We recently connected with Danny Goldman and have shared our conversation below.
Danny, thank you so much for making time for us. We’ve always admired your ability to take risks and so maybe we can kick things off with a discussion around how you developed your ability to take and bear risk?
Practice. Each time I take a risk–hopefully a well calculated one–the process becomes slightly easier. Everything is based on patterns and repetition; I find that after taking the risk and discovering the result–whether negative, neutral, or positive–the illusion of fear and discomfort quickly disappears. I don’t know the author, but the famous quote “fear is a mile wide and an inch deep” is a perfect way to envision what you’re dealing with. It is similar to taking a musical leap of faith. You have to transcend the technical and completely commit to a musical (artistic) goal. Prior to the jump, it feels like approaching a void. But once you jump, you find a feather bed waiting for you.
Again, I also have to calculate and judge the pros and cons before taking the risk. Some examples that come to mind include branding changes, shifting to more solo concerts, recordings, and media, and even changes in wardrobe. Those might sound small, but they feel like major risks in the moment. What will people think of this? Will this change engagement? Classical music has a bit of a set system, especially with its presentation to the public on social media. Choosing something like a gold chain to wear…or recording non-traditional repertoire (maybe something Baroque that was never intended for clarinet), or shifting my photo coloring and branding tone of voice, has proven to be worth any perceived risk.
Lastly, I have had to take larger risks, such as shifting employment. Choosing to “put all my eggs in one basket” was terrifying from a financial perspective. The market and the economy are volatile, and working in the arts doubles that uncertainty. But I found that jumping in head first (of course after measuring potential income, hard costs, etc.) was the only way. Another short quote comes to mind: “burn the ships.”
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?
Hi! I’m clarinet soloist Danny Goldman, and I invite all of you on a journey through music. I’ve had the incredible opportunity to share my passion for music with audiences around the world and am grateful for the recognition I’ve received. It’s definitely an ego-boost to be called “flat-out, jaw agape spectacular” (The Courier-Journal) and “a wunderkind” (Maestro Robert Franz).
I’ve been fortunate to travel and perform in some amazing places, from Europe and Asia to the USA, Israel, and South America. Connecting with diverse audiences through my music is a profoundly enriching experience. I am honored to have performed at renowned venues, including Alice Tully Hall, Carnegie Hall, Tanglewood, Spoleto, Pacific Music Festival, The Guggenheim Museum, The Kennedy Center, and many others. It’s a dream come true. I’m grateful for every moment on these iconic stages.
The response to my music videos on social media has been overwhelming, and I’m so touched to see that they’ve garnered over 1 million views. It warms my heart to know that my music and these compositions can resonate with people worldwide.
My musical education at Juilliard and Rice University has shaped me as an artist and allowed me to continuously grow as a musician. I’m thankful for the dedicated mentors and professors who guided me on this path: Angela Soren, George Townsend, Eli Eban, John Bruce Yeh, Nathan Williams, Ricardo Morales, and Michael Webster.
I play exclusively on F. Arthur Uebel clarinets and Vandoren mouthpieces, reeds, and ligatures. These musical instruments are an extension of my musical expression, and I cherish the harmonious bond we share.
As a tenured member and Board Director of The Dallas Opera, I’m honored to be part of an organization that celebrates and supports the love of music and opera in our community.
Thank you for allowing me to share my musical journey with you all. It’s a tremendous privilege, and I’m excited to continue exploring the boundless world of music together. Vaya!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Resiliency–in my case, more like lack of short term memory…being able to jump out of bed the next day and plow forward, regardless of yesterday’s setbacks. This sounds cliche, but I find myself excited every time I warm up on the instrument. What sound can I accomplish today? What can I achieve today? Even if yesterday was a rough performance, or a struggle finding good reeds (which determine your overall sound), or a difficult day of logistics…a good nights sleep resets my drive.
Tenacity–I can’t always tell if all my motives are perfect and pure. Sometimes, my drive is related to fear of falling behind, or my competitive spirit, or just insecurity. But I still use those as fuel to continue working. Plus, the more I focus on the work, the less I worry about “where I am” in the process, which of course can be an illusion. The persistence and determination ties directly into resiliency and creates a dangerous combo!
Perspective–It’s incredible how my mind plays tricks on me. I’ve had to write down recent accomplishments and look back at everything I’ve completed and achieved. Then I can pause and see that there is progress. Without writing them down, it can feel like I am floating in limbo, moving from one project to the next. I also like to zoom out and keep tabs on more crucial items, such as health, God, family. This reminds me to take career topics seriously but not too seriously…
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
My family–I am lucky to have an honest family…helpful family, patient, and kind…but also clear and direct. If I am deviating with my process or possibly handling something without the right moral compass, they help realign me. Not that I would do something awful, but maybe I’m viewing something incorrectly? or selfishly? or just need an outside perspective. Also, some older members of my family have continuously shared successful strategies that have helped me immensely, everything from investing, to handling business relationships, to psychology in communication and dealing with different characters. Lastly, my partner is extremely good at reminding me when specific character flaws might be impeding my progress or ability to assess a situation…
Contact Info:
- Website: dannygoldman.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danny.gold.man/
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/DannyGoldmanOFFICIAL
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZoWd8Pp9m2k
- Other: https://www.uebel-klarinetten.de/en/artist/danny-goldman
Image Credits
PHOTO CREDIT: Lauren Bloom
