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

Ed, appreciate you joining us today. Are you 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?

I have been fortunate enough to earn a full-time living as a musician for over 3 decades. The main ingredient is passion. I absolutely love what I do, and I’ve been obsessed with music since as long as I can remember. My real talent is that I wake up every single day and want to be better. Better than I was yesterday, and much better than I was a year ago. A better person, player, and teacher. It takes so much work to be great at anything, so it’s important to find something that you love.

A big part of my success is grinding it out every day and keeping a balanced diet of performing live, recording in the studio, touring, and teaching. I have had the pleasure of performing in over 15 countries, and until the pandemic hit, I performed live 5 nights a week for 30 years!!

I also have an intense passion for teaching and sharing the joy of music. I have been teaching Rock Band as well as Making A Living In The Arts at St. Andrew’s Upper School for the last 18 years. I am proud to be a part of such a progressive program that supports the Arts and enriches young artist’s lives. I also teach private lessons at The Austin School of Music. I really enjoy figuring out how each student connects and learns differently, and how to help each person reach their full potential.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I knew that I would be a full-time musician since the age of 14 . I saw a KISS concert on HBO in the late 70’s and a light bulb went off- I need to do THAT. I went to my first concert when I was 9 years old- Iron Maiden opening for Judas Priest- and that changed my life. That’s when I realized you can do this for a living. I was drawn to the drums like a magnet, and was fortunate enough to start taking drum lessons at age 12. I formed a band in 7th grade and worked incredibly hard at my craft. My curiosity and passion burned like a flame, and it has only burned brighter since then. I went to an Arts program for talented High School students at Yale University, and then attended The University of North Texas as a Jazz Studies Major. I met my beautiful wife, Dawn, there and we continue to have an amazing journey. We have lived in a beautiful home for the last 19 years in Austin, Texas.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Everyone can help by purchasing music again and supporting artists in any way possible. The whole system collapsed when pirating and streaming became the norm. The money just isn’t there for labels and bands to make a solid living anymore. Supporting live music and buying the artist’s merchandise is another great way to contribute long term. I feel we have de-valued the Arts for a long time, and that needs to change.

: Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My main goal is to enjoy this life and be grateful for every day. For me success is defined as being happy and doing what you love. I want to continue to grow as an artist and as a person, and to be kind to everyone- including myself.

Contact Info:

• Website: [email protected]
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ed.jarusinsky

Image Credits
Todd Wolfson Anna Lindqvist Walter Norris