Artist
Tool

 
Vaughn Nark began working as a clinician more than 25 years ago. As part of the Airmen of Note, the Air Force's premier jazz ensemble, he visited schools and colleges exposing students to the joys of making music. It was only natural that he and Yamaha joined forces. "I work directly with the most important people of all, the young," says Nark. "I try to fan the flame of interest they have."

Through the years, Nark watched networking change slightly, as greater numbers of students gained access to a more technologically connected world. "Networking has been made a little bit easier because of all the communication aids that we have nowadays," says Nark. "It's so much faster now. I can be reached by e-mail or cell phone." Although it is faster, Nark doesn't sit back and wait for his phone to ring. "This is not a business where you can be passive even if you do have somewhat of a reputation," says Nark. "You basically live through your reputation. You still have to run your ads, follow up on contacts, and make your telephone calls."

Recently Nark launched his Web site www.vaughnnark.com. "A personal Web site is a valuable tool for a clinician," he says. "It allows for direct communication with event coordinators, and is a nearly limitless venue for the exchange of information and advertisement." A personal organizer allows Nark immediate access to his entire clientele, and fax machines allow for the rapid finalization of contracts-all great tools for the fast-paced clinician.

Vaughn Nark (pictured at left) still maintains his traditional ways of networking-placing ads in trade publications just like his predecessors who have been around for more than 40 years. And he relies upon word of mouth, especially among directors. "A good recommendation can lead to a lot of bookings," he says. "They have a network themselves," says Nark.

 
"They'll say 'Such and such was just here and we really enjoyed having him.' That's networking that you aren't even aware of. It's simply what your reputation has accomplished."

Dominic Spera (pictured right) agrees that the Information Age has opened doors quickly and made networking easier. Having taught privately and in school systems for more than 30 years, Spera has also gained international recognition in jazz circles.

Participating in jazz festivals all over the globe, Spera is an active soloist/clinician, composer, and author. A professor of music at Indiana University from 1977 to 1997, Spera previously worked with such greats as Henry Mancini, Andy Williams, Burt Bacharach, and Johnny Mathis.

Spera made connections through his expansive career, but he never forgot that his reputation was his main networking tool. "As a player/teacher, you are only as good as your last performance, lecture, or adjudication," he says. "For you, word of mouth is the most important source for clients."

It is his open-door policy, however, that Spera says makes him a success. "You have to answer the telephone," he stresses. "You have to communicate. And you have to go to conventions; nothing will ever take the place of that. All the basic fundamentals of networking are still going strong. They're still enforced."

Both Nark and Spera continue to succeed as the times change. They both want to reach the untapped musical
talent out there, and technology makes reaching those students easier. "You've got to pay your dues," says Spera. "It is a wonderful way to make a living and to perpetuate what you love." Nark agrees, "It is a rare individual that can transform their passion into a vital living reality."