Tell our readers about yourself!
My name is Drew Alexander Forde. I am a full-time, professional musician living in Los Angeles, CA. My work is centered around and studio recording and live performance. The other half of my life is 100% entrepreneurial. I created a lifestyle brand called ThatViolaKid and I founded a string quartet called wholesoul. I plan to build both of these businesses’ revenue so that I can one day, I won’t have to rely on gigs anymore.
What is something you did learn in music school that you find really valuable?
I learned everything I needed to know about the mechanics of playing a stringed instrument. I also learned essential music skills like sight reading, sight singing, rhythmic subdivision, intonation, and music theory (even though classical music theory is flawed and obsolete).
What is something "that they didn't teach you in music school”?
They did not teach us anything about business beyond the ideation phases. I was never taught marketing, business operations, quantitative analysis, or money management. I didn’t know that you must take profit first, then save money for taxes, and THEN you pay for capital expenses. There’s so much more—I could keep going. The core of it is this, I think music schools should teach students about money, where it comes from, and how to create art to survive in a capitalist system.
Such amazing advice! Is there a place that our readers can continue hearing your valuable insight?
My weekly newsletter, Grace Notes, translates business concepts into a language that artists can understand. I want to share my learnings and inspire other people to realize that going into orchestras is even more risky than starting your own business. You can subscribe to my newsletter here!
Connect with Drew: Instagram | TikTok | Official Website
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The Practice Note Monthly Artist Spotlight celebrates the extraordinary talent within the music industry. These remarkable professionals excel in their performances while pioneering innovative paths with their entrepreneurial mindset. They have embraced creativity and forged unique, diverse careers that inspire us all.
