Today we’d like to introduce you to Eric Croissant.
Eric, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Growing up in Upland, California, I spent most of my childhood being misunderstood and made fun of. After failing at several sports, I found my perfect match in 5th grade with the saxophone. Music instantly took over my life, it was all I could think about. Through the years, I have consistently worked to improve my musicianship and artistry on saxophone, as well as other instruments.
Today, I play with several bands including LALA Brass, South Central Skankers, and my new group Pandemonium Prism. Whenever I am not making or working on music, I am usually teaching it. I teach private music lessons, and I also go to various school to work with their students.
Music is the greatest joy in my life, and it has helped me through the darkest of days, and it has sweetened even the most joyous occasions.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The music industry is notorious for its ups and downs. When I first stepped away from college to work as a freelance musician full-time I couldn’t do it. To provide for myself, I had to work another job that wasn’t related to music. After a while, I made that big push to commit to my career.
Since then, there have still been many struggles. When it comes to freelancing, and being the boss, you eventually realize that sometimes you get in the way of your business improving.
The past few years, I have spent a lot of time learning not only how to manage my personal problems but to also use them as lenses that reveal my unique perspective on life. Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, and others have caused a lot of damage in my past. Eventually, I realized that I have to control my career, I had to learn to control myself.
Self-awareness and honesty don’t necessarily make the difficult choices easier, but they illuminate the path to growth and make it easier to accept the change that is needed.
Having a constantly changing schedule with very few consistent jobs has taken a lot of getting used to. Psychologically, it can be very taxing. This is another reason why it’s so important to be aware of your mental health: so you can identify if a particular force is impacting your mood. It may not make things better instantly, but you will at least have an explanation for why things are that way.
Can you give our readers some background on your music?
In Los Angeles, I am mostly known as a baritone and tenor saxophonist. While I am known for these, I play other saxophones, clarinets, flutes, and even sing. My main reason for this is that helps to diversify your skills to work in the Los Angeles music scene.
There is a lot more that goes on besides the music I play, and the lessons I teach. Like a lot of other musicians in Los Angeles, I also compose music, write lyrics, and produce. Additionally, I run sound systems, perform minor instrument repairs, book bands/artists, find/refurbish/sell musical instruments, collaborate with businesses, and much more.
I was always told growing up that if I wanted to be a musician, I would have to do a lot more than just play. Luckily for me, I love doing all of the work I do. Some musicians get into teaching because they need money, I have always had a passion to help others learn.
Something that makes me special with the work I do is that I’m always trying to improve everything I do. It’s impossible to get better at everything at once, but that doesn’t stop me from trying!
I like to break-down the jobs I do and improve upon the individual elements. For example: studying public speaking and psychology greatly improves your skill as a teacher, but teachers usually focus on the macro concept of “how to teach something” rather than the micro elements that are involved in teaching something. My approach is probably the result of a life in music, and learning how ”perfect” a song by breaking down it down to the notes, rhythm, etc. and then piecing everything back together.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Personally, I would define success as completing or improving upon a goal that you have set for yourself. It’s important to remember to calculate the steps you must take along the way to reach the goal so that you can keep track of your progress.
Pricing:
- 1-hour Online Lesson – $40
- Three 1-hour Online Lessons – $100
- Five 1-hour Online Lessons – $150
Contact Info:
- Website: croissantmusic.com
- Email: contact@croissantmusic.com
- Instagram: saxcroissant
- Facebook: ericcroissantsax
Image Credit:
Kyle Archie Harris, Christian Nostalgic, Connor Yasuda, Emi Rose, Adi Amador
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