Meet Patrick Raftery

We recently connected with Patrick Raftery and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Patrick, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

It’s more like my purpose found me: I really did not go looking to pursue this particular path; it’s more that this path aligned well with talents I happened to be gifted with, so when opportunity knocked (or, for a more 21st century analogy: when opportunity pressed my Ring) I answered, and I’m grateful I did because I really enjoy what I do. In this case, a teacher at a mommy and me music class we used to take my son to approached me about trying my hand at leading a class; one thing led to another and twenty years later here I am, performing for children and their families and loving every minute of it.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

The short answer is that I perform music for kids and their families. The longer answer is that I combine two of my favorite things – music and comedy – into an absurd mixture of wackiness that resonates with children and their families. I perform solo as Mr. Patrick, as well as with my group the Rock-A-Silly Band, and performing live is my main love and my premier focus, since I see myself as alternative to those young minds being glued to screens at such young ages. (I’m an antidote to the algorithm, you might say.). So I’m an in-person, this-is-a-community-experience performer. Music With Patrick is “all about the fun,” which means there’s no agenda: I am there to get everyone laughing and dancing and enjoying themselves. . If people have fun, then my job’s been done: end of story. And based on my experiences over the past twenty years of doing this, I’d say I’ve been pretty successful at that. I mean, not many people get paid to goof around and play songs and have a laugh, right? What’s better than that?

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?

I’d say you need to trust yourself and go with your intuition, so that if something feels right, then go in that direction. Make sure you’re coming from an authentic place because authenticity is very much needed these days. And be persistent yet willing to make mistakes and learn from them.

For people starting out, I’d emphasize that it’s important to treat people right: you should be willing to listen to them and be flexible with their needs. When I started out, I’d put myself out there and do free shows just to get the word out. (This was pre-social media, so it wasn’t so easy to spread the word.). Once people heard that you’re a solid person and are good at what you do, you will find success. Just stay at it.

As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?

In the late 90s my friend Brian gave me a copy of a book called “Being Peace” by a Vietnamese Zen teach named Thich Nhat Hanh. That simple, short book had a huge impact on my life. The book’s simple teachings about being present with others and smiling and being in touch with the wonders of life are profound yet accessible, and they have informed my artistic journey and provided a wise voice throughout my life. .

Contact Info:

• Website: https://MusicWithPatrick.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musicwithpatrick/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/musicwithpatrick
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MusicWithPatrickVideos

Image Credits

Patrick Raftery