Singing As A Spiritual Practice

SURVIVING THE BUSINESS OF ART, PART 1

As a dedicated jazz musician, I continually work at pursuing the truth in my music as well as in my life. It has been very difficult to create a balance between business and art, but after many years of struggle I have now come to a place of understanding and empowerment. While we all want recognition and exposure of our work, it is important to learn to measure one's success by the creation of the "art" itself.

In most artistic careers, there is a tremendous pressure to live up to an established standard, very often one of "greatness." An artist is constantly measuring their self-worth by the trappings of outward success. If a gifted painter has not been shown at at a prestigious gallery, she can feel like a failure, as can an unpublished writer, or a musician who has never signed with a major record label. When success is based on sold-out concert halls and mega record sales, for example, an artist can lose sight of their artistic goals and endanger the creative process. Most industries selling "art" are very concerned with image and marketability, playing it very safe and allowing for little risk-taking. Art becomes a formula to be repeated over and over, establishing a climate of mediocrity, which discourages unique and passionate expression. Since most young artists lack the confidence that comes with experience, their fears of being different become heightened, making them pliable and more easily manipulated.

How then does a young hopeful survive the "business of art"? First and foremost: to thine own self be true. Take the appropriate steps toward emotional growth so you can learn to trust your own ideas, and ask for what you want. Face your inner fears and rid your mind of the voices of judgment that so many of us suffer from. As you become more defined as an individual, your work will reflect this growth. The overall experience will provide a better opportunity for you to be accepted for your own unique style, rather than being forced into a remake of an already marketed one. By maintaining a faithful balance between emotional growth and technical advancement in your area of expertise, you can keep the doors open to creative exploration for an entire lifetime.

The second most important rule for survival is acknowledging your successes and remaining very present in your life. I will develop this thought in Part Two of Surviving The Business of Art.