The Modern Musician Show with Colin Thomson

015: The Hustle with Concert Composer Shawn Okpebholo

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Shawn E. Okpebholo is a widely sought-after and award-winning composer, whose music can be characterized as diverse, dynamic, and genuine – comfortably composing in various styles and genres. His music has been performed all over the world, in five continents, in over thirty states, and in nearly every major U.S. city. He earned his masters and doctoral degrees in composition from the University of Cincinnati, College-Conservatory of Music where he also studied music theory. He currently teaches music composition at the Wheaton College Conservatory of music.

Key Take Aways:
  • Understand and be fully aware that making a living as a musician is a lot of hard work. This doesn't mean you shouldn't pursue it, but you must understand this
  • Ask a LOT of questions. Always be curious. The person who is the most curious will often get the furthest
  • Don't be afraid to call people - even your heroes - and ask for advice
  • You must not be afraid of failure. If something seems like a long shot - just give it a try!
  • Rejection is fine - and will be a big part of your career
  • Try to connect and work with the next big players, rather than spending too much time reaching too high
  • Money is not the only form of compensation - so understand the value of opportunities, and take that into account when considering taking work for less than you would normally charge
  • Know yourself, and when you do your best work, and don't let anything get in the way of your productivity during that time. Everyone is different, so know yourself
  • If you can respect someone that has different convictions from you, that goes a long way

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    Recommended Book: "This Business of Music" by M. William Krasilovsky

     

    Learn more about Dr. Shawn Okpebholo:

    Website: ShawnOkpebholo.com

    SoundCloud: SoundCloud.com/Shawn-E-Okpebholo

    FaceBook: FaceBook.com/ShawnOkpebholoMusic

    Twitter: Twitter.com/ShawnOkpebholo

     

     

    Featured Artist: The Little Family Band
    Song: "Where The Sirens Sing At Night"

    Website: TheLittleFamilyBand.com
    Facebook: FaceBook.com/TheLittleFamilyBand
    Instagram: @LittleFamilyBand

    If you would like to be considered for featured artist, email music submissions [email protected]

     

    Shownotes: modernmusician.co/015

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    The Modern Musician Show with Colin ThomsonBy Colin Thomson interviews musicians and entertainers like Bryan Callen and Bobby Owsinski , to get advice on what musicians should be doing today. Tim Ferriss, Seth Godin, and Justin Timberlake should also come on the show, as well as Taylor Swift, Justin