Instrumental hobby alongside pastoral ministry

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I’m not a pastor, but I have been a hobby guitar player in the past.

If you want to be proficient at an instrument, it takes a lot of time. Add learning to read music, and it’s even more.

I wouldn’t suggest it for anyone but those who have plenty of spare time, which a pastor does not.

In my opinion, it is a craft that needs to be done well to be thoroughly enjoyable. This isn’t just throwing a hook and bobber into the water; this is something that ones whole life can be spent on and not get to the end of it.

Others may say go for it, but my experience tells me it is not worth doing unless it is done 100%. Or else your skills will plateau, and you will lose the passion you had when you were new and learning.

Make of that what you will.
 
A dear friend is a pastor and drummer (jazz). It seems to give him a creative outlet and wider contact with the community.
 
For those who do it, how has it helped you? How do you set apart time for it?

Would this be starting from the beginning or building off of previous skills?

This makes a huge difference when adults consider playing instruments. (I'm a full-time music teacher/accompanist.)
 
Would this be starting from the beginning or building off of previous skills?

This makes a huge difference when adults consider playing instruments. (I'm a full-time music teacher/accompanist.)

somethng simple, just grabbing a guitar, load up a backing track on youtube and just jazz or blues it up. not starting it entirely new but seeing it as another creative outlet that energizes the mind.. (not at the expense of prayer etc of course)
 
somethng simple, just grabbing a guitar, load up a backing track on youtube and just jazz or blues it up. not starting it entirely new but seeing it as another creative outlet that energizes the mind.. (not at the expense of prayer etc of course)

I would say go for it! As an adult, you will likely learn more slowly than a child (learning music is much like learning a language), but I have a number of adult students who find it very rewarding, even if they move ahead at a slow pace. Just be sure to set your expectations accordingly and find appropriate music for your level.

(For basic (12-bar) blues, you really only need three chords.)

Good luck (in the providential sense)! ;)
 
If you are already a reasonably adept player of an instrument and you know how to practice effectively will not be as much as you might expect.
 
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