We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tushar Joshi a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Tushar, appreciate you joining us today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your creative career sooner or later?

I certainly could have used the time I would have had if I had started sooner. After years of practice and hardwork being part of multiple successful bands one of which was also featured on TV, at 22, I was at crossroads to choose my career. I really wanted to take up a music course but convincing my father to let me pursue it was impossible at that time. He figured a more (or what he thought was)”stable” course would be better so I ended up doing a MBA degree in Finance. Two years later I completed it, worked at a world-renowned corporate company and, by that time, I had the confidence to say, “Okay, I did what you wanted me to, I think I’ve proved that I can take care of myself. Now I am going to do what I always wanted to”. So I left a corporate job and took up music full- time. I was 26 by that time.
In hindsight, if I had taken up any course in music instead of the MBA, I’d have navigated through the field, networked, figured out what works, had a young age on my side without insecurities, idiosyncrasies and fixed world views, which would have helped in becoming stable early but I would never know.
Nonetheless, I’m more than happy where I am now. It took longer than expected to be stable but at least it happened!

Tushar, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

About Me and My Creative Journey
I’m Tushar, a passionate freelance guitarist, bass guitarist, and music teacher dedicated to sharing the transformative power of music. I also write songs and have released over 10 songs available online on all streaming platforms under the artist name “T-Jay”.
My journey into the world of music began at a young age, inspired by the diverse sounds around me—from bollywood musicians like AR Rahman, Hariharan, Shankar Mahadevan to Simon and Garfunkel, Bob Dylan and The Eagles. This early fascination led me to pick up my first guitar, and I’ve been creating and sharing music ever since.

My Artistic Focus
As a musician, I specialize in both guitar and bass, offering a versatile range of styles that cater to various genres. My creative works include original songs that focus on themes of self-motivation and social awareness. I believe that music has the ability to inspire change and foster connection, which is why I strive to write lyrics that resonate with listeners on a personal level. In addition to my songwriting, I provide music lessons tailored for all skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner looking to strum your first chord or an advanced player seeking to refine your technique, my lessons are designed to empower students through personalized instruction and encouragement.

What Sets Me Apart
What truly sets me apart in this industry is my holistic approach to music education and performance. I don’t just teach notes and rhythms; I aim to instill a deep appreciation for music as an art form. My lessons incorporate elements of creativity, self-expression, and critical thinking, encouraging students to find their unique voice in music. Moreover, my songs are not just melodies; they serve as vehicles for motivation and social commentary. By addressing real-world issues through my lyrics, I hope to spark conversations and inspire action among listeners.

The Problems I Solve
Through my teaching, I help students overcome common challenges such as performance anxiety, lack of confidence, or difficulty in mastering an instrument. My goal is to create a supportive environment where students feel safe to explore their creativity and grow as musicians.
For my audience, my original songs provide not only entertainment but also encouragement during tough times. Many listeners have shared how my music has motivated them to pursue their dreams or become more socially aware of the issues around them.

Pride in My Work
I am most proud of the impact my music has had on others. Everytime someone tells me that the message in my songs inspires them to either follow their passion or affects them positively in some way, I feel overwhelmed.
Also, hearing from students who have gained confidence in their abilities and their parents often express a mix of pride and excitement regarding their child’s progress with guitar lessons. Many highlight noticeable improvements in their child’s confidence and musicality, noting how quickly they grasp new techniques and songs.

What You Should Know
To potential clients, followers, and fans: I am committed to fostering a community where creativity thrives. Whether you’re interested in taking lessons or simply want to explore thought-provoking music that inspires action, I invite you to join me on this journey. Together, we can celebrate the beauty of music while making meaningful connections through art.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

As a creative, I often encounter misunderstandings about the nature of my journey, especially from those who may not identify as artists or musicians.
One of the most challenging aspects of being a creative is navigating the emotional highs and lows that come with the territory. Unlike traditional careers where success is often measured by clear milestones, the creative process is filled with uncertainty and vulnerability. There are moments of profound inspiration followed by periods of self-doubt and frustration. Non-creatives might find it hard to understand how deeply personal this journey can be, as each piece of art or music reflects a part of the creator’s identity.
Another is accepting “Failure” as an integral part of the creative process, yet it’s often viewed negatively in other fields. For creatives, each setback—be it a song that doesn’t resonate, a performance that didn’t go as planned, or a project that fell flat—serves as a learning opportunity. Embracing failure allows us to grow and refine our craft. This perspective might be difficult for non-creatives to grasp, as they may see failure as a definitive end rather than a stepping stone to success.

Authenticity also another important aspect. In a world filled with trends and commercial pressures, staying true to one’s artistic vision can be incredibly challenging. Non-creatives might not fully appreciate the internal struggle between creating what is commercially viable versus what feels authentic. For many artists, authenticity is paramount; it’s about expressing genuine thoughts and emotions rather than conforming to external expectations. This commitment to authenticity can sometimes lead to isolation or frustration when the work doesn’t receive immediate recognition.

Lastly, ‘Creativity thrives in community’ is what I believe strongly, yet this is often overlooked by those outside the creative sphere. Collaboration and support among fellow artists are crucial for growth and inspiration. Non-creatives may not realize how much we rely on feedback, encouragement, and shared experiences with peers to fuel our passion and resilience. Building relationships within the creative community can provide invaluable resources and motivation during challenging times.

For small business owners and creatives alike, empathy can create connections that inspire collaboration and innovation. If you’re a non-creative looking to support someone on their artistic journey, remember that your encouragement can make a world of difference. And for fellow creatives: know that you’re not alone in this journey; we all share similar struggles and triumphs along the way!

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

As a creative, one of the most significant lessons I had to unlearn was the belief that I needed to make everyone happy with my art. This realization came through a challenging journey of self-discovery, particularly in navigating my relationships with family and the expectations placed upon me as an artist.
Authenticity is at the core of any meaningful artistic expression. It’s about being true to oneself, embracing individuality, and conveying genuine emotions through music. Early in my career, I often felt pressured to conform to what others expected of me—whether it was family members hoping I would pursue a more traditional career or friends suggesting I follow popular trends or other colleagues pushing me to perform music outside my genre. This pressure led me to create music that was not entirely reflective of who I was or what I wanted to say.
I quickly learned that while seeking approval can be tempting, sacrificing authenticity for the sake of pleasing others ultimately stifles creativity. Music is a deeply personal form of expression, and when I began to embrace my unique voice and experiences, I found a newfound freedom in my art. This shift not only enriched my songwriting but also resonated more profoundly with listeners who connected with my authentic message.
Another was the clash between my artistic aspirations and my family’s understanding of the industry further complicated this journey. Without a background in music or the creative arts, it was challenging for them to grasp the nuances of pursuing a career as an artist. Their well-meaning advice often stemmed from a place of concern but sometimes felt dismissive of the hard work and dedication required in this field. I had to learn that it’s okay for others not to understand my path fully. Instead of seeking validation from those who may never grasp the intricacies of the creative process, I focused on surrounding myself with like-minded individuals who appreciated and supported my journey. Building connections within the music community allowed me to share experiences, gain insights, and find encouragement from those who truly understood the struggles and triumphs of being an artist.
Family members would often compare my journey to mainstream professionals, questioning why I wasn’t achieving the same level of recognition or financial success. This constant comparison created an exhausting cycle of self-doubt and frustration. I felt torn between my passion for music and the desire to meet the expectations of those who loved me. It took time for me to realize that trying to please everyone would only dilute my artistry and lead to burnout. The unlearning process was not easy. I grew up in an environment where success was often measured by conventional standards—stable jobs, financial security, and societal approval. As someone who chose a path in music without a familial background in the arts, I faced skepticism and misunderstanding from those closest to me.
Ultimately, unlearning the need to please everyone has been liberating. It has allowed me to embrace my authenticity fully and create music that reflects my true self—my passions, struggles, and aspirations. While it’s natural to seek approval from loved ones, I’ve come to understand that staying true to myself is far more rewarding than conforming to external expectations.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tjayindia
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tjayindia
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/tjayindia

Image Credits

logo credits; Bhavatosh Dhavale