(Music) Bio

In a nutshell...

Early 90s

Greensboro, North Carolina, Bible-belt USA.

Shopping for a new electric guitar.

Paul (the sales guy) is trying to convince me:

"What you really want to buy is a PRS — a Paul Reed Smith. Made right here in North Carolina.”

I’d always wanted a Gibson Les Paul.

"You'll get a Les Paul and a Stratocaster — both in one guitar. And more"

Earlier, I'd purchased all sorts of gear from Paul, including a Yamaha SY77 synthesizer, so we knew each other pretty well.

"Wish I could afford a PRS," Paul added.

"I used to be a professional musician. I was on the road for 15 years. It was great. Then the gigs dried up. I sold all my gear. ALL my gear. Now I work in a music store."

My response:

"In my teens — in England — I thought seriously about becoming a musician.

"Then, this amazing rock band came to the 'Jazz Club' at my school. Truly talented musicians. I couldn't believe they were playing schools.

"I got talking to the lead guitarist. He said the band had been on the road for over ten years. None of their record deals had ever panned out. They lived in their van. The band was close to throwing in the towel.

"There and then I decided I'd find non-music ways to pay the bills."

"My goal was to be financially secure enough to afford the gear I wanted, and not  ever be forced to sell a beloved guitar to make ends meet."

Silence.

"You made the right decision," Paul said. "You really did."

Since that conversation with Paul, I've paid the bills as a clinical psychologist, creativity/innovation consultant, and teacher — and passionately pursued my music avocation.

I’ve never had to sell a guitar or keyboard I loved. When it was time to part with a guitar, I always found it a good home.

And these days, you can do so much more than play: you can create a high-quality recordings right in your own home.

So—

No regrets.

In A Nutshell → England → Africa → Princeton → Tokyo + 4 → Baltimore → Honolulu