The F-flat Books Blog is a community-run blog exploring a variety of topics in music teaching and learning.
Browse posts by category or check out the most recent posts below.
The Side Hustle Crossroads: When Passion Meets the Paycheck
Authored by José Valentino Ruiz, Ph.D. and Thaddaeus Bourne, D.M.A. Abstract This article explores the pivotal moment when a side hustle transitions from a supplementary endeavor to a viable full-time enterprise. Examining the challenges and strategies involved provides insights into balancing stability with creativity, navigating psychological impacts, and preparing for the leap into full-time entrepreneurship through disciplined planning and hybrid models. Keywords: Side hustle, entrepreneurship, creative business, financial planning, job satisfaction, hybrid models, career transition. The Side Hustle Crossroads There’s a peculiar point in every creative entrepreneur’s journey—a [...]
Three things you can do that will help you hit the “reset” button mid-year
Ah….winter break. Every December (and also in February, because I live and work in New England), I’ve always gotten the “itch” to just be done. Done with teaching. Done waking up early and driving to work in the dark (and then back home in the dark if I leave past 4:30). Done with it all. So, like many of you, I welcome the small break for the holiday season with open arms and an eagerness to not have to think so much. I’ve been this way for as [...]
Commercializing Cross-Cultural Instrumentalist Strategies
Abstract This interview with Néstor Torres, facilitated by Dr. José Valentino, explores Torres’ journey as a cross-cultural instrumentalist and his approach to blending diverse musical traditions into a unique artistic voice. Torres shares his experiences in grassroots audience development, the role of authenticity, and the importance of collaboration in shaping his music. He offers valuable insights for aspiring musicians on integrating cross-cultural influences into their styles, navigating commercial challenges, and adapting to various performance settings. With reflections on the evolution of cross-cultural music and its place in the [...]
The Pen of Life: Authorship, Authenticity, and Authority in Creative Enterprise
Abstract This article explores the challenges and opportunities faced by creative entrepreneurs in reclaiming authenticity and authority in their work. It introduces the Authentic Path Framework, a five-step guide that emphasizes introspection, rejecting conformity, embracing innovation, and leveraging tools to create meaningful impact. Through philosophical insights and examples of historical and contemporary innovators, the article argues for the power of authorship in shaping transformative and authentic creative enterprises. Keywords: authenticity, authorship, innovation, creativity, conformity, leadership, entrepreneurship. Writing the Story of Our Lives In an age defined by abundance—abundant [...]
Respecting Time: The Silent Currency of Creative Entrepreneurship
Abstract This editorial, co-authored by José Valentino Ruiz, Ph.D. and guest entrepreneur, Robert Acevedo Jr., underscores the importance of respecting time as a cornerstone of professionalism for creative entrepreneurs, musicians, and educators. By addressing the pitfalls of vague collaborations, setting clear boundaries, and fostering a culture of preparation and clarity, the article empowers professionals to protect their time and elevate their practices to a more serious and rewarding level. Keywords: Time management, professionalism, boundaries, creative entrepreneurs, collaboration, preparation, referrals The Boundaries of Time Time is the one resource [...]
A Realistic Take on Creating Opportunities for Student Agency
With both of my sons now in middle school, and my husband and I both working, getting ready for work in the morning and getting the boys ready for school can be a little chaotic. Do they have their lunches, projects, Chromebooks, water bottles, and everything else for the day? Do they have what they need for afterschool sports and other activities? Did they remember to brush their teeth and take their vitamins? During the school year I rush around, chasing my sons down, asking a million questions [...]
The Art of Readiness: Nurturing Creativity Beyond Compensation and Opportunity
Abstract This article explores the importance of cultivating creative readiness by engaging in craft for the sheer love and joy of it, independent of external validation or compensation. It emphasizes the need for creative entrepreneurs to prioritize authenticity, self-discovery, and continuous growth while balancing personal fulfillment with external relevance. Keywords: creativity, entrepreneurship, authenticity, self-discovery, innovation, routine, arts professionals Readily Create for the Love of It In the whirlwind of entrepreneurial discourse, particularly within the arts, there is a recurring mantra: identify a need, solve a problem, monetize your [...]
The Power of Thanks: Gratitude in Music, Business, and Beyond
The Power of Thanks: Gratitude in Music, Business, and Beyond As we gather for Thanksgiving, reflecting on gratitude feels more essential than ever—especially for those of us navigating the creative and entrepreneurial world of music. While the music industry is often characterized by ambition, deadlines, and competition, cultivating a spirit of genuine gratitude is transformative, both professionally and personally. Saying “thank you” is not just a social nicety; it’s a practice that deepens relationships, opens doors, and roots us in the journey of where we’ve been, where we [...]
The Power of a Messy Approach in Teaching Music Entrepreneurship
Abstract This article advocates for a hands-on, experiential approach to teaching music entrepreneurship, highlighting the value of embracing a "messy" curriculum. The author suggests that engaging students in real-world projects, encouraging risk-taking, and normalizing failure builds the adaptability and creativity crucial for thriving in the unpredictable music industry. Moving beyond theory, this approach fosters grit, problem-solving skills, and innovative thinking that align with the true demands of entrepreneurship. Why We Need to Embrace the "Mess" in Entrepreneurship Education If you’ve been around the music industry long enough, you [...]
Making Music Education Inclusive—Without Falling into the Tokenism Trap!
Making Music Education Inclusive—Without Falling into the Tokenism Trap! Let’s talk about why it’s so important to move beyond tokenism in music education—and how you can actually make that shift. It’s a common story in music classrooms: each year, educators launch special projects tied to cultural heritage months, like focusing on jazz musicians during Black History Month or diving into traditional Latin American music for Hispanic Heritage Month. This is all great for engaging students, but it’s not enough if we want to give them a genuine, immersive, [...]
Quincy Jones’s Legacy: Key Lessons in Music Arrangement, Production, and Social Impact for Today’s Industry Professionals
Redefining the Role of Arranger and Producer Quincy Jones, a trailblazer in the music industry, transformed the art of arrangement and production, setting standards that continue to inspire and inform today’s music professionals. More than just a gifted musician, Jones viewed his work as an arranger and producer as an opportunity to shape musical narratives, bridge genres, and foster social change. His career offers invaluable lessons for educators, arrangers, and producers alike, demonstrating how music can serve as both an art form and a catalyst for positive impact. [...]
Honoring Tom Petty: What Modern Musicians Can Learn from His Courage and Creativity
The late Tom Petty would have turned 74 last week – a week that will see milestones like the theatrical release of Cameron Crowe’s 1983 film “Tom Petty: Heartbreakers Beach Party” and the reissue of the 1982 “Long After Dark” album. The Florida singer-songwriter’s impact, seven years after his death, is still being widely felt across the music industry. In an era where the music and arts landscapes are constantly evolving, Petty’s legacy serves as a crucial guide for aspiring performers and entrepreneurs. His journey exemplifies not just extraordinary songwriting and [...]