CJ Camerieri: "Have a Skill Set That's Unique." Ep. 162

This episode of The Other Side of the Bell, featuring trumpet performer, ensemble leader and recording artist CJ Camerieri, is brought to you by Bob Reeves Brass.

This episode also appears as a video episode on our YouTube channel, you can find it here:

"CJ Camerieri Trumpet Interview"

And, find the expanded show notes, transcript and more photos here

---

"If you want to have a career in this, you have to know why you're the right person to call, and why you have a skill set that's exactly right for this particular thing. It's hard to make a living at it if they can just hire a different person and pay 'em less." - CJ Camerieri

Julliard grad, Grammy winner, collaborator with Bon Iver, Paul Simon, Rufus Wainwright, Sufjan Stevens, Ben Folds, Bruce Hornsby and so many more, CJ Camerieri is the personification of passion: starting piano lessons at 4 years old and never looking back.

But it's one thing to be music-obsessed from childhood, it's another to forge a successful, sustainable career in a cutthroat industry. Our conversation today is a fascinating and introspective look into the the business side of music: the back end, the royalties, the songwriting credits, the mindset and the versatility required to succeed and thrive.

For CJ, this has meant being adaptable, embracing different styles of music, being open to change and doing things that others may be less interested in.

But also, always, doing it for joy, not just a paycheque. You'll rarely meet someone more passionate about trying new things and taking on new challenges. Hence the formation in 2008 of yMusic, "A chamber ensemble with a unique mission: to work on both sides of the classical/popular music divide, without sacrificing rigor, virtuosity, charisma or style."

The threads of yMusic are woven throughout our conversation today. Transitioning to a new music scene can reignite your passion, while touring teaches practical lessons about maintaining your craft. CJ will inspire you with his insight and innovation!

About CJ Camerieri: Since graduating from The Juilliard School in 2004 with a degree in Classical Trumpet Performance, CJ Camerieri has become an esteemed artist, songwriter, producer, and an indispensable collaborator for some of the most important artists of our time.