We recently connected with Charley Sabatino and have shared our conversation below.

Charley, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

Music was always a part of me. I had the benefit of some amazing teachers that instilled in me the drive to improve and evolve. I always tried to expand my knowledge and experience base. My main obstacles that stood in my way were my family (non-supportive) and some in the music community (vibing, etc.)

Charley, 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?

I am a professional musician. I have spent my life playing in various situations to earn a living, I am also an educator…privately and on the college level. I feel as an educator is where I “contribute” a service. My approach is to teach students to be musicians…ARTISTS…not just musical technicians. I teach the art and science of music in such a way that it can simultaneously help them in their current playing situation as well as set them up for their “future”. This is done through a systematic lesson plan of fundamentals and challenges that go beyond their instrument and current genre of choice. I tailor the lesson plan to fit their level of play and involvement. I guide them from basic fretboard knowledge to advanced theory and composition…giving them the experience from “all sides”.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

When I was young, I took some lessons from a certain “celebrity” bass player. It was horrible. He was condescending, overly critical and cold. He spent the whole lesson telling me what was wrong with my playing, but no methods to make it “right”. I was young and stupid and studied for him for 6 months, determined to “get it right” (can you say “Whiplash”?). I eventually stopped going to him and stopped playing for almost a year. I eventually got hold of myself, picked up the instrument, and have not stopped playing or practicing since. It made me EVEN MORE determined to meet my goals.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

My late brother…who was an extremely successful lawyer said to me once that he could not understand how I kept motivated. I was practicing and composing for something that “may or may not” happen. The concept that music….art…is a lifelong journey….that being rich and famous is not necessarily the goal.
the goal is to create and evolve.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.charleysabatino.com
• Instagram: charleysabatinobass
• Facebook: charleysabatino
• Youtube: charleysabatino

Image Credits

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