Meet Che Chiavaroli

We were lucky to catch up with Che Chiavaroli recently and have shared our conversation below.

Che, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?

I always knew I wanted to have more confidence, so I kept going for it. I watched people I felt had a lot of confidence and tried to figure out their approach and emulate it. I knew I only had myself to answer to and as long as I was living authentically and having a growth mindset, I was doing the work to be proud of myself. In time, I had more confidence, continued to grow and have great outcomes and that success helped my self-esteem.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I have always been and continue to be obsessed with the art of music. I love it’s intangible quality. Completely immersive at the same time being completely ethereal. We all have a part in it, if we desire, and I love helping people figure out what that role for them can be.

I played music since I can remember. I had talent but was not a virtuoso. I’ve worked really hard to gain the expertise/ability that I have. I think I might appreciate it more than some people who are naturally gifted, they don’t realize how special that talent really is. While pursuing playing music as a hobby, people kept asking me to help them get started. At first I doubted my abilities because I figured virtuosos would be much better equipped to help people find the path. I immersed myself into becoming highly knowledgeable to be able to help any style student that came my way. I learned to have great patience with students. Not everyone has the same natural ability. Not everyone has been exposed to it. Not everyone learns the same way.

I started seeing my own musical journey as a meditative practice. It employs patience, listening, breathing, relaxing and repetition. Being alone with my instrument and stopping the inner critique. Instead following my practice without judgement.

I started seeing my teaching as an opportunity to mentor life skills. My students not only learn the discipline of playing an instrument, but also are taught patience, tenacity and how to keep going when something’s difficult and the reward of their persistence. I teach my students to dream big and make decisions out of potential, not from fear.

I love collaborative music, so my students play in ensembles and also have opportunities to go to rock camp, jazz camp, art camp and choral camp. I’m always pushing them to have opportunities of playing with their peers.

I’ve hired 3 excellent teachers that were hired based on experience, knowledge and love for music. It’s not enough to just love music, these teachers play, compose and produce their own music. I believe you better walk the walk if you talk the talk.

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?

One is, practice, practice, practice. As a musician, it is a constant part of your life. It never ends. A musician is forever polishing their skills.

I got a four year college degree in Journalism. I wanted to major in Music but was counseled that I wouldn’t be able to make a living in it. I have not spent one day as a Journalist, but I cherish my education and have used many aspects of what I learned in running my own business, marketing, networking, designing, having a larger world view & finishing projects.

I knew I loved music and always treated it like a career that was going to happen. I didn’t listen to critiques, I listened to my inner voice.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?

Life moves so quickly recently. Especially with the continuous bombardment of digital information. Taking care of yourself is the most important priority. Unless someone is in danger of dying, you can stop what you’re doing. It’s important to schedule time for yourself so you don’t burn out. Maybe that’s a walk everyday. Maybe it’s a stay cation where you’re going to clean out the junk drawers. Maybe you need to get out of town for a weekend. It could be as simple as getting a massage. Turn the phone off. Take a nap. Leave the mess. It will be there after you’ve recharged & you can take care of it then.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.upbeatsandaccents.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/upbeatsandaccents/
• Other: https://upbeatsandaccents.bandcamp.com/

Image Credits

The photo of me (the owner) with the instruments was taken by Marcia Beck @ IG @life_on_love-street