Career Roadmap
Jesse's work combines: Music, Business, and Being Creative
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Here's the path I took:
High School
Wilton High School
Bachelor's Degree
Music Theory and Composition
Berklee College of Music
Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be a Musicians & Singers:
High School
Bachelor's Degree: Music Theory and Composition
Learn more about different paths to this career
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life took a while to figure out
1.
My mom loaned me her old guitar and I wrote my first song. I quickly dropped out of art school.
2.
I left my apt and moved in with my sweet Grandma at 19. She let me stay up all night and play guitar.
3.
I got into Berklee (on the second try) and really excelled in the songwriting program.
4.
I formed a great band and learned a lot about music and the business. We made an ep.
5.
I graduated college, won a huge songwriting contest and got offered a publishing deal in Nashville.
6.
Wrote for 5 years, made a record and then lost my deal.. Started touring and moved into the car.
7.
Started making enough money to make a modest living. I saw things moving forward.
8.
Made another record. Had some big TV placements and got some checks in the mail. Hello apartment.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Society in general:
Jesse, you either get the picket fence and the family or the successful career in music. You can't have both.
How I responded:
Most folks that tell you that you can't do something are bitter about their own lives. Don't let these people tell you what you're capable of and don't let them squash your dreams. They are the ones that say you can't. They are the voices that reinforce fear and doubt. We must rise above fear and doubt to accomplish truly great things. And it probably won't be easy; because attaining greatness is usually not an overnight experience. It is often a result of many years of work and dedication.
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
I had serious financial difficulties in my life and used credit to further my music career. In the end though, it only hurt me. It's important to learn about money and respect it. You don't have to be a starving artist to have worth and credibility.
I never fit into high school. I was kicked out of every school I attended, even with high SAT scores. Eventually they put me in a work-study program where I attended high school for two hours a day. Some of us learn differently than others.
I used hard drugs to numb the pain of childhood. I stayed up for three straight days when I was 18 and my heart nearly stopped. That scared me. I realized that the only true high in life is natural; creation, a hike, a kiss. I've never used again.