Music Interview Assignment: Insights from a Professional Musician

This assignment presents an interview with a professional musician, Mr. Maurie Smith, covering his journey, experiences, and insights into the music industry. The interview delves into his early interest in music, the process of song composition, and his initial recognition of his talent. It also explores the challenges he faces, such as rejection and payment issues, and strategies for managing anxiety before performances. The interview highlights how he interacts with fans through social media and on stage, and the advice he offers to aspiring musicians, emphasizing optimism and skill development over immediate financial gain. The assignment aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the music industry from a professional's perspective.

An interview with a professional musician
An interview refers to interactive communication between two or more parties. During an
interview, one party ask a question, and the other party responds. In this assignment, it will
elaborate on a conversation between a student and a professional musician. It is an interview that
would last for one and a half hours. The venue for the dialogue is a hall, where the musician sits
on the front with the interviewee and the audience sit at the back listening and asking questions.
The interview is as follows:-
Interviewer: Thank you, Mr. Maurie Smith, for joining us today live in our studios. Please feel
at home. Yes, I would like you to tell the audience who you are, where you come from
and the field you major in as a musician.
Mr. Maurie Smith: Thank you, George, for welcoming me to your studio; I am impressed on
seeing the big population in the studio waiting to hear from me. My name is Mr. Maurie
Smith; I come from the Northern part of the United States. In the music industry, I
compose songs, cooperate with other people to get the best tune that matches with the
music then finally do the production of the song. Thank you.
Interviewer: Mr. Maurie Smith, when did you know that you can compose songs, I mean when
did you realize that you have the talent of singing, was it when you were you?, while in
school? Or after you joined college?
Mr. Maurie Smith: I began my musical journey before joining the primary level of education. I
would sing while going to the shops, performing daily chores or even during leisure.
However, at that point, I had not identified my talent. I realized my ability when I was in

college. I was in a music club where we could go out for competitions. One day, one of the
known musicians identified me, after consultation, he enrolled me in his band, where I could
train and perform at the same time.
Interviewer: Would mind telling the audience some of the challenges you face in the music
industry?
Mr. Maurie Smith: There exists many setbacks in the industry. One of the challenges includes
rejection this where an individual doubts my capability as a musician, and you may end
Secondly, some people also do not pay you as per your agreement.
Interviewer: How do you always deal with anxiety before performing?
Mr. Maurie Smith: One of the steps strategy I use to counter anxiety is that I ensure I have
prepared well for the event. Secondly, I always make jokes before the session and drink
enough water.
Interviewer: How do you interact with your fans whether on stage or away?
Mr. Maurie Smith: When I am away, I have all my social media accounts operational. For
example Facebook, twitter and Instagram. However, on stage, I always say hi to the few
fans in the front and greet others through the microphone. I sometimes join my fans in
dancing.
Interviewer: what can you tell someone out there that is watching you and would like to join the
music industry?

Mr. Maurie Smith: I can say is that the journey is full of challenges, but you must be ready to
move on, you will not make it a day. Always be optimistic, do not focus on money but
aim at equipping yourself with skills.
Interviewer: Thank You, Mr. Job, for joining us today. We appreciate a lot may God show you
the way.
Mr. Job: Thank you too. I am impressed to see the large crowd I will continue delivering my
best.