Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Amy Rowe. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Amy, thanks for joining us today. The first dollar you earn is always exciting – it’s like the start of a new chapter and so we’d love to hear about the first time you sold or generated revenue from your creative work?

I had been earning money as a musician since I was in high school by teaching piano and occasionally accompanying, but the memory of my first jazz gig is more special than earning my first dollar. I was fresh out of high school and decided that I was going to switch from classical to jazz piano. I started learning jazz piano for the first time when I went to college. I joined the jazz combo and big band at Citrus College; that was my first time improvising and learning how to read chords. In my first semester at college I got called to play with the jazz combo at a local soup kitchen event. The caveat about this gig was that the payment was not money, rather, it was a handmade ceramic bowl of our choice and soup (in the bowl we chose) for dinner. Being my first jazz gig, I was excited and also nervous to play with the college jazz combo. At this point, I think I had only learned the melodies to maybe two jazz standards, knew some chords in root position, and could barely follow a form…the chords moved by so fast! I could at least read music, so I brought my Real Book to the gig so I can try to follow along with the group for more than two songs. I don’t know how I made it through the gig, but at that time it felt like I got through the impossible. I somehow made it through my first jazz gig, although I’m sure it sounded like total cacophony. After we finished, we were pointed to the table filled with an array of beautiful handmade bowls from local potters. I chose a unique bowl with earthy colors and an abstract design that turned out to be made by a local Japanese potter. I still have this bowl and every time I use it, I reflect on how much I have grown musically since that time of my life. The bowl is a reminder for me that the music I had played to gain experience is what now allows me to experience the world.

Amy, 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?

My musical training growing up was in classical music but through an experience of rebirth in 2008, it became clear to me to pursue jazz in this lifetime. I was a late bloomer, starting jazz when I went to college. Switching from classical to jazz was one of the biggest challenges I’ve experienced musically. I went from being at the top of my class (winning classical awards/competitions) to the most beginner in jazz, not even knowing how to improvise over a basic chord. Many years of practice, trial & error, schlepping, and playing all sorts of gigs have led me to where I am today. All of these experiences helped shaped me both musically and who I am as a person. My experiences have given me insight on what I do and don’t want to do more of in the future. There are so many directions that one can go in music/life, so we must make our choices intentional. Most musicians do a variety of things aside from performing; we wear many hats. I currently enjoy having a balance of performing, composing, and teaching. I am grateful to live my life doing music but I enjoy LIVING my life and having the ability to express that through music. Without life experiences it can be challenging to play soulfully and to write meaningful music.

One of the most impactful things that has shaped me overall is yoga. It has given me the ability to pursue my craft of playing piano by keeping my body in good working condition. Yoga has helped me overcome tendonitis and carpal tunnel in my wrists early on in my career at a time when I thought I would have to give up playing music due to those issues. Yoga has also taught me to reflect inward and do the necessary work to be mindful, intentional, and live life with curiosity and joy. Yoga allows me to take care of my mind and body (my vehicle of life), so I can take care of the music.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

One thing I wish I knew more about when I started my creative journey is finances. I was lucky to have some help from a financial advisor through an alternative jazz camp I attended right after college called Mission Jazz. That was the first time I had heard anyone talk about finances to musicians. What a concept! I had a general idea of basic finances but up until that point I had not thought much about my financial future. I got help setting up a Roth IRA retirement account, learned about stocks, how to observe my finances every week, how to budget, open a business account, how to invest, and much more. Through learning these things and being consistent with it, I feel confident about my financial future and not falling into the stereotype of being a “starving musician.”

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

I love reading books and there are many that have impacted my life in a positive way. On a creative side, the books that have inspired me are Free Play: Improvisation in Life and Art by Stephen Nachmanovitch, The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom by Don Miguel Ruiz, and The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron. On the financial side, the book Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki and Sharon Lechter completely changed my perspective on money and finances. Having financial literacy has been one of the best things I have done for my career in music. I encourage all creatives to explore their understanding and relationship with finances to make their careers sustainable.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.amyrowemusic.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amyrowemusic/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amyrowemusic
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyrowemusic/
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@amyrowemusic?si=PkWQQwDY7iGoY-RA

Image Credits
Jamal-Akil Marshall Winnie Suilt