I’ve been struggling with some colleagues for a good little while, and only recently did I realize the possible source of my frustration. Talking with a good friend of mine, it dawned on me that while music may be a passion for me, it’s only a hobby for some others. This begs the question: can passion and hobby be reconciled?

Music is something I can’t shut off. Even if I’m not completely immersed in a particular project, my mind is still wrapped around music (in general) 24/7. I’m constantly thinking of something, be it phrasing, concepts, methods, approaches, musical ideas, etc. Generally, this doesn’t – and shouldn’t – make any difference to someone who considers music a hobby, only approaching their instrument or musically creative mind a few times each week. (There is of course nothing wrong with either; one of no better or worse than the other.) However, when individuals from each of these camps collaborate, is it as productive?