We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Bobby Brader. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Bobby below.
Bobby, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
I have not. Imposter syndrome is a close pal! Controversial, but I believe that a healthy dose of this condition is good for ambition and staying “above the curve.” The day it magically goes away, should that day ever arrive, will be a scary day, as I’m not sure that I’m ready to enjoy a high level of success, internally. I always want to feel like there is a better way, that I could have done more!
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I wear several musical hats in the Greater Los Angeles area, and they all seem to change shape every couple of months. Mostly, I’m a composer for film and theatre. I’m almost always working on a movie score or a piece for a musical. Sometimes I’m an accompanist (pianist) for ballet classes and performances. Every so often I’m called to play auditions for a musical, which is extremely fun, because you’re constantly on your toes, wondering what the next piece of music is that you must sightread. Yes, somehow I enjoy the absolute terror this part of my career brings with it. I’ve taught music for 15 years, mostly: piano, composition, and voice (vocal coaching) both privately and in the college classroom setting. My favorite part is, of course, helping others fall more in love with music, and helping young talents understand more about their craft. Currently, I am working on a new musical and the score for a short film.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
My top skill is networking, and that’s something that has taken me many years of practice. I don’t always enjoy it, either. Most of the time I love going to the film festivals and screening parties, and I feel like I’ve been able to navigate those because of my developing this skill over time. When I moved to LA, in 2015, I met a composer named David Raiklen, who told me, “Become everybody’s friend.” I’ll never forget his simple, but profound advice. He’s absolutely right. Make friends within your field, make friends outside your field, just be nice and try to get along with everyone. Good relationships lead to trust, and that trust will be put in you when it comes time to do a job for them or with them.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
I wanted to quit band class, in 8th Grade. I was put there by accident. The short version is that I could not switch out of the class and elect another course for the first 2 weeks of school, and I was very ready to quit at the beginning of that third week. The Sunday evening, before week 3, my parents told me that I could quit, if I wasn’t enjoying band. But I changed my mind when I went to class that Monday. I wanted to stay and learn how to play and read music. The reason I’m thankful that my parents were going to allow me to drop band, and likely music altogether, is that it reassured me that I had their support no matter what I decided to do. I never felt forced into music, and I feel like that’s why I became so obsessed.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bobbybrader.com/
- Instagram: @bobbybrader
- Other: imdb.me/bobbybrader
Image Credits
Photo Credit: Laura Burke https://www.lauraburkephotography.com/
