An Inspired Chat with Marian Liebowitz of Suburbs

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Marian Liebowitz. Check out our conversation below.

Marian, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
I am so fortunate to be so engaged in my business. After wearing many hats throughout my 45-year career, I’m having the time of my life. All of the skill sets I have gained over the years are converging now. I’m running my own business- Marian Liebowitz Artist Management- and it brings me constant joy. I do often lose track of time yet make an effort to pull myself away to enjoy the other aspects of a balanced life.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Marian Liebowitz. I build bridges between performers, venues, and resources to provide powerful community enrichment.

The vision for my agency came to me piece by piece. It started while I was still in my 35-year career as both an international clarinet soloist and a tenured professor at San Diego State University. I was 1997 winner of the US State Department/Kennedy Center Artistic Ambassador Competition under the auspices of which I toured internationally as a clarinet soloist for over twelve years. During this time, I was asked to offer consultation and support to arts organizations throughout Latin America and Asia. That’s where the roots of my multi-cultural, multi-discipline tastes came together.

From day one, it has been of key importance that my artists be able to perform before a wide variety of audiences in the broadest definition of situations. My carefully curated roster reflects my taste for world music and dance, jazz, and classical genres.

From my background as Professor of Music Entrepreneurship at San Diego State University, I was among the first in the country to create coursework designed to teach performers how to make a living in the arts. I transfer this information to my professional artists, requiring “Industry Standard” marketing materials. I also started a course called “Community Outreach Practicum” specifically to train musicians to providing various forms of outreach. This informs my approach to community engagement events that are booked for my artists. Our ensembles offer interactive concerts, participatory classes, and wellness
programs adjustable to any outreach setting. Our engaging artist/teachers and our detailed standards-related study guides make our outreach effective and memorable!

I’m a past recipient of the California State University Bautzer Faculty Award for excellence in fundraising; a skill I now use to advise my organizational clients. I’m also a successful grant writer, having secured funds from such notable organizations as the National Endowment for the Arts, the Disabled American Veterans Charitable Trust, and the California Arts Council. These skills all make me a better booking agent as I worked with venues to find funding opportunities to support MLAM artist concerts and outreach they book.

These days I’m working on developing better systems of data management and finding new venues who may be interested in working with our agency.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
There are healthy and unhealthy bonds between people between people.
It is important to distinguish the difference.

Sometimes a relationship can be saved simply by accepting someone exactly as they are- rather than trying to get them to change to suit our needs. Accepting the reality of who someone can take the pressure off the relationship and the bond can be improved. Other times this acceptance means not being able to find a good reason to stay in the relationship in its current form or at all.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
I prefer to think about signposts rather than when I almost gave up. I try not to miss the guidance I get from my body, mind, and spirit. For example, I developed TMJ as a mid-career clarinetist. I modified the number of hours per day that I played, and I also had excellent chiropractic and dental support. Nevertheless, in 2009 the TMJ had gotten so bad that my cheeks were trembling when I played. I practically didn’t make it through a concerto performance. I came to the decision it was time to stop playing. It’s interesting that the pain never made me stop. It was the reality that I would not be able to function properly on stage. Once I decided, I had some grief around it. But it was more RELIEF- that I wasn’t going to put my body through it any longer. AND (this is important) I had a seamless pivot- since I had other interests, I could now focus on those with my full heart and mind. This is when I devoted myself further to supporting the careers of other performers. This ultimately led to the formation of my professional agency, Marian Liebowitz Artist Management.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Whose ideas do you rely on most that aren’t your own?
My husband is a great sounding board and teacher. I know he loves me exactly as I am. I trust his judgment because I know he sees me and wants me to thrive.
I also have a career coach. Her coaching also provides facilitated group encounters with her other clients. This gives me another perspective that I hold dear.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: When do you feel most at peace?
I practice gratitude on a regular basis. I have so much about which to be grateful.
Sometimes in the momentum of my business, I forget to slow down and recognize how much wonder is in my life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.marianliebowitz.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marianliebowitzartistmgmt/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mlam/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarianLiebowitzArtistManagement/?fref=ts
• Youtube: @marianliebowitzartistmgmt

Image Credits
Anastasya Photography