Today we’d like to introduce you to Norman Ludwin.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have always had music in my life, as my father and uncle both played the piano. I started playing the double bass in elementary school, as a sort of joke but continued playing in school orchestras all the way through high school.
Eventually, I realized that music was going to be an integral part of my life’s journey and have not veered from that goal. I believe that music is the ultimate mystery and one of the few things in this world that has true meaning,
Now I play the bass on major motion pictures, television shows, records, and with several local orchestras. I have traveled the world with my bass, and still, love making music with others.
My other passion is teaching, and am currently teaching at several universities and have many private students. These students come from all over the world to study with me and I feel very honored that they seek me out. I travel internationally presenting master classes on film composition and orchestration.
My life is full with family, work, and the pleasure of always learning and challenging myself.
Has it been a smooth road?
My biggest challenge has been surviving the politics of the music business. The music business is competitive, but can also very personal.
When you are criticized as a musician, it is very easy to hear that criticism as a judgment on yourself as a person, as opposed to an objective viewpoint. You need to create a thick skin and learn to accept criticism as a professional musician, which can be difficult.
To be a successful musician you must be assertive and confident and believe in yourself.
This doesn’t mean being so conceited that you don’t know your own limitations, but you must be convinced that you have something valid artistically to share with others.
I often tell my students that those who succeed in life are the people who know their weaknesses and work hard at changing them, as opposed to pretending they aren’t there!
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I teach private lessons on composition, orchestration, and bass playing. These lessons can be in person or via Skype.
Every summer I teach orchestration classes to members of the Professional Musician’s Union Local 47. I have written ten books on the art and craft of music; these books and information on lessons can be found at my website.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
The interest in film music is growing all the time, both in the US and internationally.
Video games, music videos, and streaming content are the future of entertainment and young people want to be part of this new exciting world.
LA continues to be the center of the entertainment business and the place where people come to learn, network with others, and get jobs. I was very fortunate to grow up in a world of orchestras and real instruments, while young people of today mostly know synths, samplers and sequencers.
My goal is to help others polish their skills and to share my knowledge with the next generation.
Pricing:
- Single Lesson $75
- Package of six lessons and free e-book $375
Contact Info:
- Address: 3618 Cazador St LA CA 90065
- Website: www.musicnewapproach.com
- Phone: 2134476843
- Email: lmus@mac.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LudwinMusic/
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