Meet Brian Cashwell

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brian Cashwell.

Hi Brian, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself. 
I am a freelance musician working in a variety of styles. I have a Doctorate in Piano Performance from CCM but primarily perform jazz and Brazilian music these days. I teach Jazz Theroy at CCM, World Music at Miami University, and work with ballet dancers both at CCM and The Cincinnati Ballet. I am the Music Director at New Thought Unity Center and maintain a bust performance schedule playing jazz, commercial music and Brazilian Music along with my wife in our group Estrada do Sol. 

In the past, I worked in music theater, performing at venues such as The Playhouse in the Park and Aronoff Center, accompanied many choirs, including The Boys Choir of Harlem and Central State University Chorus, and other college choirs. I have primarily lived in Ohio after coming here for school from Georgia, and I also lived in New York City. 

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I don’t think the journey of most freelance musicians is a smooth one. I think that one of the biggest challenges is attaining a work/life balance. We can become conditioned to believe that any opportunity to earn money or perform music must be taken at any cost. I am finally starting to feel comfortable with saying “no” if an opportunity arises that my heart is not into, and regret not having that same attitude for many years. 

Many creatives struggle with this concept, some essentially take a vow of poverty to remain creative, many take on work, which is not fulfilling, some have stable careers in academia or education or fields outside of art to subsidize their lives, and many figure out how to live a middle-class existence as a musician. 

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar with what you do, what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a pretty versatile musician. I have a doctorate in classical piano but perform mostly jazz/Brazilian music these days. My career has definitely shifted over the years, but at this point, the majority of my income is from playing music, with a bit of teaching/music directing thrown in. 

The last couple of years, my main creative project has been Estrada do Sol, a group with my wife, Andrea Cefalo, that performs exclusively Brazilian music, curated completely by choosing songs from that repertoire that we love. 

Another unique occupation I have is as a ballet accompanist, working with CCM and The 

Cincinnati Ballet. 

I am the music director at New Thought Unity Center, a place that allows great musical freedom, and comes with a very enthusiastic and talented group of musicians. 

I teach Jazz Theory and World music courses play weddings, restaurants, bars, churches, concerts, and jam sessions. Years ago, I played many traveling Broadway shows at the Aronoff Center. 

I believe that the thing that sets me apart from others is this versatility. I could go from playing Beethoven to Bill Evans to James Brown to Joao Donato and feel completely at home in each genre; this has been key for my career. 

What would you say has been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Be present. Listen-both musically and personally. Have boundaries. Respect and value yourself. Don’t take things personally. Focus inward while making music. Play every note as if you were onstage at Carnegie Hall, even though you may be playing a farmer’s market! 

Sadly, this lessons have been slow to learn, but I am getting there. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.briancashwell.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brian.cashwell.9

Image Credits
Gregory Montford Dearth