For anyone who reads this blog frequently, you know that one of my internships is with The Caring Music Group here in Rochester. I really wanted to show you guys what the company is all about, so I decided to write my first feature about them! The following interview is with Tony Falzano, the owner of the company (and also my boss).
Some quick background on CMG, taken from the Facebook page: The Caring Music Group creates and produces original music CDs designed to calm, comfort and serve as a companion for those looking for relaxation, healing and hope.
-Why did you start the Caring Music Group?
The Caring Music Croup (CMG) evolved from 2 instrumental music CDs which I started to write and produce 10 years ago. The first one, "In Abba's Arms", was meant as a meditation CD. However, I kept hearing how it was used in other ways. It found a home with cancer patients and by individuals di-stressing on their way home for work. Some used it to fall asleep, or study with it. There were other ways it was employed but the surprising one was how many people used it to grieve a loss. So the music was going out into the world to help people deal with their circumstances. This gave me the idea to start a small company and continue to write and produce music for those searching for relaxation, healing and hope.
-What are some of your core beliefs when it comes to running your business?
Simply to create and produce the best music for my audience. All other things including business related issues, will follow from that.
-Where do you see the company in 5 years? 10 years?
In 5 or even 10 years, I see the company being a cottage industry instead of trying to be a global domination. In the next half decade I want to write and produce more music products and make them available to all who might be looking for music to help them feel comfort, calm and centered. In addition, I want to have a website that informs, inspires and engages this audience.
-What do you think about the Rochester music community? Do you think it's conducive to what you want to do with CMG?
Rochester is a wonderful community for all the arts, including music. The music scene here is vibrant and full of a variety of passionate musicians and songwriters. And a good number of people in this community appreciates what we have and supports the efforts. On any Saturday night in this city, everything from a professional orchestra to a songwriters in the round is playing to their audience.
Regarding is the city being conducive to what I do with CMG, my answer would be yes. First I take much strength and support from being around the writers, musicians and all the artists of this community. I bring that energy back to my studio to create. Next, though my music appears at GEVA/NextStage in original musicals performed by Second Time Around Players, I am not a songwriter that actually performs on stage before a group of people. The music of CMG is available to all throughout the internet and most people who purchase and experience it are from out of this area. But the town has a great medical presence and in that way my music has been used in that capacity. So going back to your 1st question about Rochester, we are very lucky to have: not just great art and culture but medical and businesses as well. It's not perfect but this city offers a high quality of life.
-What are some challenges you've faced since the spark of your idea to now?
My biggest challenge has been to focus on what was the music and how to bring it to its audience, especially through the ever changing technology. Also since I'm building the business and I like to eat, I have others jobs to balance with the CMG. Among them I teach music at Monroe Community College, Lyric-Writing at Writers and Books and some times courses at Hochstein School of Music and Dance. But I have no complaints, I am around what I like to do.
- Is there anything you wish you had done differently?
Other than I wish I thought about starting this company 10 years earlier, no. I'm focusing on now and the future.
- Is there anything else you'd like people to know about you or your business?
If you or anyone you know would benefit from having original music that soothes the soul and unwinds the mind, we are at www.thecaringmusicgroup.com.
You can also find the Caring Music Group on their Facebook page, which I run. Every 'like' helps!
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