Ray's blog

I hate asking others for help. It makes me feel weak, it makes me feel vulnerable…. And maybe, just maybe that’s the point.

I remember having to move once and I refused to ask for help. I loaded most of the boxes, the beds, the TV, the refrigerator but it was the washing machine that got me. Maybe I had grown tired from moving all day, maybe it was a sign, whatever it was I ended up hurting my back. It sucked. It took weeks to recover. Why didn’t I just ask someone to help?

I hate asking.

I have been battling depression, anxiety and an addictive personality for my entire life. I can proudly say that at this point I win the battle ninety eight percent of the time, but oh that two percent.

I can't shake this depression

No matter how I try

Over the years the tools that have been used to record, share and even teach music have evolved just like music itself has. Below is an infographic that The University of Florida created as a helpful guide that walks through music history and how technology has changed over the years. Ray was contacted by the creators of the infographic and asked to share it with his audience. Enjoy!

It was the 80’s and it was in a sleepy little West Texas town called Panhandle when I first realized that art (while subjective) can be destroyed by a narrow view of the world.

The project was called “What Sparks Your Imagination” and we were given two weeks to create using provided chalk and illustration board. The only other stipulation was that it must depict in some way the local landscape. In West Texas, for the most part we have flat yellowing grass with beautiful sunsets and sunrises.

Before I address what the behavior of a professional musician should look like, I’ll give a little background on myself and answer the age old question of - “How do I know if I’m a professional musician or not?”