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

Fred , looking forward to hearing all of your stories 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’ve only had one non-musical job in my life, a part time job when I was in college, and I was fired for being a bad influence on the other workers, so I’m proud of my record! I started performing with bands in middle school (they called it Junior High then) and started playing paid gigs around the age of 20…bluegrass and rock…I also started teaching private lessons in college: guitar, banjo, mandolin, Dobro. In the mid to late 60s my whole focus was on an original hippie rock band…in the first half of the 70s I became a freelance sideman in other people’s bands: rock, R&B, bluegrass, jazz.

At the same time (early 70s) I went back to teaching private lessons, and in 75 I got an idea for a banjo instruction book, covering a subject that hadn’t been covered yet in other banjo books. This led to writing more instruction books, and in the 80s that became a main activity, though I was also touring with some name acts as a sideman for Jim Stafford, Bobbie Gentry, then the Limeliters. By the 90s I was getting known as the instruction book guy, I had so many books & DVDs out…And I was still performing, often as a band leader, and touring, playing and teaching at banjo and ukulele and guitar camps all over the world.

The only thing I can think of that might have sped up the process: being more outgoing when I met other musicians who were doing well…I was kinda shy about schmoozing, which is important and leads to more good work, more connections, etc.

The only thing I can

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

I answered a lot of the above, in the last question/answer. I’m mostly known for my instruction books and videos these days. What sets me apart from others involved in music instruction is my expertise on several instruments and on many styles: bluegrass, jazz, classic rock, blues, country and old time music. Most musicians are expert in one or two of these. My experience playing with many types of bands and studying many types of music, playing several instruments in several styles… has really helped me get by making a living with music.

Also, in my music instruction, I don’t have an academic approach, since I’m self-taught and learned mostly by playing with records and with other musicians…so I have a very practical approach…I seem to be very good at explaining musical subjects/techniques, according to the feedback I get.

Besides teaching musical techniques, I like to introduce people to the history behind the music: the main players who developed styles…I like to provide a full musical appreciation course! I find the stories behind the music fascinating, and love to share my knowledge and enthusiasm in my books, videos and lessons.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

What’s most rewarding to me as a performer is twofold: 1) connecting with an audience, sharing my enthusiasm for the music I’m playing, knowing they’re enjoying it and 2) getting into a real groove with whoever I’m playing with, even if we’re background music…I enjoy music that leaves room for spontaneity, that’s when magic happens between the musicians. They call it “playing” music because it can have that spontaneity and joy of creating something in the moment.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Obviously, the need to make a living (when you’re self employed) drives me to work hard. But equally important is striving to find work that allows me to use and share the music I love. For example, at a certain point, in the late 80s, I stopped doing any music instruction books that weren’t on musical styles or performers I loved. And I’ve always tried to find performing or recording work that matched my musical preferences. That is how one keeps their enthusiasm and makes the work joyful. And working with other musicians who love the same kinds of music I do, also promotes creativity and purpose in life!

Contact Info:

• Website: sokolowmusic.com
• Facebook: Fred Sokolow
• Linkedin: Fred Sokolow
• Youtube: I have a youtube channel, just enter my name.