Dr. Raybine, I Presume?

Steve Raybine:



Blog #12:




Dr. Raybine, I Presume?




It's been ten years since I left the confines (no joke) of academia. Although I left academia (university academics), I still continue teaching--something I enjoy very much. Actually, for the last five years or more, I've taught approximately 2,500 private music lessons each year. Unlike my years teaching in college, today my students are primarily elementary, middle and high school students. Moreover, unlike my college students who knew me as Dr. Raybine, my current students refer to me as Mr. Raybine. So, what's the scoop about good of' Dr. Raybine?



On May 4th, 1990, I graduated with a Doctor of Musical Arts (D.M.A.) degree in performance from the University of Iowa, in Iowa City, Iowa. From that point on, I became officially known as Dr. Steven A. Raybine. This truly was the culmination of a lengthy pursuit in higher education for me and my family. As anyone can tell you that attains their doctoral degree, this is a family endeavor as much as an individual achievement. My wife, Beth, supported me personally and financially throughout this ordeal, and believe me when I tell you that this was an ordeal--for both of us. My parents were also assisting financially throughout the process, which enabled me to complete my degree program.




The University of Iowa had a very rigorous and demanding curriculum for those individuals pursuing their doctoral (graduate) degree in music during my tenure at the university. Not only were there many music requirements to fulfill, but the academic requirements were staggering--especially the thesis portion of the degree. In addition to my degree in percussion performance, I was also pursuing a minor in music theory, which added to the complexity of my program. I can't begin to articulate the endless hours I spent fulfilling just the music theory portion of the degree--although interesting and challenging, it was interminable. If memory serves me correctly, it took me about 5 ½ to 6 years to complete my degree program. Whew!



Currently, I'm rarely referred to as Dr. Raybine anymore, unless I happen to see an old student from my days as a university assistant professor--never made associate or full professor. Actually, I'm very comfortable being good ol' Mr. Raybine, or even Steve. Interestingly, I was never 'hung-up' on being called Dr. Raybine--there was a certain formality about it that never really appealed to me. Ultimately, the title felt a bit stuffy and somewhat self-indulgent to me. Besides, it made me feel too distant from my students, which I didn't care for. So, although I remain very proud of my academic achievement(s), it is more relevant to my past, than to the present.


Some of you will pursue graduate degrees and will attain your doctorate in music or some other field. You should be applauded for this, because it truly is a great accomplishment. However, if you do attain this prestigious achievement, I encourage you to retain your humility and the ability to remember what it felt like to be known as Mr.; Miss; Ms. or Mrs._________ (you fill in the blank).



Copyright 2009 Steve Raybine


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RAP: Love it or Leave it!

Steve Raybine:

Blog #11:

RAP:

Love it or Leave it!

I just don't get it music aficionados? I've listened to and analyzed more music than I ever thought possible in my lifetime, but what is the appeal of this inferior style of communication known as Rap? Did you notice that I refused to refer to it as music? For me, Rap just doesn't qualify as a musical form. What's that you say, Steve? Did we hear you correctly? You certainly did, my fellow blogsters. If you want to call Rap something else like rhymin' to a beat; spewing endless invectives; dancin' and jivein,' etc., I don't care, but please just don't refer to it as music.

Many of you have heard the statement, "You can't spell crap without rap," haven't you? I'll take a stand and say that's how I feel about this insipid, ridiculous and often times, offensive style of communicating. Is this gibberish the best stuff the music business can promote to people under the guise of being music? I think it's primarily a money-making machine for certain companies and artists that are musical pretenders, not contenders. Most great musicians past and present are undoubtedly retching when forced to contemplate Rap as a viable musical art form--excuse me while I throw-up in my throat. O.K., so maybe you're one of Rap's die-hard believers. You just don't GIT IT Steve, they say. Rap is a composite of multiple musical elements that depicts relevant social commentary about an entire generation. Right. And the gossip magazines in the grocery stores are great literature, too. Tell certain people something often enough and they'll believe anything. And, just because something's popular, doesn't mean it's good. Feasting on gummi bears is not exactly haute' cuisine or a sublime culinary experience.

Listen folks: I'm not exactly a musical neophyte, nor am I a musical snob. Although I don't particularly enjoy all styles of music, I don't consider them non-musical entities (some come pretty close for me, however). Hey, I can talk fast and I can rhyme--cleverly too, and within a complicated rhythmic structure (remember, I'm a drummer). Does that constitute some great gift? Should I be universally applauded and have riches bestowed upon me beyond my wildest imagination because I can do that? Seriously, is that equal to the hundreds of thousands of hours I've spent perfecting my performing skills and composing as a legitimate jazz artist? When the average Joe and Jane on the street can simulate a reasonable Rap, it's nothing more than a gimmick, it's not art. Singing out-of-tune doesn't make you a singer (at least a good one) and Rappin' doesn't make you a musician.

I realize that Rap utilizes a rhythmic base within the rhythm section instruments--generally ungodly repetitive and mundane, however. And, there is a chord or two that appears throughout the course of a Rap piece. Let's face it: Rap is not known for showcasing a series of mesmerizing chords or an interesting or complex chord progression--simple or simple-minded might be a more accurate description. The concept of a melody is generally lost on these rappers. They're known for talking, not singing or playing a memorable melody. Call me old-fashioned, but I'll take a melody every time. The reality is that it actually takes a modicum of talent to create a good melody.

As music has advanced throughout the ages, we've seen and/or heard performances that have left us inspired; awestruck; jubilant and generally overwhelmed. I am honored to be a part of the great legacy my musical forbears have left for me and for generations of appreciative audiences. Rap doesn't belong in the discussion of the esteemed musical tradition that has preceded us and continues to this day. If it's a distraction, then so be it, but please don't give it more credit than it deserves. It is, in fact, a mode of self-expression, which remarkably, many people find appealing. So be it. I, however, am forced to acknowledge Rap's presence, but it doesn't and won't earn my respect and consideration as a musical art form.

Copyright 2009 Steve Raybine

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Raybineisms': Part One

Steve Raybine:





Blog #10:





Raybineisms': Part One






I suppose that many educators (music and others) have their favorite "pet phrases" they use to convey their thoughts on a variety of subjects. Alas, I am no different as you will find in the following list that I've compiled over the years:






1.) "Win with grace and lose with dignity."


Don't brag when success comes your way and when you lose (it is inevitable, at least to some degree, unfortunately), do so with dignity--don't hold your head down in disgrace.






2.) "If you get fed, it's a good gig."


This saying dates back to my days as a young, semi-starving jazz artist working in Los Angeles. When you were paid and were also given a great meal, I considered it a good gig.






3.) "Fundamentals are mentally fun."


Approaching the fundamentals of music with a positive attitude can make them mentally fun to learn and to apply when practicing and performing.






4.) "When in doubt, write it out."


If you have difficulty figuring out a musical passage by ear, try writing it out in order to better understand it.






5.) "If you can say it, you can play it."


If you are able to articulate the musical passage, you should be able to play it. This process was introduced and reinforced to me while I studied at the Berklee College of Music while I was in high school.






6.) "Make it ping, ring and sing."


This statement is in reference to how I instruct my drumset students to approach making the ride cymbal sound while playing.






7.) "That's vibrafunky."


This is a little phrase I use to indicate if the music is funky. Of course, it partially includes the first two syllables of my instrument--the vibraphone, which is coupled with funky.






8.) "VisualEYES the music."


I use this statement to highlight the element of using your visual acuity with the other ensemble members when trying to take the music to a more profound level.






9.) "Mark what you like, and like what you mark."


I always have students mark their favorite musical passages that they will commit to memory. Prior to marking the passages, I sometimes preface it with the aforementioned statement.






10.) "You are in the sound business."


In the music field, people judge you by the quality of the 'sounds' that you create. Therefore, be mindful of the impact your sounds have on your audience(s) and your fellow musicians.






11.) "Attitude is everything."


If you want to succeed in the music business, make sure that you develop a positive, helpful and friendly attitude. Remember: people like to work with people that they like and that they feel comfortable being around. So, don't let a negative and irritable attitude turn people away from you--be a positive-thinking person and you'll do O.K.






12.) "Don't be a what-if person."


Don't live your life wondering what could have happened to you if only you had applied yourself. I highly recommend applying yourself in whatever field you choose for your career, so that you don't have to confront the 'what-if' scenario later in life.






13.) "Work it, don't shirk it."


When there is work to be done on the music, don't procrastinate--get to it.






14.) "Be a pro, put on a show."


Music professionals put on a great show for their audiences, so make sure that you 'deliver the musical goods' and entertain them.






15.) "When there are doubts, cast them out."


If you want to become successful in the music field or any profession for that matter, you must truly believe in your talents and your abilities. If you ever do doubt yourself, cast those doubts out of your mind, because they will undermine your progress and eventual success.






16.) "The walls have ears."


Be careful what you say and to whom you say it as conversations have a curious way of getting back to people.






17.) "Imitation leads to innovation."


Musical innovations are often the result of understanding and applying historically-significant musical concepts, styles and theoretical principles within a contemporary framework. Therefore, let your knowledge of the musical past influence and inspire your current musical ideas.






18.) "The three D's: discipline, determination and dedication will determine your fate."


If you embody these three personal characteristics in whatever you do, you will have some measure of success.






19.) "Life is a balancing act."


Balancing an active professional career with a fulfilling personal life will require that you 'juggle' many activities simultaneously, so be an effective multi-tasker.






20.) "Don't be a chump, be a champ."


If you try your very best to excel in all aspects of your life, you will undoubtedly experience much success and happiness.






21.) "I'm all alone by the vibraphone."


This is just a phrase I use to describe that I'm doing a lot of practicing on my instrument.






22.) "If you're tardy, you'll miss the party."


Don't be late for a musical engagement, otherwise you'll miss the show and that's unacceptable.






23.) "If you want to succeed, you've got to believe (in yourself and your abilities)."


When all things are said and done, success comes down to how much you believe in your talents and your potential.






24.) "Being honest is its own reward."


As long as you're an honest person, people will tend to appreciate your personal integrity, which should never be compromised. Achieving any measure of success without being an honest and forthright person is an empty victory.






25.) "Money is honey."


This brief phrase has inspired many of my students to appreciate the value of earning money with their musical talent.





Copyright 2007 Steve Raybine


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Savor the Mindful Moments

Steve Raybine:



Blog #9:



Savor the Mindful Moments




In one of my previous blogs, I discussed musical promises gone awry. Today, I want to speak about the positive thing(s) that are currently happening within your career and/or personal life on a daily basis. I believe that it is important to spend some time appreciating the many things that you are grateful for (Buddhists refer to this as Mindful Moments). When we are truly grateful for something or someone that is enriching our life, we tend to radiate this feeling of inner well-being that we're experiencing. Let's take a second and list something(s) that may be occurring within your life that warrants an appreciative mindful moment:




A.) Musical Mindful Moments:



1.) You are performing with a talented band that enhances your unique creativity.



2.) You are receiving a steady paycheck for your performing or music teaching abilities.



3.) You've just purchased a new instrument that has taken you a long time to afford.



4.) You've just finished recording a new CD.


5.) Your music is being played on numerous radio stations on the internet.


6.) Another musician has asked you to be a guest artist on their CD.


7.) You just played one of the best gigs in your career.



8.) You signed a contract for a lucrative musical engagement in the future.



9.) You are becoming an in-demand music performer in your area.



10.) You've been asked to tour with a band throughout the United States...for excellent financial compensation.



11.) You have an opportunity to promote yourself and your music on television.  
 

12.) You've managed to sell some old musical equipment for an adequate price.
 

13.) There was a substantial article about your performances in one of the local newspapers.



14.) A respected agent or manager is interested in signing you as an artist.



15.) You've just sold 25 CD's at your latest gig.



16.) You've written a new song, which your band really likes playing.



17.) You just received a royalty check for radio play.


18.) You've been asked to sub for a performer in a high-profile band.



19.) A television show or movie wants to use one of your songs in a project.



20.) You're finally making enough money to quit your non-musical day job--Whoopee!


---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


B.) Personal Mindful Moments :





1.) You're finally feeling healthy after being sick for awhile.





2.) You have loyal friends who like you for who you are.




3.) You realize how much you love your family and how grateful you are for them.





4.) You've just experienced a beautiful moment in nature.





5.) You're grateful that you have a moment to relax after a hectic day.





6.) You've just eaten a fantastic meal.





7.) Something made you laugh, which triggered laughter in the people around you.





8.) You've just done a kind deed for a stranger.




9.) Your favorite television show was especially funny and/or interesting tonight.




10.) You finally got a good night's sleep.





11.) Some good news just happened to one of your friends.





12.) One of your student's just did something really well and you're especially proud of him/her.





13.) Your son or daughter just received an excellent grade on a very difficult test.





14.) Your parent(s) are coming to visit your family.





15.) You've lost some weight.





16.) You're getting a new pet today.




17.) You're about to celebrate someone's birthday that means a lot to you.





18.) You've finally finished the big project that you've been working on for weeks.





19.) You're about to get some needed exercise.




20.) Tomorrow you're leaving on a vacation, which makes you extremely happy.


---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------





I think it's important to acknowledge and at the very least, appreciate the many mindful moments that come to us on any given day. Some of these moments may be larger or smaller in scope than others, but it doesn't really make them any less poignant. Responding to these inner awakenings of higher consciousness may help us to ultimately appreciate our own lives and the lives of those around us on a more profound level. May you thoroughly enjoy your next....... mindful.......moment. Peace.





Copyright 2009 Steve Raybine


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Contemporary Freelance Musicians: Can You Make a Living in Music?

Steve Raybine

Blog #8:

Contemporary Freelance Musicians:

Can You Make a Living in Music?

Freelance musicians: if you haven't figured it out yet, you're in for a potential 'rocky road' trying to earn a living in contemporary music. What's that you say, Steve? You mean that there's more to just playing my instrument or composing my music in order to make money in the music field? Unfortunately, that's exactly what I'm saying to you my dear colleagues, friends and super-star wannabe's. Simply put, this is not a career for the faint-of-heart, but a career for the self-motivated; undeterred; multi-talented; persistent; goal-oriented (often times a bit unrealistic); business-savvy person who loves music to the core of their being and won't let anyone or anything stop them from pursuing music. Do you fit this profile? If not, maybe you should save yourself years of anguish and quasi-poverty and try a more stable and lucrative profession? I'm not trying to be mean, but just brutally honest--music is an extremely competitive, complex and difficult profession.

Honestly, the music business or music industry is one of the toughest fields that you could choose for your career. Music performance is ultra-competitive amongst the talented professional musicians, not to mention the marginally-talented amateurs. Also, it is often an occupation where logical outcomes (non-linear--not cause-and-effect oriented) can be a relatively rare occurrence, not to mention a financial drain on your savings. One is constantly investing money in multiple projects or necessities (recording your own CD's; music equipment; press materials; etc.) in order to further your career and reputation. Over the last nine years, I have easily invested over $100,000.00 in my music, which isn't chump change. In most businesses or careers, if you work a certain amount of time each week, your paycheck reflects the amount of time you worked. In the freelance music world, your work hours are generally erratic and your paycheck varies weekly, which can cause you and your family much financial distress. Is there a solution to this potential dilemma? Yes! I recommend considering having back-up plans, which may enable you to pursue your music while you augment it with one of the following plans:

Backup Plans:

1.) Be a music teacher, either vocationally or avocationally. Some people, such as myself, maintain their own teaching studio (I teach 40-50 students per week). Others, teach students in a music store or within an academic environment.

2.) Become a recording engineer and establish your own studio or work for someone else's recording studio. In both instances, you will have the opportunity of generating supplemental income, which is your prime objective (and recording some great music, too).

3.) Find work in some other music-related area such as music retail; DJ work (the world just can't have enough DJ's); music printing; music publishing; music advertising; etc. Hopefully, one of these areas will yield income for you.

4.) Get a "regular job" outside of music. I know many talented musicians that work a day job in all sorts of areas. By doing so, it will give you the financial flexibility of pursuing your music on your own terms.

I counsel all of my performance-oriented students to carefully examine the pros and cons of a career in music prior to entering college. I believe it's important to make a well-informed decision before investing thousands of dollars pursuing music performance vocationally. I also recommend that you speak with professionals within the music field that can give you guidance and information that may prove helpful when contemplating a career in music. If music is your choice, I wish you much success and a relatively steady paycheck. Don't forget: devise a back-up plan, because you may need one...or two.

Copyright 2009 Steve Raybine

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Promises, Promises

Steve Raybine

Blog # 7;

Promises, Promises

Have you ever been promised a gig with a band only to have it never materialize? How about a tour that fell through even though it was a 'sure thing?' Did anyone ever promise you a recording session, but it mysteriously faded into oblivion? These and other similar ill-fated scenarios happen all the time within the music business. Are people overtly lying to you or are you just the recipient of bad luck? Perhaps we should examine these situations more closely in order to flesh-out the truth or non-truth as it were.

After 30 years in the music business, I think I've perhaps heard it all. I can remember 6 different tours of Japan that were promised to my band during my twenties that all fell through--Yikes! How could I have been so naive? Of course, most performing musicians have been promised a gig they wanted, only to have it fall through. And, many musicians lost out on a recording session they counted on, but it didn't work out for one reason or another. So, what's the deal?

1.) Promising people something they want is a time-honored tradition in business, and music is a business--don't forget that! This methodology keeps people interested in you and/or their services and possibly their product. Many times the offer is legitimate and falls through for unforeseen circumstances. However, sometimes it's a way to 'string-you-along,' so that you remain invested (in some capacity) with the person or the organization. So, is the person being disingenuous with you? Maybe yes, maybe no? If you recognize a pattern of failed business ventures with certain people, I recommend you look elsewhere for business opportunities--you're wasting your time and mental energy.

2.) Unfortunately, some people make promises that have no truth value whatsoever. They'll say anything just to get you off their back. Then, you fall into the "waiting mode," only to become disappointed when things don't materialize with that person. Don't let yourself be deceived, nor become so gullible that you'll naively believe whatever people tell you regardless of the truth value. When you're young or new to the business world, one tends to be overly eager and perhaps somewhat desperate for things to happen immediately in one's career. Many times, things or circumstances you want to happen do so gradually over time. I've always said, "Patience is its own reward." Waiting for something you truly want is never easy, but that may be, and probably is, the reality of the situation. Moreover, things may still not work out over time--there's rarely a guarantee for the contemporary freelance musician.

3.) Some people make promises because they just don't have it within themselves to give you sad or unfortunate news. It is really not their intention to lie to you, give you false hope or to 'string-you-along' per se,'-- they are simply unable to tell you to your face that something you want to have happen, just isn't going to work out between the two of you or between you and their organization. I know, big bummer! "Why can't they just be straight with me and tell me the truth?" Why, because they just can't--they don't deal with potential conflict well. They probably don't want to hurt your feelings or to disappoint you. Heck, maybe they even like you and don't want to damage the relationship. I've come to believe that many people are truly incapable of telling someone bad news and then having to deal with the inevitable awkward situation that follows. Let's face it, none of us wants to hear bad news (you're not going on the tour; you lost the gig; the recording session fell through; I can't play on your CD; etc.) or be the person telling someone bad news. I actually had some anonymous record executive from New York City once tell me that I should "thank him" for telling me that he wasn't interested in signing me to a recording deal--he obviously was the polar opposite of those individuals who go out of their way to avoid telling you unpleasant news. Wow!

Disappointment is a reality within the music business--there's really no way to avoid it if you stay in it long enough. How you deal with disappointment and whether you allow yourself to be manipulated or duped by certain people and circumstances are the critical factors here. I make it a habit of being honest with people in a kind, respectful and direct manner--I don't want someone to tell other people that my word is not reliable. Hopefully, you won't become so cynical that you never trust anyone--that's not good, either. However, I encourage you to accurately assess the situation and to see it for what it truly is, which by the way, can be difficult. Generally, people's motives and circumstances reveal themselves overtime, so be optimistically cautious--not overly naive, which I was when I first entered the music business.

Copyright 2009 Steve Raybine

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The Amateur Hour

Steve Raybine:


Blog #6;


The Amateur Hour






Back in the day, Ted Mack's Amateur Hour television show featured talented new performers demonstrating their musical skills, etc. This was a positive environment for these up-and-coming performers (talented amateurs/pre-experts) to make their entree into the professional world of the entertainment business. In contemporary music, however, we see a plethora of unskilled amateurs polluting the marketplace. Frequently, we are all privy to watching and/or listening to these inferior musicians who obviously have not studied and practiced their craft. This trend has disturbed me for quite some time as the prevailing tendency within the music business often features and applauds style over substance.






How has this artistic travesty happened? Who are these pretenders that fancy themselves credible and competent musicians? Do these individuals mistakenly think that anyone who picks up an instrument can actually play it well? They are most likely people who cut corners in life and don't want to put in the time and effort to learn how to become skilled instrumentalists--that would actually take years of preparation and training. Unfortunately, their performing skills are simultaneously laughable and pathetic. They have absolutely no criterion for what constitutes true talent as they routinely embarrass themselves on bandstands across the world. I wish I had a dollar for every incompetent drummer, guitarist or vocalist I've seen perform--I could have retired long ago.






Money, no doubt, is the root cause of this musical debacle. Over time, some recording companies have obviously decided that a good-looking woman or man on stage equals an influx of dollars for their company. Alternatively, screaming, shrieking vocalists are a freak show that certain audiences find mysteriously appealing and intriguing. I assume that these are the same people that attend grotesque horror movies for shock value--a truly bewildering scenario? Granted, there is no accounting for taste, but considering how inundated the entertainment business is with lesser talents, is the average listener even capable of appreciating true talent anymore? The perpetual erosion of talent standards has been so prevalent that many audiences have come to expect mediocre performances as the norm.






The American Federation of Musicians (AFM) union has tried to maintain certain professional standards within its membership over time. In many instances, the poorly-trained amateur musicians have decided not to join the AFM, which has caused a schism between these two entities. The vast polarity between professional and unprofessional musicians seems to be an ever-widening gap, which has resulted in a stark contrast of musical standards. Some club owners, for instance, have been known to exploit the amateur musicians, as they are eager to perform for little or no monetary compensation. The club owner makes money by having a live band or bands performing within their establishment(s), but frequently, little thought is given to the artistic merit of these bands and whether they truly deserve to be performing before an audience . This situation perpetuates a dumbing-down of true musical talent. Professional musicians are contractually bound to perform for an agreed-upon wage or pay structure that is in accordance with the AFM bylaws. In some states, however, the AFM can't enforce these rules as it might be a right-to-work state that doesn't require musicians to be members of the American Federation of Musicians. In those situations, the amateurs may choose not to join the AFM and decide to play for whatever compensation (or lack thereof) that they so choose. Obviously, this is a bad precedent that has been established in clubs throughout cities within the United States.






In summation, we, the audiences, have been and continue to be exploited by the unskilled and incompetent amateurs/nonprofessional-oriented musicians of the world. Their handiwork appears on CD's; radio; television; DVD's; clubs; concert venues; etc. They are a nuisance not only to professional musicians, but to the talented, artistically-motivated amateur musicians that will one day become viable and well-established professionals themselves. What can we do about it? Well, don't buy their product or support their performances--that would be a good start. Call your local radio stations and ask to hear music that doesn't insult your musical intelligence. I don't mind contenders in my field, but I definitely have no patience with the amateur "pretenders" that have infiltrated the music business. We have a very long way to go before we regain our collective musical standards, but it has to start somewhere... and with someone.






Copyright 2009 Steve Raybine


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