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I have found now what seems to be a trend that if I tell people I play an instrument - the saxophone - they almost seem like they are downright genuinely offended. I thought this would be a light fun thing to mention but it seems like they get offended and they're whole opinion of you just tanks. I had a previous friend who simply refused to talk if I had anything to say / mention about the saxophone (new songs, busking sessions etc). And now at the end of a second interview who they were ecstatic about me they asked at the end what type of things do you like to do for a hobby and I just mentioned the saxophone. Somehow by the end of just giving the basics it's like their opinion of me couldn't have tanked more. 5 days later at the moment no response. And I've seen this tanking opinion happen many times before, In particular with 'professionals'. My previous boss was somehow so offended he referred to it as "that brass thing you play" and some how escalated to think I play during work time on site (?).

I'm actually to the point where I'm actually worried to let new 'professionals' I meet in the future even know that I play.

I have found now what seems to be a trend that if I tell people I play an instrument - the saxophone - they almost seem like they are downright genuinely offended. I thought this would be a light fun thing to mention but it seems like they get offended and they're whole opinion of you just tanks. I had a previous friend who simply refused to talk if I had anything to say / mention about the saxophone (new songs, busking sessions etc). And now at the end of a second interview who they were ecstatic about me they asked at the end what type of things do you like to do for a hobby and I just mentioned the saxophone. Somehow by the end of just giving the basics it's like their opinion of me couldn't have tanked more. 5 days later at the moment no response. And I've seen this tanking opinion happen many times before, In particular with 'professionals'. My previous boss was somehow so offended he referred to it as "that brass thing you play" and some how escalated to think I play during work time on site (?). I'm actually to the point where I'm actually worried to let new 'professionals' I meet in the future even know that I play.

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[–] • 4 pts

Perhaps the negative reaction is from a person who themselves wishes they could find time and play their instrument but has no time for it and is irritated due to jealousy with someone who finds time to play music and be a successful professional also. They'll put down your skill and interest in music, but if they played, they'd expect to be praised.

[–] • 1 pt

It's interesting that you add the extra "they'd expect to be praised." because the one guy in the interview did actually mention they play or at least did once. I gave some credence to this but I did not specifically praise them. Afterwards I thought should have I praised the person?