When learning to get really good at something such as an instrument or songwriting. Practice makes perfect is often what we say. We are striving for perfection in order to bring out the best we possibly can in ourselves as artists. But in business, being a perfectionist can often slow down your ability to grow. As your music business grows, you eventually will have too many things that need attending that you simply cannot do alone and be forced to release some control, even if you still believe you can do it best. Today we are going to talk through where being a perfectionist helps you thrive as a musician and areas where it limits growth, so, stick around.The People’s Music School is the only completely FREE music school serving Chicago metropolitan area children. Music inspires young minds to reach beyond the boundaries of their world. It offers limitless possibilities for creativity, achievement and growth – socially, emotionally and intellectually. They invite you to explore the myriad of ways The People’s Music School provides access to music for youth in their community.They operate with a lean staff; faculty members who are professionally trained and actively performing across Chicago, the country, and the world; and the equivalent of 20 full-time jobs through family volunteer hours – a full-community effort to support their students! Learn more at: https://peoplesmusicschool.org/Connect with us at: https://www.musicianstipjar.com/ or send an email to [email protected] Intro & Outro Music Donated by: The Magi https://www.themagimusic.com Intro Read by: David “DJ” Lee of The Magi https://soundcloud.com/rockababyrock Picture by: Kit Chalberg https://kitchalberg.com/https://www.musicianstipjar.com/

“Someone is sitting in the shade of a tree today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.” -Warren Buffett There is one thing most older people say about their investments is that they wish they had started sooner. And that’s what we focus on today, giving everyone here access and an introduction into some very simple options to get your investment funding started. Just like those helpful AI drummers in your DAW to get you started on that artistic breakthrough, AI investing can break through that huge wall of getting started in your retirement funding. We are going to discuss investing in yourself and the markets Founded in 1979, Swallow Hill Music began as an outgrowth of the Denver Folklore Center, a music store in Denver’s Swallow Hill neighborhood that offered music lessons and performances to the community in the 1960s and 1970s.Swallow Hill is a community for individuals and families who want to learn about, listen to and perform music. We host exceptional musical experiences featuring world-class artists who enrich the local arts scene and range from noteworthy local performers to seasoned national and international acts. Our music school welcomes students into an inclusive community where they make social connections through music. With more than 200,000 musical connections made each year, Swallow Hill is building a dynamic and innovative community of music listeners and learners.https://swallowhillmusic.org/Connect with us at: https://www.musicianstipjar.com/ or send an email to [email protected] Intro & Outro Music Donated by: The Magi https://www.themagimusic.com Intro Read by: David “DJ” Lee of The Magi https://soundcloud.com/rockababyrock Picture by: Kit Chalberg https://kitchalberg.com/https://www.musicianstipjar.com/

We live in a very material world, and we are all material girls. We want it now. But the greatest success stories in life never happen that way. They require a much deeper dedication to building something of value. There is plenty of time to scale up your lifestyle after your number one hit single or at least when you get that first six figure year from your music business. Don’t let debt and lack of a solid strategy hold you back from being full time in your dream job. There is a general formula to financial success and sustainability. Let’s learn from some of the musical greats on these money matters...https://www.civicmusicmilwaukee.org/103 Years of Nurturing the Passion for Music Making!CIVIC MUSIC MKE directly serves hundreds of young musicians and music educators each year through educational experiences, scholarship programs, performance opportunities and award recognition. Hundreds more are touched indirectly through connections made within the community of Milwaukee musicians, music teachers, and arts organizations.The arts enrich all our lives. Attend an event, make a nomination, get involved or make a donation. Share the joy of music. Every gift of time or money is an investment in our community. Learn more at https://www.civicmusicmilwaukee.org/Connect with us at: https://www.musicianstipjar.com/ or send an email to [email protected] Intro & Outro Music Donated by: The Magi https://www.themagimusic.com Intro Read by: David “DJ” Lee of The Magi https://soundcloud.com/rockababyrock Picture by: Kit Chalberg https://kitchalberg.com/https://www.musicianstipjar.com/

We have had a lot of great interview episodes lately here on musicians Tip Jar and today is no exception. It’s true that the more we can learn from others in our community the better. Especially from those who are not only willing to share their stories but also help prevent others from making the same mistakes. This show has always been about having those conversations, about having people in our corner to set us up for success and prosperity. We are excited to share Jared Judge’s story and resulting solution, Booklive Pro https://www.booklivepro.com/Bringing together Milwaukee, Wisconsin’S city’s leaders in the arts, business, and civic communities, Imagine MKE is guided by a shared agenda that is rooted in the belief that arts and culture have the power to transform Milwaukee. They believe that having their city’s artists and arts organizations at leadership tables and regarded as key partners will create a thriving, inclusive, and vibrant city where their friends and neighbors have a healthy and vibrant place to live, work, and create.Learn more at Imaginemke.orgConnect with us at: https://www.musicianstipjar.com/ or send an email to [email protected] Intro & Outro Music Donated by: The Magi https://www.themagimusic.com Intro Read by: David “DJ” Lee of The Magi https://soundcloud.com/rockababyrock Picture by: Kit Chalberg https://kitchalberg.com/https://www.musicianstipjar.com/

“How much do you usually charge?” We all have to face this question in our music business. It’s a question that despite its frequency, We still hesitate to answer or at least it feels like it is an answer we are still not sure of. There are always variables that make the correct number change but today we are going to help you know your numbers and create a rate guide. Let’s do this!Founded in 1991, Education Through Music (ETM) promotes and supports music instruction in disadvantaged schools in order to enhance students' academic performance and general development. ETM forms long-term partnerships with under-resourced elementary and middle schools that lack the resources to develop school-wide music programs. Learn more at https://etmonline.org“Until you value yourself, you won’t value your time. Until you value your time, you will not do anything with it.”- M. Scott PeckConnect with us at: https://www.musicianstipjar.com/ or send an email to [email protected] Intro & Outro Music Donated by: The Magi https://www.themagimusic.com Intro Read by: David “DJ” Lee of The Magi https://soundcloud.com/rockababyrock Picture by: Kit Chalberg https://kitchalberg.com/https://www.musicianstipjar.com/

We are all familiar with doubt in our lives, sometimes it is obvious, other times it’s hidden in our self-sabotage. It can be action or inaction. It can also spread like a virus through false belief and inaccurate ideas or myths. Well, we are here to offer a cure, and no, it’s not more cowbell.https://reverb.orgREVERB was founded in 2004 by environmentalist Lauren Sullivan and her musician husband, Adam Gardner of Guster. While Lauren was seeing the power musicians brought to environmental campaigns when she was working at the Rainforest Action Network, Adam was feeling badly about the size of his band’s environmental footprint on tour.After speaking to a number of other touring musicians who felt the same way, they decided to form REVERB. Lauren reached out to Bonnie Raitt’s manager, Kathy Kane after seeing Bonnie’s Green Highway tour which was an earth-friendly tour that educated fans at shows. REVERB was initially a project of Kathy and Bonnie’s ARIA Foundation until it grew into it’s own 501c3 organization.REVERB’s early artist partners were Dave Matthews Band, Jack Johnson, Maroon 5, John Mayer and Barenaked Ladies–and continue to work with all of them to this day. Check out REVERB.ORG for more informationLet’s start by diving into the myths we have heard over the years about musicians and money. This is in no way a complete list but is in fact an ever growing one. One thing we artists have proven good at it’s making shit up! Myths about Musicians and Money:Unless you’re famous your brokeMusicians can't make middle classes wagesMusicians can’t get home loans1099s are so importantMusicians can’t retire so don’t plan on itBeing a musician isn’t a sustainable life choice Musicians can’t have healthy family livesOnly super talented become successful Taking money for commercial work is sell outCovering other people’s music is selling outWriting music for money is selling out (Paul McCartney ex) - There is no such thing as selling out, except selling out of something, like tickets or merch, which is very real. And very awesome.musicians get no tax breaksAs a musician it’s better to not claim your income.WRONGGGGSince there is so much work I need to do on my music biz it’s better to just not do any Every musician is different, no two are exactly the same, just like our fingerprints, we all have something unique. Find the place of your work you really love and grow from there. Don’t start from these places of myths.Connect with us at: https://www.musicianstipjar.com/ or send an email to [email protected] Intro & Outro Music Donated by: The Magi https://www.themagimusic.com Intro Read by: David “DJ” Lee of The Magi https://soundcloud.com/rockababyrock Picture by: Kit Chalberg https://kitchalberg.com/https://www.musicianstipjar.com/

Quote:“It’s not about how much money you make, it’s about how much you keep and how hard it works for you” Robert kiyosaki The statistics concerning our use of money are not particularly good, especially in the artistic world. Today we are going to refocus to the core concept of this show and give you conversation starters for you to bring to the guitar center acoustic guitar room. Btw, I am on the hunt for more stats if anyone out there has articles or study’s to share it would be a great help to the cause. But let’s talk about where we are at with money and 10 money convos to have with your fellow musiciansNearly 70% of Americans have less than $1,000 in savings.25% of Americans have no savings at all.The average U.S. household owes $7,149 in credit card debt.40% of Americans spend up to half of their income servicing debt.Less than 1/3 of Americans use a budget.As musicians we can sing a song that is so personal to our innermost feelings but clam up when talking about our finances. Just as a song lyric can be said in a way that inspires others, so can healthy money conversations. And the bottom line is if we don’t get control of our finances our dream to be a musician, an artist, an entrepreneur can become unsustainable. Let’s not let each other lose our dreams because of bad financial management.We need to have these conversations with each other, to learn from each other. So here are 10 conversation starters to have while you sit around for 2-hours after the unnecessarily early soundcheck.10 musicians and money Convo starters:1. About what percentage of your income do you take home and what do you keep in the business? How did you decide on that amount?2. Do you have a monthly payment on your equipment or gear? how did you decide how much you were going to spend?3. Are you currently saving money for retirement? Are you happy with how much you are saving? When did you start?4. Do you have health insurance? Can I ask how much you pay for it?5. are you doing anything to pay it off school loans, credit cards, car loans or other unsecured debt early?6. Do you set a financial budget for your biz? What has worked well for you?7. Do you have a process you use for decisions on accepting/bidding on work?8. Do you invest any money in real estate or the stock market? Where do you go to find advice?9. What is the best piece of financial advice you’ve ever received?10. What something you have learned from your financial experience in the music business?Connect with us at: https://www.musicianstipjar.com/ or send an email to [email protected] Intro & Outro Music Donated by: The Magi https://www.themagimusic.com Intro Read by: David “DJ” Lee of The Magi https://soundcloud.com/rockababyrock Picture by: Kit Chalberg https://kitchalberg.com/https://www.musicianstipjar.com/

Quote:“In school, you're taught a lesson and then given a test. In life, you're given a test that teaches you a lesson.” -Tom Bodett “Don’t let hard lessons harden your heart” -Carlos A. Rodriguez Some of the most valuable lessons in life often come the hard way or at least it can feel hard to accept them. Even when we know these lessons to be true, we resist their reality as we want a different one. Sometimes our resistance is capable of changing the outcome and sometimes it is just swimming up stream. The alternative is learning from those before us, using their experience to tell us where to cross to avoid being taken by the rough rapids of this business. The next two episodes we dive into the waters with Storm Gloor and explore the hidden gems, these survival tactics, that we can take with us from the data of one hit wonders.Girls Rock Denver formed in 2007 and held our first summer camp in 2008 with 25 rockers and a handful of dedicated volunteers. We've grown each year and in the summer of 2019, were able to support 78 rockers with the help of over 100 volunteers. We are completely funded by our community, and as a donations-based organization, hold many fundraiser events and work with various community partners to support our organization. As a 100% volunteer-operated project, we are always looking for dedicated supporters to help us sustain and grow our efforts. We believe...Girls* should be seen and heard.Potential is not dictated by gender.In providing girls* with a nonjudgmental space where they can be themselves.In a girl's right to confidence, self-reliance, and courage.Girls* should be encouraged to express themselves with creativity and enthusiasm. In the power of women and girls* learning from each other.that "rock" is a verb rather than a genre and we support all types of musical interests.Learn more at girlsrockdenver.org*Girl is a complicated term and can mean many things. "Girl" doesn't automatically include all aspects of the gender spectrum and that is welcome within our organization. We acknowledge that we do not live in a post-gender world, and maintain the value in creating safe spaces of expression and growth for girls, trans, and gender-nonconforming individuals. Action:Make an effort to learn from everyone around you while making your artConnect with us at: https://www.musicianstipjar.com/ or send an email to [email protected] Intro & Outro Music Donated by: The Magi https://www.themagimusic.com Intro Read by: David “DJ” Lee of The Magi https://soundcloud.com/rockababyrock Picture by: Kit Chalberg https://kitchalberg.com/https://www.musicianstipjar.com/

Quote:“In school, you're taught a lesson and then given a test. In life, you're given a test that teaches you a lesson.” -Tom Bodett “Don’t let hard lessons harden your heart” -Carlos A. Rodriguez Some of the most valuable lessons in life often come the hard way or at least it can feel hard to accept them. Even when we know these lessons to be true, we resist their reality as we want a different one. Sometimes our resistance is capable of changing the outcome and sometimes it is just swimming up stream. The alternative is learning from those before us, using their experience to tell us where to cross to avoid being taken by the rough rapids of this business. The next two episodes we dive into the waters with Storm Gloor and explore the hidden gems, these survival tactics, that we can take with us from the data of one hit wonders.Girls Rock Denver formed in 2007 and held our first summer camp in 2008 with 25 rockers and a handful of dedicated volunteers. We've grown each year and in the summer of 2019, were able to support 78 rockers with the help of over 100 volunteers. We are completely funded by our community, and as a donations-based organization, hold many fundraiser events and work with various community partners to support our organization. As a 100% volunteer-operated project, we are always looking for dedicated supporters to help us sustain and grow our efforts. We believe...Girls* should be seen and heard.Potential is not dictated by gender.In providing girls* with a nonjudgmental space where they can be themselves.In a girl's right to confidence, self-reliance, and courage.Girls* should be encouraged to express themselves with creativity and enthusiasm. In the power of women and girls* learning from each other.that "rock" is a verb rather than a genre and we support all types of musical interests.Learn more at girlsrockdenver.org*Girl is a complicated term and can mean many things. "Girl" doesn't automatically include all aspects of the gender spectrum and that is welcome within our organization. We acknowledge that we do not live in a post-gender world, and maintain the value in creating safe spaces of expression and growth for girls, trans, and gender-nonconforming individuals. Action:Make an effort to learn from everyone around you while making your artConnect with us at: https://www.musicianstipjar.com/ or send an email to [email protected] Intro & Outro Music Donated by: The Magi https://www.themagimusic.com Intro Read by: David “DJ” Lee of The Magi https://soundcloud.com/rockababyrock Picture by: Kit Chalberg https://kitchalberg.com/https://www.musicianstipjar.com/

We all have been warned about the importance of contracts in our careers as musicians and I’m going to guess most of us have suffered the consequences of not heeding those warnings more than once. And yet, I’m also going to guess, somehow, many of us STILL don’t get a contract for many gigs we play. Even a simple one, as todays guest states, could protect you from not getting paid or help you get your gear replaced when the drunk guy spills his beer and falls on it. Today our guest, Dave Ratner, covers the basics of understanding the value and terms in basic performance and royalty contracts so that you can protect your fanny when the red flags are fling.Connect with us at: https://www.musicianstipjar.com/ or send an email to [email protected] Intro & Outro Music Donated by: The Magi https://www.themagimusic.com Intro Read by: David “DJ” Lee of The Magi https://soundcloud.com/rockababyrock Picture by: Kit Chalberg https://kitchalberg.com/https://www.musicianstipjar.com/