Internationally acclaimed guitarist Corey Christiansen joins me to discuss the best ways we can support and grow isolated music communities. He also shares advice on what music school can and can’t do for you, his passion for BAM, what it takes to be a “jazz artist”, and some pro-tips on travel and gig etiquette.
“If it was required for everybody before they started their UN meeting to play a couple choruses of Blues together the world would be a better place.“
Listen
Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Google Play • YouTube
Actionable Advice
- As musicians there’s a responsibility to present the music at the highest level possible. We have to be honest about what those levels are. Every musician is important, and we all have access to the same amount of joy in a musical moment. It’s also true that not all musicians are presenting music at the same level. Celebrate the artists in your community who are closer to the source!
- There’s a huge deference between being a musician that plays Jazz and being a Jazz Musician. That’s not up for me to say who those people are or what the criteria is. But I think it’s good to ask that question to yourself if you’re trying to be a Jazz Musician… I think it’s an elite club.
- I didn’t have enough answers in my current zip code. So I made a sacrifice to move somewhere else that would get me deeper, and safe to say more close to the source, answers.
- When I had opportunities to perform I hired older musicians to be in my band. There were a lot of reasons for this, but the most selfish one was I wanted the lessons. I might forego some of the pay to make it work to have a more seasoned player on the gig. Many older musicians are still hustling to play as often as possible. You’d be surprised the level of musicians you can get if you pay them a fair wage.
- Volunteer to check your other bags at the airport so you can keep your instrument. You have to give a little to get a little.
- A music degree is like a ticket to the dance. Now you get to show up and be with the other dancers, but it doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve even danced yet. The best way to learn how to dance is to have a great dance partner that knows how to dance. Outside of getting a professor position, a music degree is most valuable to those who grew up without constant access to world class artists in their desired field.
- I always tip the full amount or more on a free meal. That person is trying to make a living too. It goes deeper than that too. Sometimes they are friends with the club owner. How many times has the waitstaff not liked the band and all of a sudden that band loses the gig?
Also Mentioned
- Corey Christiansen: Website, Facebook, Instagram
- Dave Liebman
- Vic Juris
- Michael Spiro
- Origin Records
- Freakonomics: How To Change Your Mind
- Frank Lloyd Wright (architect)
- Steve Houghton
- Jack Petersen
- Schools: IU, USF, Berklee, UNT, Utah State
- Willie Akins
- Danny Gottlieb
- David Halliday
- Jazz at The Rabbit Hole
- Freddie Hubbard