the performance, get my check, and leave - and forget about playing with them again. The BEST playing we often do is for FREE - great players that get together because we love something, do NOT get to do it for $$, and LOVE doing it so much we will drive a long way, play all day, and get home dead tired - and LOVED EVER MINUTE. I played piccolo in a blazing circus band (not WITH a circus - we had all the arrangements) - there is NOTHING harder in all the orchestral literature! - and all of us ate this up! Cannot wait to do this again!!! Best players around (former West Point, other military, retired major big bands, orchestras) - and nicest people to work with. And it COSTS me money to do it!!!

So I advise you to keep the love alive - but do NOT tie your identity to "making it". You ARE "making it" now - you are making a meaningful life, and get to do what you want on YOUR terms, when you want, for who you want. Not so bad, is it? Best wishes for your future - happiness is not always trying to reach further, but realizing that you can be happy with what you HAVE. Finish your degrees for your current profession - who knows who you will meet along the way? And - this is a little creepy - my Dad died 23 years ago - and his name was Walter. All the more reason I hear your soul talking to me.