Ryan Cayabyab: Formally trained musicians make more money
When naturally talented musicians decide to use their gift, they are, if lucky, rewarded with applause.
But for those who take the time to learn how to read and write music, they are rewarded by those who pay well for their skills.
Take it from Ryan Cayabyab, the Maestro himself.
Lost opportunities
There is a need for Filipino music enthusiasts to study music and not just play it by ear, he said during an October 14 press conference to announce the upcoming finals night for Akapela Open, an a cappella competition that Cayabyab helped organize.
“We must realize that we’re losing a lot of opportunities because we’re not as educated and skilled (as we should be),” he said, referring to Filipino musicians in general and to those without formal music training in particular
Filipinos may be world renowned for their musicality, but we fall short on technical skills required to bag more professional jobs related to music.
No money in music?
Blame it on the national economy, or the state of OPM, or the popular thinking that Filipino musicians don’t earn much.
Whatever the reason, parents typically discourage their children from pursuing music-related courses.
Or maybe musicians themselves see formal music lessons as limiting, boxing them in and discouraging growth.
Changing the mindset
Mr. C could only sigh, stating, “We can change that mindset. We need to be competitive at dapat if musician ka, marunong kang bumasa. Those who read music kapag nilatagan mo ng piyesa, tutugtug na.”
He cited as example the case of a 55-year old “oido” musician-friend whom he did not name but described as highly respected.
The middle-aged talent supposedly earns “significantly less than what an obviously young counterpart who graduated from Berklee (College of Music) does.”
Mr. C’s own music school espouses “properly guided lessons and effective programs taught by professional mentors” whose goal is to “further deepen musical appreciation.”
Competition
The Ryan Cayabyab School of Music ia also involved in the Akapela Open competition, which pits vocal groups for a chance to win P250,000. The competition is co-presented by One Meralco Foundation (OMF) and PLDT-Smart Foundation
During the press conference, 10 finalists were revealed, namely 415, 10,000, D’Mortal Instruments, Dynamix, Los Cantantes De Manila, Mouthfools, Negative Four, Pinopela, and Pop Acappella League of Singers.
They will compete on October 25 at 7 pm at the Meralco Theater in a show called the Battle of Synchronies. It will also give a special award for best arrangement. Last year’s grand champion Acapellago is set to deliver their intricate vocal arrangements of popular songs.
