We recently connected with Daniel DelVecchio and have shared our conversation below.
Daniel, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?
Yes, I’ve been able to make a full-time living from music, but it was a gradual process. I started taking guitar lessons at eight years old and was playing in bands by seventh grade, but it wasn’t until I turned 18 that I made the decision to pursue music as a career.
Early on, I was focused on my original band while taking temporary jobs to support myself. At the same time, I was writing, performing, and building a presence in the local music scene. When one of my day jobs ended, I saw it as an opportunity to transition into music full-time. I started taking on session work and giving private lessons, eventually working with music programs similar to School of Rock, where I taught both individual students and groups.
Over time, I was able to fill my schedule entirely with music-related work, eliminating the need for outside jobs. As I gained more experience and recognition, the opportunities became more consistent, and soon, I was receiving enough calls for lessons, live performances, and studio work to sustain a full-time career.
Looking back, I would have diversified my efforts sooner. In the beginning, I was fully committed to my original band, but I later realized that having multiple income streams is key to making a sustainable living as a musician. Expanding my focus beyond a single project was essential in reaching that next level of independence.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My name is Dan DelVecchio, and I’m a session guitarist, songwriter, and private instructor. I got into the music industry by performing, writing, and collaborating with talented musicians in my local scene, while also teaching private lessons. Over time, my work as a session musician, along with the music I created, performed, and toured with my own projects, helped me gain enough recognition to turn music into a full-time career. This has given me the opportunity to work and perform with some of the biggest names in the industry, including both renowned artists and producers. My music has also been featured in TV shows, played on international radio, and showcased in retail stores around the world.
I offer a range of services, including live and studio session work, songwriting, music notation, brand collaborations, and private instruction. In private lessons, I tailor my teaching approach to each student’s individual needs, whether it’s helping overcome physical or learning challenges or adapting to their specific goals. Similarly, as a session musician, I take pride in being a creative chameleon—able to adapt to any genre, style, or vision that a client has.
What sets me apart is my deep passion and commitment to my craft. Music has been my lifelong pursuit, and I dedicate myself fully to every project I take on whether it’s teaching, writing, or performing. I’m most proud of the impact I can make, whether it’s helping an artist elevate their live performance or guiding a student toward mastering their instrument. My goal is to always bring the highest level of energy, creativity, and professionalism to everything I do.
For potential clients, students, or collaborators, I want them to know that I never “phone in” my work. Every project receives my full attention and effort because I genuinely love what I do. My reputation as a musician and creator is something I take seriously, and I always strive to put my best foot forward in every endeavor.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
One of the biggest challenges I have faced in my career is something almost everyone encounters at some point, anxiety and impostor syndrome. As I started reaching new levels in my career, opportunities came faster than I expected, sometimes so quickly that it felt overwhelming. Despite all the hard work I had put in, I struggled with the feeling that I did not deserve the incredible things coming my way. This led to intense anxiety and chronic panic attacks, which then spiraled into a new fear, the fear that my anxiety itself would hold me back.
Some of the toughest moments came right before or even during performances in front of thousands of people while dealing with crippling anxiety. But no matter how I felt, I made a promise to myself that I would not let it stop me. I was determined to push through, and along the way, I turned to a longtime mentor of mine, my sixth grade teacher, who helped me reframe my perspective and navigate the experience with a different mindset.
Ultimately, what got me through it was experience. The first time you do something, it can be terrifying. But the more you do it, the more it becomes routine, and over time, the fear loses its power. I am proud of how far I have come and the resilience I have built through this journey. I also credit much of that resilience to my sixth grade teacher, who to this day remains a close friend and mentor.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
To truly support artists and a thriving creative ecosystem, society needs to value the arts as essential, not just entertainment or a hobby. One of the biggest challenges creatives face is financial instability. Fair pay, grants, and sponsorships can make a huge difference in helping artists sustain their careers.
Education is also key. Encouraging creativity in schools and providing resources for young artists can help future generations feel confident pursuing creative careers. Community support matters too: attending local shows, buying directly from artists, and sharing their work all help build a stronger creative scene.
Most importantly, there needs to be a shift in how creative work is perceived. Too often, artists are expected to work for exposure instead of fair pay. Just like any profession, art takes time, skill, and dedication, and it should be respected and compensated accordingly.
By appreciating creativity, paying artists fairly, and building a culture that truly respects their work, we can create a world where creatives don’t just scrape by, they thrive.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dandelvecchioguitar.com
- Instagram: @DanDelVecchio
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dandelvecchioguitar
- Twitter: @DanDelVecchio
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DanDelVecchio
- Other: TikTok: @DanDelVecchio
Image Credits
Estelle Massry