Or can you? Nevermind, who cares, I was merely trying to tie a Bob Seger lyric into a review of a stunningly fulfilling documentary about the freaks, geeks, and outcasts that are currently molding and personifying the brands most of us grew up with.  Michael Jackson and Ray Charles have gracefully departed,...

I’m a big fan of J.D. Salinger, who passed away this week at 91, and of the Grammy Awards, which celebrated music in its stunning spectacle of creative performance on Sunday. Now, Holden Caulfield would likely take issue with the superficial celebrity culture of pop music. As you may recall, Holden,...

It seems that every time I am interviewed by someone who is interested in my work, the question always comes up: “Well, do you still play the clarinet? What do you do as an artist?” For some time now, I have been scratching my head and thinking to myself, “What is it that I am saying...

As the owner and founder of the Gorilla Tango Theatre in Chicago, Dan Abbate has done something that so many aspiring arts entrepreneurs aspire to do: he’s found a way to make a profit and make a living while providing opportunities all sorts of opportunities for local producers and performers. I’ve...

As we get closer and closer to the opening of the Institute For Arts Entrepreneurship in Fall 2010, we wanted to spotlight some artistic entrepreneurs who have found success in their field. In our new series, Questions and Artists, we’ll pose a few burning questions to these brave artists who have...

There’s a book by Christopher Booker (appropriately titled The Seven Basic Plots) that says there are only seven basic plots in all forms of literature that are used over and over, ad nauseum.  Sure, they look and feel different, they’re told from different perspectives, etc…but it...

As we get closer and closer to the opening of the Institute For Arts Entrepreneurship in Fall 2010, we wanted to spotlight some artistic entrepreneurs who have found success in their field. In our new series, Questions and Artists, we’ll pose a few burning questions to these brave artists who have...

Producing a show is a pain in the ass.  Let’s get that out of the way right now.  You’re going to be putting yourself on the line creatively, financially, socially and professionally.  You’re going to devote hours and days and months of your life to something that could turn out...

OK… so I changed my mind. I am allowed to right?  I spent almost a year with interns  building The ETA Resource Center for you. I thought given how much time and money it cost me to build — almost $4000.00, a true labor of love– that it was worth the price of admission. Admission...

In this special guest blog, Michael Gold takes us back to an important moment in jazz history and tells us how we could all learn a thing or two about true passion from one of music’s greats.

Education is, first and foremost, a business. As is exemplified by rising tuition costs, educational institutions are not charity organizations. There are a vast number of arts education schools in the states and the competition between schools is fierce. If schools desire to be well thought of as serious...

Why be an artist? This is a fundamental question whose answer ultimately defines our creativity. The most honest and successful musicians will find their answers by looking inside themselves. The beauty of this question is that there are no wrong answers. Do we musicians wish to perform for the world?...

Global Entrepreneurship, sponsored byThe Kauffman Foundation– the world’s largest foundation devoted to entrepreneurship– is happening Nov 16-22 this year. For one week, millions from around the world will join a growing movement of entrepreneurial individuals, to generate new ideas...

More than sixty activist artists, community artists, and creative organizers took part in a conversation with the White House. The public dialogue on the arts and our national economic and cultural recovery is one in which all of us should and can have a voice.  Some of our most thoughtful cultural...

Money. Money. Money. We simply can’t live with out it, and we wouldn’t want to either. Money is simply in every fiber and fabric of our lives. It is that basic and deep to us as human beings. It’s something we need to survive. Think about the things that only money can buy—a better education...

In September of 2010 The Institute for Arts Entrepreneurship™ will open its doors at 3020 N Lincoln Avenue in Chicago. Our two year finishing program, will teach artists how to make a living from their artistry. To learn more about IAE check out our website. Applications for early enrollment are now...

It’s clear. The evidence is indisputable.  You’re a talented artist.  Really talented.  And accomplished.  You work hard, and have a top notch education.  Heck, you’re even good looking!  A prosperous life in music is nearly guaranteed, no?    Unfortunately, no.  Not by a long shot. ...

Back on November 1st, 2006, I launched ETA. It is hard to believe I have been blogging now for three years! Shall we celebrate with a virtual party? Take a sip of something bubbly, steaming or thirst quenching and lets flip through some memories together. And as for the cake, you can have the first...

I’ve been doing some research lately on measures of the fiscal health of not-for-profit arts organizations, especially theatres. This got me thinking about the factors that support the fiscal health of individual artists and arts entrepreneurs. In a 2001 article, Mark Hager examines four measures...

I just LOVE this You tube video featuring one of my clarinet customers, Christy Banks. I just LOVE her informal commentary– it makes the video– and makes me not only want to listen to HER but learn MORE about classical music because of her delivery.