Today we’d like to introduce you to Jake Brookman.
Hi Jake, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
In 3rd grade I heard and fell in love with the sound of the cello. My elementary school music program wouldn’t let children start playing the cello until the 4th grade, which I think made me want to learn how to play it even more. While in elementary school a few of us had the opportunity to play with the high school orchestra. Playing with higher level musicians helped us see where we could be as we progressed through the schools’ music curriculum.
In junior high I started taking private lessons more seriously and continued to study privately throughout my high school years. Outside of my school music program I also played with local community and youth orchestras. After high school I decided to pursue music performance and was accepted with a scholarship to the Mannes College of Music in New York City.
After my return to Saint Louis I was asked to play a multimedia rock opera with the band The Suede Chain. That show started me down the path of playing the cello with rock bands. Through the years I have collaborated with many local and regional creative professionals both live and in the recording studio.
In 2018 I was introduced to busking (street performance) by some friends and instantly fell in love with sharing music publicly.
I am currently in 6 musical projects on a regular basis. Outside of those commitments, I also do other performances, corporate and private events, recording sessions and busking.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
In my life, I have been my biggest obstacle. I have not made things easy for myself and often learned lessons by doing things the hard way. One of my biggest challenges has been dealing with my fears and insecurities. I have found that by working through those feelings of doubt, putting in the practice time and putting myself out there that new opportunities present themselves all the time. I remind myself that I am worth it and that my craft will benefit from my investment of time and energy.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As a freelance cellist I consider myself fortunate to be able to play diverse genres in varied venues with other musicians. Busking has also helped me with many aspects of my playing. It has boosted my confidence and taught me how to shape my phrases more like a singer would. I have been a fan of the power of music since before I started playing the cello and have always loved a great melody.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
One of the biggest risks I have ever taken, was making the transition from working full time jobs to becoming a full time professional musician. In the past I had to work to support myself and would play music on the side as often as I was able to. At the end of 2017 I was let go from my last full time job. That was the catalyst I needed for me to expand my musical availability. For a while I delivered for Postmates to help make ends meet. Not too long after that I was introduced to busking which was much more appealing to me as a cellist. I am now in a place where I am playing my instrument and sharing the gift of music with as many people as I can. The risks I have taken along my journey have helped me to grow and learn.
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