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

Robert, 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?

Through my freelance work as both a musician and teacher, I am able to earn a full-time living. Unsurprisingly, it took me a while to get to that point. I started off with a handful of survival jobs (s/o to Starbucks – yikes re: union busting, but I met so many fantastic people). Thankfully, as a pianist, I did have a fairly steady amount of opportunities to supplement my income.

I had a few smaller stints of living entirely off of my creative work, but they were often followed by returning to non-creative work in order to refill the coffers. Eventually, after saving some money at a full time educational gig, I was able to move to New York and work full time as a freelance artist and educator. I’ve taught voice at NYU as an adjunct the last eight years. That has, thank goodness, allowed me to be slightly pickier about my freelance work.

If I went back in my Magical Freelancer Time Machine (cue Scooby-Doo magic sound), I would invest even deeper into my community network. It’s vital as a creative freelancer and, really, for me, the most valuable thing I have as an artist.

Robert, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Hi!!!! As you probably already know from the top of this article, my name is Robert Frost and I’m a freelance musician and educator based out of NYC. I studied both theater and music in school and learned I could do both at the same time as a music director in theater. I wound my way through a few states before planting roots in New York City where I’ve lived for the past nine years.

These days, I work in a variety of settings as a pianist and music director, from theaters to clubs to private events. As an educator, I work with colleges, training programs, and private clients. I predominantly work as a voice teacher and vocal coach in those settings.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Unemployment benefits.

When I was just out of undergrad and the work was sometimes far away, my financial situation often freaked me out. If I had allowed myself to use that when needed, it would have been such a boon to my stress levels. It’s our money! We’re paying it!

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

On a macro level, pressure your politicians to contribute more state and federal money to the arts.

On a micro level, (I’m focusing on performing arts here), go see anything live as often as you’re able.

So much has unfortunately become unaffordable for a variety of reasons, but there are so many affordable options. Free concerts in parks! (I LOVE THEM). Music clubs/jazz clubs/lounges! Free theatre in parks!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.rfrostmusic.com
• Instagram: rfrostmusic

Image Credits
Isaak Berliner Edward Morris Kris Rogers Michelle McCain