In the life of a musician, the road to success is often paved with relentless dedication and the willingness to embrace failure as a stepping stone. Pat Flaherty, a seasoned percussionist, shares valuable insights from his journey that will resonate with every aspiring artist. His story is one of resilience, hard work, and the relentless pursuit of dreams despite obstacles.
The Power of Recognition and Relentless Commitment
Early in his career, Flaherty received a compliment that profoundly impacted him: "The compliment he gave me that just blew me off the map." This recognition came during a pivotal moment when he was deeply involved in a drum corps, taking on significant responsibilities even as a young member. As he transitioned to college, he was offered a directorial role in the corps, but he also had the opportunity to attend the prestigious Aspen Music Festival. Choosing the latter, he informed the drum corps director, who responded with unwavering support for Flaherty's career decision. These moments of recognition can be powerful motivators, especially in a field where hard work often goes unnoticed.
“He goes, ‘I expect you to do what's the best for your career. We're always here. Anytime you ever want a job, just pick up the phone and call me.’”
The Grind and Hustle
Flaherty’s daily routine was grueling: “I’d get to school at six and I’d go home about 10:30 at night every day, even the weekends.” This unwavering commitment is a testament to the sheer persistence required to thrive in music. However, persistence in music is not just about long hours; it’s about continuously striving despite the odds. “As a musician, it’s even more important, because as a percussionist, you’ve got to really hustle. It’s not a field that pays you much. If you don’t hustle, you’re probably not going to survive,” Flaherty explains. The music industry demands not only talent but also a drive to seize opportunities and make the most out of them.
The Sacrifices Behind the Success
However, the path of a musician is not without its sacrifices. Flaherty, who often drove many big-name musicians coming into Boise, reflects on the personal toll that a career in music can take: “And to see those guys every morning when you pick them up and they’re crawling out of bed and they’ve been partying all night, it gives you a whole different perspective of the person that you see.” The glamor associated with successful musicians often hides the personal toll it takes. Many musicians perform in 200 cities a year, constantly on the road, away from home. This demanding lifestyle strains relationships and family life, leading to multiple divorces and a sense of isolation. Flaherty's firsthand experience with these musicians provides a stark view of the sacrifices they make for their careers, shedding light on the hidden challenges behind their public success.
One poignant story Flaherty shares is about an artist trying to connect with his child: “I remember one discussion I had with an artist. And he goes, have you ever tried to raise a 13-year-old through the phone? And you’re never there. And he has no idea who you are. Because when you’re home, you’re not really home.” The emotional distance created by constant touring can be devastating, even for those at the pinnacle of their careers. Despite these challenges, the love for music and dreams keep musicians going.
Embracing Dreams and Overcoming Doubts
Flaherty emphasizes the importance of dreams and persistence: “It doesn’t make any difference what you’re doing as an artist. You’re going to run into resistance. People are going to just say, yeah, you don’t know what you’re talking about. You’re never going to make it. You don’t have a clue what you’re doing.” These negative voices can be discouraging, but they also serve as a test of one’s determination.
Flaherty’s journey was not without its own doubts and failures. “When I started the studio, I had no idea what I was doing. I didn’t even know how to balance a checkbook. My teacher goes, well, go to the schools, volunteer to help, play for the students, and tell them you want to teach lessons and see if anybody will do it.” It was through trial and error that he learned the ropes and built a successful percussion studio. Failure, according to Flaherty, is an integral part of success. Embracing failure as a learning opportunity allows musicians to grow and improve continuously. It’s this resilience that ultimately leads to success.
“You can’t succeed at everything. But failure is very important. If you don’t, you’re not going to learn.”
Balancing Life and Health
Moreover, maintaining a balance is crucial for long-term success and well-being. Flaherty advises young musicians to develop hobbies and take care of their health: “So health is just absolutely critical. So at your age, start becoming very aware of, okay, how do I keep my body in shape…eating right, exercising, managing stress, all that kind of stuff. That’s important.” This holistic approach to well-being ensures that musicians can sustain their careers without burning out.
Reality of the Music Industry
The reality of the music industry is often harsh. Flaherty notes the common experience of many musicians who, after years of education and hard work, find themselves disillusioned with their career choices: “I can’t tell you how many musicians I’ve seen that went all the way through grad school and everything else, and either got a job and then realized, boy, I really don’t like doing this, and either stayed in the job and were horrible at it because they didn’t like it, or they’d just go, yeah, I’m going to do this. And now they’re working at Starbucks, and they’re paying off a student loan.” This stark reality highlights that passion alone is not enough; musicians must also embrace the persistence required to navigate their careers effectively.
The journey of a musician demands more than just raw talent; it requires perseverance and the ability to overcome setbacks. Flaherty emphasizes that success is not solely dependent on having a talent but also on the continuous effort and resilience: “I do have a number of friends that are very successful at it [being musicians], but it’s just the persistence that you want to do that and that you’re going to figure it out…whether it was having a good mentor that they did or they just kept hammering at it and applying for this job and that job and getting a job and doing it good.” The role of mentors and relentless effort in achieving success is invaluable. Success in the music industry comes from a combination of dedication and the willingness to persevere through challenges.
By integrating these lessons into their lives, musicians can navigate the ups and downs of their careers and emerge successful, both professionally and personally. The journey may be filled with challenges, but the rewards of pursuing one’s passion make it worthwhile. Flaherty’s story is a powerful reminder that with persistence, resilience, and a balanced approach to life, success in music is not just a dream but an attainable reality.
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