Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Gabriel Feldman-Franden. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Gabriel, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
I found my resilience through a combination of personal experiences and support from my loved ones. Starting my musical journey at a young age and facing the challenges of learning multiple instruments taught me the importance of perseverance.
A significant moment in my life was the passing of my oldest brother when I was 15. This loss was incredibly challenging, but it also taught me the importance of inner strength and finding purpose in difficult times. Music became a vital outlet for my emotions and a way to honor his memory.
Additionally, my father, who used to be my manager, has played a crucial role in showing me how to manage my life as an adult. His guidance has been invaluable in helping me navigate the complexities of a music career and adult responsibilities. My mother, who moved from Chico to Los Angeles to support my music career, has also been a constant source of encouragement. Her unwavering belief in me and our deep conversations during long walks have helped me stay focused and motivated.
Through the ups and downs of performing, teaching, and producing music, I’ve learned to embrace setbacks as learning experiences and to continually strive for improvement. My passion for music and the support from my family and mentors have been crucial in building my resilience.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I’m Gabriel Feldman, and my journey as a musician has been incredibly fulfilling and diverse. I play drums, guitar, and bass, and I have been immersed in music for the past 22 years. Currently, I focus on my career as a musician, music producer, and educator.
One of the most exciting aspects of my work is running my own production company, Riel Music L.L.C., which I launched in 2021. Through Riel Music, I offer a range of services, including music production, mixing, mastering, and video recording. I have had the privilege of working with artists across various genres, such as pop, folk, soul, rock, jazz, metal, and punk, helping them bring their musical visions to life. My goal is to provide high-quality services at an affordable price, ensuring that all artists have the opportunity to create and share their music.
Additionally, I started a YouTube channel (@Gabriel Feldman) during the pandemic, where I share teaching and performance videos. This platform has allowed me to connect with a wider audience and inspire others through my music and educational content.
Teaching is another significant part of my career. I work as a Teaching Artist with the Grand Vision Foundation Meet the Music program, where I teach recorder, piano, and percussion in four public elementary school classrooms. I love inspiring students to improve their music skills and tailor my lessons to suit each individual’s needs and interests. I offer lessons on various instruments, including guitar, bass, drum set, percussion, ukulele, voice, piano, music recording, and music production. My teaching philosophy revolves around allowing students to choose their own music, incorporating music theory into all lessons, and fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment. Recently, I also started teaching drum line at the Boys and Girls Club of LA Harbor, which has been an incredibly rewarding experience.
I’m fully fluent in both English and Spanish, which allows me to connect with a diverse range of students and collaborators. Being bilingual has been a significant advantage in my career, enabling me to reach a broader audience and work effectively with people from different backgrounds.
Looking ahead, I’m excited about expanding my production company and YouTube channel. I plan to continue creating educational content, collaborating with more artists, and exploring new musical projects. I also have some upcoming events and product launches in the works, which I will be sharing soon.
In everything I do, my aim is to inspire and support others in their musical journeys. Whether through teaching, producing, or performing, I strive to make a positive impact and help others achieve their musical goals. Thank you for taking the time to learn about my work, and I look forward to connecting with you all!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, there are three qualities and skills that have been most impactful in my journey as a musician and educator:
Perseverance:
Impact: Starting my musical journey at the age of 4 and continuing to develop my skills over the years required a lot of perseverance. There were times when progress seemed slow, and challenges seemed overwhelming, but my determination to keep going was crucial. The loss of my oldest brother when I was 15 was a significant challenge, but it reinforced the importance of resilience and inner strength.
Advice: For those early in their journey, understand that progress in any field, especially music, takes time and effort. There will be setbacks, but every challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow. Stay dedicated to your craft, and don’t be discouraged by temporary failures. Keep pushing forward, and your perseverance will pay off.
Adaptability:
Impact: My ability to adapt to different roles and genres has been essential. From playing drums, guitar, and bass in various styles, to producing music across genres, and teaching students of all ages and backgrounds, adaptability has allowed me to thrive in diverse environments. Being fluent in both English and Spanish has also helped me connect with a wider range of people.
Advice: Embrace versatility in your journey. Explore different aspects of your field, whether it’s learning new instruments, genres, or skills. This not only makes you more marketable but also enhances your creativity and problem-solving abilities. Stay open to new experiences and be willing to step out of your comfort zone.
Passion for Teaching and Mentoring:
Impact: Teaching has been a significant part of my career, from working with the Grand Vision Foundation Meet the Music program to teaching drum line at the Boys and Girls Club of LA Harbor. Sharing my knowledge and helping others grow has been incredibly fulfilling and has reinforced my own understanding and love for music.
Advice: If you’re passionate about something, consider teaching or mentoring others. It deepens your knowledge and keeps you engaged with your craft. Tailor your teaching methods to individual needs, and always strive to inspire and motivate your students. Remember, teaching is not just about imparting knowledge; it’s about igniting passion and curiosity in others.
For those starting their journey, focus on these qualities and skills. Stay persistent in the face of challenges, embrace adaptability to grow in diverse areas, and consider sharing your knowledge to enrich both your journey and others. These attributes will not only help you succeed but also make your journey more rewarding and meaningful.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Yes, I’m actively looking for individuals to help expand my production business, Riel Music L.L.C. One of my primary goals is to ensure the studio is consistently booked and to reach a wider client base.
Who I’m Looking to Collaborate With:
Business Development Specialists:
I am seeking someone with expertise in business development who can help identify and secure new clients for our production services. This person will play a crucial role in expanding our reach and ensuring a steady flow of projects.
Marketing and Sales Professionals:
Professionals with a strong background in marketing and sales are essential to help promote our services, build relationships with potential clients, and maintain a high level of studio bookings. Your skills in networking and client acquisition will be invaluable.
Client Relations Managers:
I need someone who can manage ongoing client relationships, ensuring that their needs are met and that they have a positive experience working with us. This role is key to maintaining high client satisfaction and encouraging repeat business.
Compensation:
I’m looking for someone who is willing to work on a commission basis. This means your income will be directly tied to the clients you bring in and the bookings you secure. It’s a great opportunity for someone who is motivated and has a strong network in the music industry.
How to Connect:
If you’re interested in helping to grow Riel Music L.L.C. and have the skills to contribute to our business development, please reach out to me through any of the following channels:
Email: [email protected]
YouTube Channel: @GabrielFeldman
Social Media: Instagram @rielmusicinc
Website: Rielmusicinc.com
Please introduce yourself, share your background and experience, and let me know how you can contribute to the growth of Riel Music L.L.C. I’m excited to connect with motivated individuals who are passionate about the music industry and eager to help us achieve our goals.
Contact Info:
- Website: Rielmusicinc.com
- Instagram: @gabriel_pi_feldman @rielmusicinc
- Youtube: @GabrielFeldman
