Being a musician means being involved in an art form that is very satisfying. Playing music can lift you up when you're down, inspire others to dance, sing, or just feel better because of music you are playing.

Becoming a musician requires years of hard work, dedication, vision and passion. If those characteristics are a part of a your makeup, you have what it takes to become a musician. Musicians come in many styles, with the best ones being able to cross over into other areas. For example, a rock guitarist may be gifted in playing jazz and blues, or a country fiddle player may also play classical, rock or other forms of music. It takes an appreciation and respect for all musical forms to be able to really grow and expand ones musical abilities.

Playing music is almost always challenging, in the same way that putting effort and passion into anything worthwhile can be challenging. For example, sports, relationships, careers, raising a family and other activities all require overcoming set-backs, disappointments and criticism. And the most accomplished in overcoming those obstacles and growing from them are able to meet and exceed challenges with passion. My band Psychotronics can be exhilarating and frustrating as well. I imagine all bands are the same way.

I know when I'm stressed, picking up my bass or guitar and even if I play for just a few minutes can melt the stress away. It's like a sedative that invigorates instead of sedates you. Banging out a noisy song or playing something melodic can cause stress levels to lower and rejuvenate me. And if I write something that I think is worth keeping, I get the added satisfaction of having a new song to develop and perform - a song that wouldn't exist if I hadn't taken the time to allow it to flow through me, and out of my instrument. Again, that requires dedication, hard work, vision and passion. And, often, patience.

Musicians I've played with, especially in my current band Psychotronics, have expressed how playing music at the level we often achieve can feel like an out of body experience. It's as if the muses, spirits or universe have poured through us with the energy and inspiration that allows music we barely consciously create to flow through us. Being a musician and creating music, whether recorded or live, can allow you to become a healer. There are many books and articles as well as anecdotes that tell how music can have healing properties. It's as if the healing energy of the universe manifests through music. This helps explain why a love for music is universal. Ever heard of a culture that doesn't have it's own forms of music or inspirational songs that its people identify with? It seems all cultures, throughout history, have enjoyed a connection with music. Musicians from all over the world can play in front of audiences they don't share a common language with and still connect with the people in a deep, exciting way.

If you think you would enjoy being a musician, you won't regret it. You'll test your determination and passion often as you practice and learn to think in new ways. And one day you'll look back at when you first started and be so grateful that you had the foresight to begin what will be a life changing relationship with music.