We recently had the chance to connect with Wayne Riker and have shared our conversation below.
Wayne, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What is a normal day like for you right now?
I’m teaching a high school guitar class five days a week; it’s very rewarding and keeps me musically active at 75 years old in the teaching trenches. On Sundays I have a full schedule of private guitar students. Additional hours are spent at the gym and relaxing with television news, movies and shows.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’ve been teaching guitar since 1973, one on one and group classes, including summer guitar camps with the National Guitar Workshop and Guitar Workshop Plus since 1990. I’m currently teaching a class of 23 at SET High in San Diego full time and teaching one on one on Sundays in Poway, California.. I’ve been a member of many bands, all styles since 1967 beginning in my hometown of New York City. Details of my performing career can be found in my memoirs, 50 Years, 50 Bands, 50 Bucks on Amazon.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
The veteran musicians who took me under their wing in my early performance career with life and career lessons: 1) punctuality, 2) preparation 3) confidence 4) enthusiasm 5) show no fear
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
My midlife crisis came at age 35 when I had an opportunity to switch careers from music to journalism but bailed out when I realized I had already come too far in the music business to go back to square one in a new career.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
Absolutely. I adhere closely to the phrase, ‘be yourself always.’ People will admire you for being humble on stage and off. Always keep even keeled as the persons you meet on the way up will be the same persons you’ll meet on your way back down.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What will you regret not doing?
Nothing, I’ve completed all I wanted to accomplish on my musical bucket list with no regrets. Presently it’s as if I’m in extra innings as I continue to teach and perform at age 75 with the same enthusiasm and joy. I read the Tolstoy novella “The Death of Ivan Ilyich’ when I was nineteen and vowed never to wind up on my deathbed with lifelong regrets as the main character did.
Contact Info:
- Facebook: Wayne Riker
