Bread.

I struggled a great deal about what I could write about this week, until I saw this blog discussion over at Ian Carey's blog on the topic of funding of jazz music, the decline in playing venues and the general ability to make a living as a jazz musician. Or as many of us like to say, earning our "Bread." The topic as also spilled over to Patrick Jarenwattananon's A Blog Supreme at NPR. Highlighted were two major donations at both Drake University and an anonymous donation of $20 million towards Bay Area presenter SFJazz's new concert hall.

This brought up the question from both blogs; Would that kind of money be more beneficial spread out into smaller venues for the average jazz musician, than put into one large facility for the larger name touring artists? It's a tough question to ask, because as others have pointed out, getting any funding at all is a blessing. However, it is extremely important for any musician, let alone a jazzer, to work in front of an audience. It builds confidence, and it's a great way to practice one's art.

I think the idea is great, but I don't see it catching on anytime soon. Donors, I imagine, like to see their money in action, and large scale institutes provide that for them. More importantly, I think musicians need to work on the marketing side of their craft. I believe that at least 75% of a musician's success financially is presenting yourself in a business sense. So much of what I've learned and continue to learn to this day about playing music still leads back to the basic business practices; showing up on time, dressed for the gig, and knowing ones part. And for bandleaders, it's about presenting a product to the audience. Having a 'dress' code, looking active and involved in your music, and having a sustained relationship with the audience. They are there for us, and we should reward them for showing up and listening. A good time spreads quickly, and if you seem to be having one, I bet your audience will too. If you talk to your audience, if you get them involved mentally while the music is off, they will be more likely to stay engaged when the music is playing.

I guess what I mean to say through all of this is that the jazz community, and really the music community in general, shouldn't be waiting for the day when the funding and money start rolling in. We should be actively seeking it, looking for ways to fill the seats and tables and keep folks coming back for more. I don't think it's going to be given to us. I think we need to earn it.

Feel free to post your thoughts, and check out the links I posted, as much better writers than I put far better than I can.

-Slide Funk