We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jon Shields. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jon below.
Jon, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?
There have definitely been times where 100% of my income has come from my “creative work.” Although, it really does depend on how you define “creative work.” When I was growing up, the last thing I wanted to be was a teacher. Now here I am closing out my 20s proud to be called one! I bring this up because teaching and educating, for me, falls under “creative work” now. It wasn’t always that way though. For the longest time I wanted to make a full time living performing guitar. It didn’t matter if it was my own music or others, all I wanted to do was play, man. It was a ton of fun and living in Nashville you know the gigs are never ending (although they don’t all pay what you wish!) I remember it very clearly though, I was hustling and bustling and earning a living and I woke up one morning for a tour gig that was only going to be 2 hours away, and I thought to myself, “man I really don’t want to drive 2 hours… I’d rather spend that time at home.” That’s when I took a long look in the mirror and asked myself, was this the life I had actually wanted? Or did I hype this lifestyle up in my mind too much? I did the gig, of course, and it went off without a hitch. But when I got back I decided I wasn’t going to take anymore gigs that I didn’t really want to do. So what did I do? I wrote a book. I took on more students. Taught around town. And guess what? I couldn’t be happier! I get to be close to home AND get to play and teach. My advice is, before you idealize a lifestyle too much, try it out and see if it really matches your current priorities. Of course people can change and your priorities can too. So really reflect on if making a full-time living doing something is worth it, or if it would make more sense to make a part-time living doing 2 or 3 things you love. Or simply redefine what “creative work” means to you.
Jon, 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’m a jazz and classical musician, instructor, and author who has been living in Nashville, TN for the past 5 years but I’ve been in music for MUCH longer! Having roots in piano and moving to guitar while young, I was lucky enough to have a string of amazing teachers and influences in my life. From playing guitar for Mary Wilson of the Supremes to dive bars and dark jazz clubs: I’ve loved it all. My most recent project has been an instructional method book for guitar. I think what sets it apart from a lot of the media surrounding guitar today is that it dives deep into the Theory side of music. I believe it’s just as important to understand the language of music as it is to have the technical abilities to play an instrument. Music Theory connects all instruments, it’s a way to communicate with other musicians and I don’t think the importance and efficiency of it can be overstated. “Beginner Guitar for the Aspiring Musician” is out now if you’re interested.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
Slow and steady wins the race. The only real piece of advice I have is be true to who you are and believe in whatever you’re saying or selling. It’s easy to keep it up when times get rough when you actually believe in what you’re preaching rather than faking your way through something to sell a product or sponsor. Know who you are, be who you are, and you’ll attract the right audience.
We’d love to hear your thoughts on NFTs. (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)
This is a really fascinating question. In physical media, there is something to be said when you’re the owner of something that is one of one. Or the owner of an original piece of art work, there may be reprints, but you own the original. I like the idea behind NFTs, although I’m not sure about the actual practice. I understand what purpose they’re trying to serve but I don’t know anyone who will go into their computer files and look at all the NTFs they own… I DO know people who will admire the artwork they own though. It’s almost the same thing but just not quite there yet. Like I said, I’m a fan of the idea, but I think there a few more kinks we need to iron out before it can be viewed the same.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jonshields.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonwshields/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonathonshieldsmusic
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-shields-95023ab0/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shieldsjon/featured