Steve Raybine:
Blog #63:
Taking Care of Business
Are you 'taking care of business'? Do you know what I'm referring to? Well, if you don't, I'm talking about YOUR BUSINESS--the business of music!
The business of music is complicated, frustrating and very time-consuming--sounds like fun, doesn't it? Well, sorry music blogsters, most of the time it isn't fun--its just plain ol' hard work. Gee Steve, music is supposed to be fun--what's with the 'heavy attitude.' I'm glad you asked, so let's review my week-long music activities and you judge for yourself--here we go!
1.) Monday-Friday I taught over thirty private lessons--you've got to make money in this business. By the way, on Sunday, I'll teach another nine students, so I only get one day off.
2.) After spending several hours analyzing my website and press materials, I had a meeting with my website designer to discuss all the things that need to be done in order to make my website more organized, comprehensive and efficient for prospective clients and my fans. This work will take Chris many hours to complete and will cost me money.
3.) I spent several sessions working on my taxes...again! I dropped off money with my tax accountant to pay for CD sales tax from 2009 for the Nebraska Department of Revenue (money spent, again). I then started working on compiling the lengthy list of expenditures I paid to independent musicians and companies I hired in 2009 that need to receive a 1099 miscellaneous tax form from me. The ones that don't need the form, still get reported as out-going expenses for my music business when I file my year-end taxes in April, 2010. Hey, are you having fun, yet?
4.) My music attorney and I had several communications regarding potential jazz-festival performances for the summer of 2010. We discovered a few opportunities that may exist, but we'll need to keep corresponding with the appropriate people to determine the feasibility of performing at any of these festivals.
5.) I spent numerous hours compiling music for my private students and organizing my teaching materials. A good teacher should be ever-vigilant as to the musical progress of his/her students. Hey, you must be having fun by now, aren't you?
6.) I added two new students to my teaching studio, which is good news. Alternatively, one of my oldest-tenured students is quitting lessons and another is contemplating discontinuing lessons--this is not good news. As regards the last student I mentioned, his mother and I had a long discussion as to whether-or-not her son will, in fact, stop his lessons. We'll reevaluate his status in two weeks--I hope he stays because he is talented and is a great kid.
7.) I didn't get any substantial practicing or composing done yet this week--too many interruptions and lack of quality time for these endeavors. Maybe the weekend will prove to be a more creative time for me?
8.) I still need to make-up some press kits to send to prospective clients. If you haven't figured it out, assembling a press kit is tedious at best--but it needs to be done. Unfortunately, if I don't do it, no one else will. Furthermore, my materials will never reach the promoters of the festivals where I want to apply for a performance.
9.) I've been trying to think of interesting things to write for my blog--sometimes I wonder if anyone is reading it and is benefiting from my professional and academic experience. However, I forge onward in the hopes that someone enjoys reading my entries.
The remainder of the week has been devoted to the usual family-related activities and chores. Also, the weather in Omaha has been unbelievably cold--I haven't exercised enough this week outside, which isn't good. Well, that pretty much sums up my week. In order to keep my teaching and performing/composing career moving forward and my family taken care of, work must be done. In the immortal words that became Elvis Presley's motto, "Taking Care of Business" (TCB), make it yours as well.
Copyright 2010 Steve Raybine
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