Dream a little dream...

Director of Artist Relations for Yamaha Artist Services John Wittmann visited Michigan State University on Wed, giving a joint presentation with his colleague, Program Manager Jalissa Gascho. They hit on many elements of musicianship, self awareness and branding ideologies during their hour masterclass.

On the ride home, my wife Gwen mentioned one of the nuggets of advice from John… “make sure you make time to dream” or, something like that. She was telling me that her it resonated with her as a teenager back in the day, that she DID dream of reaching specific goals, namely a life playing music as a soloist and ensemble member, with a family, and a way to put the family first while doing what she loved- music. I told her, “well, sounds like you are living your dream” and, simply, she agreed.

My story is eerily similar. Maybe that’s how we found each other.

I wonder if my teachers could see my dreams alive in me? Or, on me like a coat and hat. Who knows how dreams look… But, I knew then and certainly now in hindsight: It is my dream-come-true to be a musican. And, I didn’t have my successes served up to me on a silver platter… so to speak.

This gets lost in translation all the time: No matter how EASY it may seem to me when I play the trombone, trust me - this stuff ain’t easy. It wasn’t easy when I was learning how to do it, either. I have to focus like a chess master every time I play, and hear the sound I want in my head like clockwork. Then, I’d listen to Wycliffe Gordon and Conrad Herwig and think to myself, “well, THAT will never happen, uhhh..” But, I had a response to this.

I dreamt of playing like my heroes. I had BIG dreams of traveling the world with my trombone, playing all kinds of music. Rather than work at IHOP, or JC Penney’s like I did as a teen, I never wanted to do regular work again- I had this crazy dream that I’d use music as my goods and services.

It’s those DREAMS that kept me open-minded and searching for the musical and technical answers to my instrument. There’s no fuel like a fertile imagination. I love it. So I say to you, if you haven ‘t done so lately- write down your dreams. I’ll share my 17 year old dreams with you to get started.

Dreams

I want to be a modern-day Curtis Fuller trombonist extraordinaire, and do what he does in the music world.

It’s my dream to see the world.

I want my family to be kept together and strong with positivity, and change the cycle of conflict and separation from my upbringing..

I want to make a CD recording and have someone listen to and enjoy it.

4 simple but powerful dreams that I’m working on achieving and maintaining. They were a beacon for me as a kid. Dreams are deep - they can be on the open side or very specific. Try revisiting yours if it has been a minute. When I touch base with mine, they have a way of stabilizing me.

zzzzz,

MD