It’s important to note that all great musicians have “studied” music. The degree to which that “study” has been formal, or qualifies as training, varies from musician to musician and probably matters little in terms of aesthetic effect. I should note that when I say “musician,” I am including not only the standard definition but also engineers, producers and everyone else who is involved in making aesthetic decisions. more...

Many people have different definitions of what makes a successful music career. One obvious answer is whether one can sustain themselves financially on their earnings as a musician. When I moved to Chicago in 1995 after completing a classical voice degree from the University of Iowa, I gave myself a three year deadline: If I couldn’t make a living as a musician, then it wasn’t meant to be and I’d try something else. more...

My idea of success has changed significantly over the 22 years that I have been making my living through music. I felt successful when I was 21 years old and playing in the Chicago subway. It was there, and on the Chicago streets in the bitter months of winter, where I learned to sing Blues and Soul music, both in solo and ensemble settings. Making enough money to buy dinner and have a delicious beer or two felt like success. more...

Lawyers for the Creative Arts (LCA) is the only provider of pro bono legal services to the arts in this area. [Pro bono means "free."] I don't have a story as such; I have a plea to the arts community, based on hundreds of stories told by the artists who come to us for help. more...