Art Connection Versus Business Connection

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Posted by cnsayer on Thursday, March 18, 2010

I find it challenging to try to balance the artistic and business sides of my career. It almost feels like there is some kind of right brain versus left brain disconnect that discourages the transition between the two. Maybe you professional players, whether full or part-time, can relate.

Sometimes for me everything is about the artistic side of things. I care enormously about continuing to grow as a player and developing various ongoing creative projects. I experience incredible highs when a gig makes that special connection. I enjoy unexpected rewards from teaching, look forward to exploring new material, and love the adventure aspect of jazz. These kinds of things are why I chose to be a musician to begin with, and why I continue with it.

And sometimes it’s all about the business side of things. I must generate business in order to earn my living and pay my bills, just like other business owners. (Yes, I have the help of a manager, but as you freelancers know, work can come from diverse sources, and it all requires much time and attention to keep it going.) There are interesting and stimulating aspects to the business side that I genuinely like, and other aspects I sure would do without if only I could.

Yet when I’m creatively involved, it is a disruptive frustration to need to tend to business. And when I’m involved in business, I sometimes feel an uncomfortable disconnect from my art. I assume this is probably common for those working in any of the arts.....

2 comments on “Art Connection Versus Business Connection”

racer Says:
Thursday, March 18, 2010 @5:14:34 PM

i am not a professional player i do not want to be i do have good business sense and if you are that talented you have to have a good manager you should however stay on top of whats going on you must put all or most of your trust in this person to guide your career so you can be creative it is a wonderful gift you have been given try to stay on top of it if he is a good manager let him take more of the load i know its hard for you now you are trying to pull the cart both ways i think it will all change shortly for the better you are at the stage a lot of talented people are in survival and the love of music only your heart will tell you which way to go good luck ron