Music Mentors gather to give students advice on future careers in music

On Feb 25, nine members of the Seacoast music community gathered in the MUB Entertainment Center in to talk to students about their futures with music.

“This panel is a great example of many different jobs that are directly related to the music industry,” Chris Grenier, Founder of the 3S Artspace, said.

The panel of nine members vastly ranged in occupation, but each had something positive to contribute to students. They answered specific questions that ranged from “How do I book my band at local venues” to “I want to be a musician, but my parents made me major in engineering - how do I stay in the music scene?”

“The one thing you’re doing right now might not be what you’ll be doing in 20 years. You’ll evolve,” Russ Grazier, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Portsmouth Musical Arts Center, said.

Chris Hislop, music journalist for Spotlight magazine, followed up with, “The point is, take a look at what you envision yourself doing, poke around at it and see what happens.”
All of the members met individually with students after the meeting and were enthusiastic to answer questions and give advice. Their engaging attitudes made it a comfortable and welcoming meeting that came off more like a meeting with friends.

“Stay with it and never give up,” Tristan Omand, solo artist, said. “Not everyone is going to like what you do, but your success is determined by the people you surround yourself with.”
In response to Omand, Scott Miller, local luthier, said, “Do what you love, take the steps necessary to get there and be humble about it.”
The phrase “I know a guy” can go a long way in the music business. Trusting relationships made in meet-ups like this can get you a recommendation, a push in the right direction, or an email asking your band to play at a Seacoast venue.

“Take advantage of your local scene,” Karen Marzloff, Co-Founder of The Wire, said.

When it feels that you know no one in the local music scene, the panels of music gurus are the type of people waiting to help you make an entrance.

Catch the next Music Mentors meeting on March 18 in the MUB Entertainment Center.