"Question!, What are you? Hobbyist, Pro, or Newby Wann

[Bishop Ronnie P Hall]

Hello my fellow steelers,
After two formal years as a member of this forum, inevitably, the curious question arises, what?, is the status of my fellow steelers, as to how in the field of endeavor, do they play?
I, for example play as a hobbyist! After being challenged to present what I do onto you tube, I needed to define what I do, because I am a pastor who plays at his church. To aid in our praise, and worship team, and I have done so, off and on for over 57 years. But I never considered it a profession, nor looked to receive compensation for it. Like most of the sacred steel players, I did it because it was an aid to the over all worship experience.
As I grew older, I realized that steel players of my, and the previous generation, of sacred steel players, would never have the opportunities to play,
in the venues that are available today, for those that choose to go that way. So for me the time clock is set. I will always be a hobbyist!
But, how about you?, my steel playing community?
What are you? A hobbyist, professional, or a newby wannabe!
Bishop R.P. Hall (Ron)

[Richard Damron]

Bishop Ron -

I'm just an old man tryin' to play pretty music on a different instrument. I still play 6-string in church as we have an excellent steeler in residence. I guess that - like you - I'm a hobbyist. But what a hobby!

Respectfully,

Richard

[Nicholai Steindler]

I have a feeling you guys would call me a newby wannabe, so I will go with that!

[Dennis Lee]

I have been at this now for close to 5 yrs., but I'll always be a neophite compared to the greats. I did not pursue the pedal steel to be a legend, it was more that I was drawn to the beautiful sound that the greats could lend to a song. In truth, it was JayDee's work on "Could I Have This Dance", which was my deceased wife's favorite song, that led me to the pedal steel. I first have to please myself with what I can get from the psg before I worry about what others think.

[Edward Meisse]

Well, I guess you'd say that I'm a hobbyist/semi pro. I'm definitely NOT a professional level player. But I do get the occassional paying gig. And having just made the seque from nonpedal to pedal, I'm kind of in a state of transition right now.

[Pat Carlson]

I would be a hobbyist this is a very rewarding hobby! I have played at chuch,nursing homes and a little back ground music a few times.

[Georg Sørtun]

Hobbyist!!!

[Dick Sexton]

Hobbyist/Non-pro/Occasionally Compensated/Steel Guitar Owning/Wannabe
I think that pretty much covers it.

[Terry Winter]

Don't really know what I am classified as. Play at nursing homes, dance jams etc. but also am so greatful to be playing with a very talented singer songwriter w/ a couple of CD's to her credit. After some 30 plus years I guess I'm happy to between a hobbyist and kind of Professional. What the heck is that!!
Terry

[Roual Ranes]

Definitely a hobby/wannabe for about 30 years. Have on occasion been paid but that would be my only link to being a pro.

[Bob Carlucci]

Well actually a lot of us are beyond "hobbyist", but are not pros... Some were pros but are no longer.
"semi pro"?
"weekend warrior"?
" industrial strength hobbyist" maybe?

What would everyone consider someone that does a considerable amount of live performance for decent money, sessions when they come up, ... stuff like that?

Thats a good number of us.. Not "pro" but beyond a hobby really.

I like to think of myself as "semi pro" these days, but "weekend warrior" is probably a more accurate descriptive term. bob

[Bill Dobkins]

I guess the best way I could answer this is very Serious. Great thread.
BD

[Danny Hall]

Don't really know what I am classified as. Play at nursing homes, dance jams etc. but also am so greatful to be playing with a very talented singer songwriter w/ a couple of CD's to her credit. After some 30 plus years I guess I'm happy to between a hobbyist and kind of Professional. What the heck is that!!
Terry

A Profebbyist!!

As for me I'm a music hobbyist and a wannabe steeler. I've been a Vocalnal in my misspent youth. That's been long enough ago that I'd have to prove it now. I'm just honored to be hangin' here with the guys that wrote the book.

[Robert Brown]

Bishop Ron,Iam definetly a NEWBIE WAN CANNOPLAY But I sure have fun trying Bob

[Sherman Willden]

aficionado

[Ben Jones]

hobbyist
my hat goes off to the pros that do it for a living. that must take alot of hustle and perserverance

[Geoff Barnes]

professional in that I write, perform and record "industrial" music for a living 5 days a week.
A regular working stiff.
But... if we are talking about pedal steel guitar, then I am definitely a newby. Coming back at it after a mystery illness took me out of (playing)action for about two years.

[John H. McGlothlin]

I am just a Hobbyist, I love playing the steel, banjo, dobro and guitar. I never did ever get anywhere close to being a pro. Music just has a way of making me want to share it with everyone instead of making money at it.

[Ray Minich]

After 47 years I still suck. Guess that makes me a hobbyist

[Ray Montee (RIP)]

Shouldn't there have been a 'title' for HAS-BEEN?

[Tommy Boswell]

How about "convert"? After 40+ years on 6-string (hobbyist), playing various styles, caring little for pedal steel (hush!), I hit on a chance to play in a theater production of "Always, Patsy Cline", with a delightful gentleman on PSG named Kenny Boswell, retired pro, master of the instrument. Kenny's music made a convert out of me, and after a year learning on my MSA Classic, I now manage to find enough sweet notes in between the sour notes to keep me going!

[Bishop Ronnie P Hall]

Hey everybody!!!
I am very greatful for all of your responses. For a while I thought I was the only one that pondered this question of the ages. You have certainly enlightened my perspective on all of this God given gift,and talent, that all of us seemed to have been blessed with, at whatever level of skill we have.
Some have demonstrated a unique gift of humorous literary writing, that caught me off guard to the point that I had to get up off the floor from laughing so hard. But please dont stop! Inquiring minds want to know! God bless all of you!
Ron (Bishop Hall)

[Edward Meisse]

Shouldn't there have been a 'title' for HAS-BEEN?

It's much better to be a has been than a never was.

[Chuck Hall]

Slow pretty stuff on steel and fast stuff on guitar. Guess you could classify me as halfast steel player.



PS. Play a lot in the key of L. Sounds like L anyway.

[John De Maille]

I worked for over 20 yrs, playing 4-5 nights a week. Plus, a myriad of recording sessions for people, who, never got anywhere. (I do have one claim to fame, though, the NY Jets stadium sound tracks, back in 1979.) Now, I only do about 4-5 gigs a year, plus a steel show or two if I'm asked. I never made the "Big Dawg" status back then, just semi-pro, I guess. Currently, I play for fun and amusement. It's all I've got left.