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Sound
and Soul
By Casey Hubble
For musicians with no legitimate "connections" to the
music industry, playing music as a full-time profession
is not an easily attainable goal. A thousand barriers
stand between creating music and successfully
broadcasting songs on a large-scale basis. The
run-of-the-mill musician has two things that he can
depend on: sound and soul. Sometimes, these two
ingredients are all that "brings the diamond out of the
dirt."
Through the process of applying for financial
assistance, I have encountered the difficult obstacle of
being in the majority (i.e., middle class, white, male).
Though my parents have vowed to support my college
education expenses as best as they can, paying for four
years of college is a definite "bank buster" for my
family. One major financial set-back in my household has
been the effects of Hurricane Katrina. As a computer
programmer for indigent medical clinics in New Orleans,
my father's projected income was not achieved last year
due to the inability of clinics to pay their bills.
College expenses which we believed affordable before the
hurricane are not now as achievable. To counteract this
loss of income, I have used my passion for music to
generate a small income by giving guitar lessons and
playing gigs. In addition, I plan to continue my
full-time summer employment (as I have since I was a
freshman). Any investment in my future would not only
significantly assist my education, but my music career
as well, as I would have more funds available for
chasing my dream of sharing my sound and soul with the
world.
For me, music is not a hobby; music is a lifestyle.
Songs which I have written tell stories of real life
experiences. I often wonder where this road I am on will
take me and what my songs will sound like ten years from
now. Through hours of pondering this thought, I have
formulated this theory: "The major factors in achieving
my dream will be based on four basic things. The Lord's
plan for my life, the way I conduct myself in different
situations throughout my life, the education I acquire,
and the people I meet." I recognize that at this point,
I do not have the education needed to make the most
advantageous decisions towards promoting my career. A
degree in mass communications/advertising will
complement my musical goals by priming me for making a
bona fide run at the music industry and having a more
realistic shot at sharing my sound and soul with the
world.
Passion is "the object of love or desire and boundless
enthusiasm." This definition accurately describes my
feelings toward the creation of music. The euphoria I
experience as my creation comes to life is
incomprehensible to those who do not share my passion.
My dreams far exceed taking recognition for my works and
becoming famous. My dream is to touch as many people as
I can through music. An investment in my education is an
investment in sound and soul. |
