Music Ed. on a Budget

Let's face it, most working musicians don't have much much extra cash to burn. We all want to improve our skills, broaden our horizons, and buy the occasional steak (or veggie burger) dinner.
Even if we're fortunate enough to have some regular gigs paying for day-to-day bills with our music revenue can be hard enough; let alone financing further music education and the upkeep of our gear. While you guys are soaking in my last few lessons I will take this time to share a few ideas I had about maximizing some inexpensive resources so you can save your cheddar for your...well, your veggie burger.

THE PUBLIC LIBRARY IS YOUR FRIEND!!
I have recently been expanding my library of jazz recordings. Instead of forking out lots of money for new cds (The Definitive Vince Guaraldi and the new Julian Lage album not withstanding) I have been using the wealth of cds at the Charleston County Library as a FREE way to hear and learn many new things. I did the same thing at the Richland County Library when I lived in Columbia. From Skip James to Joni Mitchell, Drive-By Truckers to Herbie Hancock, there are so many quality albums available it's not even funny. The Charleston Library even has a Lindsay Holler and the Dirty Kids album which is awesome. Except for the occasional late fee you have almost-free access to so much music it would be wrong to not take advantage of this opportunity.

BECOME A REGULAR AT YOUR PUBLIC LIBRARY

RESEARCH BEFORE YOU BUY!!
If you read my post about Gear Acquisition Syndrome you might have been led to believe that I'm a Harmony Central hater. My point was that you shouldn't obsess about your gear, but if you are ready to buy something for your rig then you should most definitely research before you buy. There is so much information out there about virtually any guitar, amp, or pedal (including product demos on Youtube) that there is no reason these days to buy gear on a whim without learning about it or trying it out before hand. Ebay and Craigslist can also be your friend for value-priced gear as long as you take the right precautions.

DEVELOP RELATIONSHIPS IN YOUR COMMUNITY!!

Just last week the recto-tube in my VOX AC30 blew out again. I have relied on local amp guru Bill Nance for a few years now for all my amp questions and repairs. Instead of being left amp-less for a weekend gig and a week's worth of rehearsals Bill was generous enough to lend me one of his class-A hand built tube amps while mine was being fixed. My point is being loyal to those in your local music shops can pay dividends when it comes time for repairs and purchases. Mad props to Bill and BILCO AMPS!!ONE OF BILL'S GNARLY COMBO AMPS

These days your dollars have to stretch pretty far. If you've heard the old joke:
Q: How does a guitarist make a million dollars?
A: He starts with two million!

then you know it can be true too often. Try to save your money for when it counts. Hold out on pedals unless that new one is absolutely necessary because they can be a money-pit. Meet people in your music community and develop relationships, and don't forget your library card!