We recently connected with David Abrams and have shared our conversation below.

David, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

The idea behind my mission is deeply rooted in my personal journey and the transformative power of music. Guitar and music have been my lifelong passions, serving as a constant source of inspiration, joy, and self-expression. As I delved deeper into my musical pursuits, I realized that sharing this passion with others and helping them grow was a calling that resonated within me. Witnessing the profound impact music had on my own life, I became driven to pass on the gift of music to aspiring guitarists. Teaching became an avenue through which I could not only impart my knowledge and skills but also inspire others to find their own voice, tap into their creativity, and experience the joy that music brings. The mission of creating my own music and teaching others is not just about the technicalities of playing guitar; it’s about nurturing personal growth, fostering connections, and enriching lives through the universal language of music. This mission is meaningful to me because I firmly believe that music has the ability to transcend boundaries, evoke emotions, and create a positive impact on individuals and communities. It’s a mission that allows me to share my passion, spread joy, and contribute to the beauty and richness of people’s lives through the transformative power of music.

David, 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?

Allow me to introduce myself to those who may not be familiar with my journey. I embarked on my musical path in middle school, initially captivated by the enchanting sound of the violin. However, it was the allure of guitar music that truly ignited my passion. As I honed my guitar skills, I found myself immersed in the vibrant world of rock bands, collaborating with friends and exploring various genres. It was during this time that I began to approach practicing and learning with a newfound dedication, leading me to pursue formal education at the esteemed University of North Texas, where I studied Jazz and Classical music. For years, I immersed myself in the music industry as a versatile musician, traversing genres like rock, blues, jazz, metal, and pop. As my journey progressed, I discovered my aptitude for teaching, leveraging my skills and experiences to adapt to each student’s unique traits and aspirations as musicians. Alongside teaching, my thirst for knowledge led me to continue learning and growing myself. I delved into the world of exotic instruments, teaching myself to play instruments like the Shamisen, Guzheng, and Guqin. Additionally, I took on the rewarding challenge of relearning the violin, rediscovering the instrument that first ignited my musical passion. This continuous pursuit of learning enables me to bring a diverse range of influences and expertise into my teaching and musical endeavors. I take immense pride in being both an educator and a creator, proficient in crafting original music while also serving as a valuable collaborator to fellow artists.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Resilience has been an unwavering companion throughout my journey, reminding me that with every mountain climbed, there is often a larger one waiting on the other side. From the early days of learning guitar to completing music college, securing work as a musician, and landing gigs, I realized that the music industry can be an unpredictable realm. As one opportunity ended, another awaited, continuously pushing me forward. For instance, I had the privilege of touring with the legendary Guitar Shorty for a remarkable decade, absorbing invaluable knowledge and gaining immeasurable experience. However, last year marked the bittersweet passing of this blues icon. While his departure left a void, it also reinforced the lessons of resilience. I carry his wisdom with me as I forge ahead, adapting to new challenges and opportunities. Teaching has emerged as a steady anchor between music gigs, providing a constant source of work. Yet, it is the enduring passion and love for music that fuels my spirit, reminding me to have faith, never give up, and embrace the resilience needed to overcome obstacles and embrace the ever-changing landscape of the industry.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Building an audience on social media has been an intriguing journey, navigating the ever-changing algorithms that often seem to work against you. Recently, I experienced success on TikTok by playing the Shamisen and creating anime covers, which resonated with the anime niche. Authenticity played a vital role in this accomplishment as I shared something unique about myself that I genuinely loved. I believe a key aspect of building a social media presence is knowing oneself—understanding what makes you unique and defining your message. Simultaneously, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of your audience. By identifying your target audience, you can tailor your content and engage with them in a meaningful way. Building a social media following takes time and effort, so my advice to those just starting out is to stay consistent, be genuine, and focus on creating content that showcases your unique voice and passions. Embrace your authenticity, tap into your niche, and connect with your audience on a personal level. It’s a journey of discovery, learning, and adaptation, but by staying true to yourself and providing value to your audience, you can build a loyal and engaged community.      

Contact Info:

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/davidabramsmusic
• Other: www.tiktok.com/@theshredninja