Middle C Music Magazine - February Edition

February 8, 2005

Letter from the Founder
Featured Article
Ask the Music Wizard
Music Tips
Music Links
C Notes

Dear Friends,

We hope you enjoyed a safe and productive holiday season. We are pleased to present the February edition of Middle C music magazine written by musicians for musicians.

Middle C is a unique online music magazine that provides high quality content free of charge to HearMePlay.com users. We are always looking for ways to improve our service and provide first rate products and information. Please feel free to send us your questions, comments and suggestions any time!

This edition focuses on how when music becomes a part of you, it will always sustain you in some way, if not financially, then spiritually and emotionally. This month's feature article guest found a way to live in music as a performer and craftsman.

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We are adding known and unknown publishers to our database every week! If you are a publisher and would like us to carry your catalog, please email us at publishers@hearmeplay.com.

Look for our new Online Musical Crossword Challenge in next month's edition of Middle C for your chance to win FREE music!

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Interested in publishing your own method? We are happy to feature your product on our site! Contact us any time and we will work to make your knowledge and experience available to everyone.

Respectfully,

John Goodell
Founder
HearMePlay.com

Carpenter by Trade, Musician by Soul

We're all touched by music in some way. Some of us play it. Some of us sing it. Some of us teach it. But how many of us are so inspired by the practice of music that we craft the instruments from which the sounds flow?

Meet Don Paine, musician and carpenter turned expert luthier, from Glenwood Springs, Colorado. "I've run my own cabinet shops in the past - building custom cabinets, doors and period furniture - for over twenty-five years," says Don. "I have also played fiddle, clawhammer banjo and the mandolin since I was a kid. But no one was more surprised than I when I merged the two into life and work I love."

But it was not just his passions - woodworking and music - that served as the impetus to craft his first mandolin. "Pomeroy Instruments, a hand-crafted mandolin making business, is the result of many aspects of my personal journey," Don says.

"Music has always been an integral part of my life." Don played the trombone as a kid, and in his teens became interested in all stringed instruments, including the fiddle, banjo and mandolin.

He and his wife, April, were the folk duo Mountainsong for nearly ten years in southern New Hampshire. They now play with The Last Minute String Band in Colorado, created for pure fun."

"I developed an interest in playing mandolin, like many musicians do." The theory goes that if you can play the fiddle a bit, and flat-pick a guitar, then theoretically you can pick up a mandolin and play it. Of course, it's not that easy, and Don is still challenged by mandolin playing 25 years later�but it's that challenge that drives him. That and a true love for the particular tone quality of the instrument.

"Many pickers feel that the fiddle is the ultimate challenge," says Don, "but for me it has always been the mando. I had the idea that if I could actually create one, it might help get me one step closer to actually being able to play one. It has, in fact, helped."

"The support that I received really helped push me in this direction." The band and the community in general were a great source of encouragement for Don when he crafted his first mandolin.

"When I built my first mandolin, I really had no intention of becoming a luthier," recalls Don. "But the energy behind that one act created a very positive impression, and the idea emerged that I might be able to actually tie together my two passions - woodworking and music - by building mandolins to sell."

The foundational support, however, came early on in life, from his parents. "My parents enjoy music, and they have always encouraged my musical endeavors," says Don. Also, Pomeroy, his mother's maiden name, will pass on with this generation. He named his company Pomeroy Instruments, to honor his mother, and push the family name forward.

The primary (and daily) support that fueled his dream came from his wife, April. "In the beginning, she agreed to take on the bills while I gave it my best shot," says Don. "I am especially fortunate to have her encouragement."

"My day job was in direct conflict with my ethics and value system." A carpenter and builder by trade, Don found himself increasingly dismayed by the rate at which the beautiful Aspen valley being consumed by growth. "The incredible waste that building trophy homes generates," says Don, "and the attitudes that generally accompany the process, became big problems for me."

He continues, "All of my complaining wouldn't change that unless I could find another way to make a living. So, there was this conflicting core belief eating away at me, like I think it does for many people." Building mandolins is has been a great compromise of making a living and living with principle for Don, because he feels like he's "creating something positive for a troubled world, and, at the end of the week, I usually have less than a small trash can of waste."

"The mandolin building business has created a simplicity and balance in my life for which I will always be grateful," muses Don. "I knew that building stringed instruments would be the perfect combination for me�doing something that I could pour my heart into, as well as challenge me as a craftsman to the highest degree."

"Once you set out to quit your day job to live your passion, I think that a clear intent is vital." While Don believes that doors do open, and there is something to the 'follow your dreams' ideology, he doesn't believe you can just let go without at least some kind of a plan or vision.

"I was fortunate to have a small shop space available at my residence, years of woodworking experience, and musical experience as a fiddler and picker." Moreover, Don credits his success to his strong work ethic and ability to focus.

"It's not easy to take that plunge. Everyone has to consider their individual circumstances, unique talents, and innate attributes" advises Don, "because the challenges are plentiful."

"The feeling I get when I see (and hear) a musician perform with a mandolin I've created is overwhelming." Don gets a strong feeling of wholeness when he hears musicians play his mandolins. "It's the feeling of the full circle�getting back what has been given, over and over. I feel very humbled and honored to be a part of that circle."

Forty plus mandolins later, and a list of testimonials a mile long from more-than-satisfied musicians, Don shows no signs of slowing down, or of looking to mass production in lieu of using his own two hands.

He says of his methodology, "For me, getting away from production-oriented approaches in the shop and the constant whining and buzzing of mind- jarring power tools is critical. I have seen the 'time is money' approach taken to the extreme, and believe that it is systematically eating away at our sanity and our planet."

He continues, "Obviously to succeed in any construction business, careful attention must be paid to some degree of efficiency. But simplicity helps to keep overhead down, and setting moderate profit goals helps to reduce the need for machine-like efficiency. With a steady, focused effort, I build each mandolin one at a time - start to finish- with as few power tools as I can justify. I carve the neck, back and top by hand and tune the plates with a more traditional approach of tapping and flexing. I immerse myself totally in the task of building the finest mandolin I can."

And at the end of the day, Don's life and his work are in perfect harmony�the true dream of every musician.

For more information about Don Paine and Pomeroy Instruments, please visit his web site at http://www.pomeroyinstruments.com.

Dear Music Wizard,

Dear Music Wizard,

Music has been so good to me. It comforts me in my low times, helps me to celebrate the good times, and has brought me more attention, financial rewards and accolades than anyone deserves. How can I give back to the process that is music?

- Giving Back

Dear Giving Back,

Music brings us so many gifts, and kudos to you for wanting to return the favor.

The best way to give back to the craft is to continue the tradition of music celebration in places that can't afford to pay for it, and to continue the power of music education for people for whom lessons and instruments are financially out of reach.

Sing for your church, or offer to play your instrument for a benefit that's raising funds for a cause you believe in. Offer to give piano lessons to underprivileged kids, or play piano for your child's school play.

Wherever you see a musical void, fill it.

--The Music Wizard

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Do you have a question you'd like to ask a Music Wizard? Send your question to wizard@hearmeplay.com.

Interested in becoming a music wizard? Get great exposure, unique recognition and a personal discount code for unlimited orders! Take pride in building a valuable resource for the music community and utilize this creative outlet for your expertise. Send inquiries to wizard@hearmeplay.com.

If you're thinking about transitioning from a job to self-employment, having a plan in place will help make the transition easier. Some tips to make the best of your career transition include:

1) Start saving! Many businesses die during the three years, mainly due to lack of working capital. Unless you are fortunate to have a part-time venture already in place that generates consistent income, you'll likely have a period of time when income will fluctuate greatly.

By socking away money equal to or greater than six months of living expenses, you'll offer yourself a safety buffer. This buffer will protect you in the event of a sudden decline in income, an emergency that requires you to be out of work, unexpected business expenses, or other tough times.

2) Don't burn your bridges! This isn't just about leaving your current job on good terms. As you run your business, you'll soon discover that your reputation *is* your business's best asset. Make sure that your customers are satisfied, that you maintain the highest standard of quality, and that you are truthful-even if it hurts!

3) Christen a room just for business. Self-employment is often glamorized as giving you more freedom and money. But, in reality, many entrepreneurs find themselves trying to find a balance between life and business. By establishing an area specifically for your work, you can better establish business boundaries.

For example, at the end of your business day, turn the ringer off the phone, shut down any equipment, and turn off the lights. This helps you to transition from business mode to your commute home-even if that commute is just down your hallway.

4) Always prospect for new clients. Small business owners often get trapped into doing the work that pays the bills, instead of setting aside a few hours each month to dedicate to growing the business and finding new revenue streams. Don't fall into this trap! By contacting between 15-20 people each week through phone calls, advertising, marketing and networking, you'll learn the secrets to sustain your business for years to come.

http://www.onlinevolunteering.org
World Music Foundation volunteer opportunities

http://www.luth.org/schools.htm
Guitar-building schools in the US and online

http://pweb.jps.net/~msmatsu/htmlpages/violin1.html
How to build a violin for beginners

http://www.changingcourse.com/passion.htm
Finding and pursuing your passion

http://www.allbusiness.com
Small business forms, agreements, guides, advice, directory, & resources

http://www.homebiztools.com
Small and home based business ideas and tools

http://www.bplans.com
Free sample business plans, marketing plans, outlines & tips

At HearMePlay.com, we are dedicated to readers like you who are looking to make a living in the music world - even if it's not through performance or music instruction. Below are some fundraising ideas, grants and scholarship opportunities to keep music alive in your world and ours!

http://www.goldbergweb.com/en/associations/unitedstates/9613.php
Violin maker scholarship information

http://www.mimf.com/link.htm
Musical Instrument Makers Forum online