We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sharel Cassity a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Sharel thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?
Throughout my childhood and as a young teen, music was my refuge. I immersed myself in practice, using it to shield myself from my surroundings, and through this dedication, I became accomplished. This passion earned me college scholarships to top institutions and led to a fulfilling career as a freelance musician. I found acceptance among my peers and discovered a community where I belonged. If someone had told me then that, alongside playing, I would also need to be a dynamic educator, run a business, and manage all aspects of my career, I might have hesitated. However, once you’re all in, there’s no turning back—you must adapt.
Success in any industry, particularly as an entrepreneur and artist, can feel like a winding and rocky road. Above all, your love for the craft must ignite your mornings and inspire your nights. If your motivation stems from anything else, you may find yourself questioning your path. Give yourself the space to dream and turn those dreams into reality—journal your wildest aspirations. Create a vision board that makes your goals tangible. Design mock album covers or magazine layouts featuring your dream collaborations, and display them prominently to stay inspired. In nurturing your passion and embracing playfulness, you will naturally cultivate the vision for your future.
Next, harness the power of achievement—make it real through lists. Compile a list of dream goals, potential bands to collaborate with in the next five years, and the individuals you aspire to emulate in your career. Within each category, connect with as many people as possible who might offer you an opportunity. Prepare diligently by learning their music and honing your craft. You may reach out to 50 people, receiving 49 rejections; 35 might not respond, 10 could be dismissive, and 4 may scoff, but all you need is one affirmative response. Remember, this is your journey, not theirs, so keep your focus.
Resilience is essential for any entrepreneur; the music industry can present numerous ups and downs, and if you allow it, it will take you on a tumultuous ride. Staying grounded in your passion, focusing on your craft, and taking every piece of feedback—good or bad—with a grain of salt is vital. Always express gratitude for any conversations or opinions you generate, and keep pushing forward, because if you weren’t doing something, nobody would say anything. Family and friends, especially those outside the music world, can also play a crucial role in your journey.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My name is Sharel Cassity, and I have built a career as an internationally celebrated jazz saxophonist. Honored as the 2023 “Rising Star, Alto Saxophone” by Downbeat Magazine, I have toured 42 countries as both a bandleader and sideman, sharing the stage with jazz legends in some of the most prestigious performance venues worldwide. I’ve also had the privilege of appearing on television alongside popular mainstream artists on shows like the Colbert Show, the Today Show, and PBS. Inducted into the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame, I have graced the covers of numerous music magazines, showcasing the power of passion and dedication in the pursuit of dreams.
Originating from a small town in Oklahoma, I honed my craft and sought out the best teachers I could. I took risks and moved to New York with $700 in my pocket, afterward earning a full scholarship to Juilliard and building valuable relationships and communities that supported my art. Now, I perform at festivals and concerts worldwide with jazz, Latin, and pop artists and have recorded 7 albums as a leader. As an educator, I travel across the nation to inspire young people with the lessons I’ve learned through music. Witnessing their excitement for jazz and sharing the legacy I gained from working with the masters is incredibly rewarding.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
When I left Oklahoma, I had my sights set on a college in Boston, but when the promised scholarship fell through due to governmental issues, I faced a choice: return home or embrace a new adventure. I chose the latter, taking a bus to New York with my saxophone, $700, and a small suitcase. I rented a room deep in Brooklyn, facing the challenge of being locked out frequently, which led me to find solace in a jazz club for sleep and a community center for showers. Living in low-income housing situations pushed me to navigate tough times, ultimately teaching me resilience and the importance of community in overcoming obstacles.For two years, I poured my heart into waitressing by day and immersing myself in jazz clubs by night, seizing every opportunity to play. My perseverance paid off as I completed my BFA at the New School and earned a full scholarship to Juilliard for my Masters degree.
Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
I realize now the value of being educated in making connections, negotiating, booking, approaching donors, and managing grants. Understanding how to file taxes as an entrepreneur and effectively promote myself could have significantly accelerated my growth. It’s striking that even after participating in three jazz programs, these essential skills weren’t part of the curriculum. I became determined to equip myself with these skills, and pass this knowledge on to others, moving forward.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sharelcassity.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shah_relle/
- Facebook: www.facebook.com.sharelc
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharelcassity/
- Youtube: @sharelcassitymusic
Image Credits
K Morgan Photography
(Karen Morgan)