Meet R. Robin (Robin) Graham of Cuyahoga Falls (Ohio)

Today we’d like to introduce you to R. Robin (Robin) Graham.

Hi R. Robin (Robin), thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’ve been a musician my entire life, beginning piano at the age of seven, and becoming a professional at age sixteen. I began songwriting then. Being involved in cover bands (wedding, jazz, pop, rock), I started my own original project, The Trade many years ago. The Trade played out for nearly twenty years — the longest living original alt-rock band in the Akron/Cleveland area. We played many venues regionally, as well, including New York and Chicago. The Trade recorded 3 CDs and appeared on t.v. and radio shows. Our song, “August” landed in the Top 10 of college and commercial radio stations across the country. I also teamed up with WKYC Channel 3’s Health Reporter, Monica Robins, to write a song for the fabulous event, Race For The Cure in Cleveland, Ohio. We performed the song to fifty-thousand people! This as well as another favorite and cherished memories is performing on the Mitch Albom radio show.

After The Trade disbanded, I founded Graham Music Studio and started teaching music, first in person, then online after we shut down from Covid in 2020. I teach voice, piano, composition, and songwriting. My special niche is to mentor bands and songwriters to get them out of the basement onto the stage and then into a recording studio. So many of my students are doing great with their music on the streaming platforms! My wonderful students inspired me to get back into the studio again. I recorded a cover (Unchained Melody) for my niece’s wedding and if not at this moment, it soon will be available on streaming platforms. The name of the project is Close. I intend on having different names for different projects. Also, I am currently finishing up an original for streaming and possibly a stage show.

My music (including my cover of Unchained Melody and I Will Run for the Race For The Cure), can be heard at: https://www.reverbnation.com/closerisbetter

My website is: grahammusicstudio.com

My intent is to continue to record my originals for the streaming platforms and hopefully, engage music supervisors for film and t.v. placement.

Music is the greatest gift, I always say and I truly believe it transcends time and space and can HEAL. Thanks for the opportunity to talk about my music!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Getting to the point to keep a roof over my head solely from teaching has been a bit of a long road. I went through a crushing divorce after a nearly life-long marriage. No lie — it was tough getting back on my feet, but I made it.

I’m good at what I do and the satisfaction of seeing my students succeed cannot be matched! Covid nearly took out my business, but once again, I made it through. Being a single, self-employed woman can bring on a roller coaster of events and challenges. I’m happy to be where I am and appreciate my students beyond what I can ever express.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a Jack (or Jill) of many trades.

From the time I was very young, music, art and photography have always been my loves. I started shooting photos when I was about ten years old. I think I inherited my father’s love of photography and gadgets. My grandmother, mother, father and sisters all were musically or artistically gifted. I grew up in a household full of art and music.

I entered college and double-majored in commercial art and music composition.

My niche is mentoring, I feel. I can help artists realize their potential, help them set a goal and get them out there creating their own art.

I am very proud of the accomplishments of my students and proud of my studio and what it represents. Patience and love for the artform of music goes a long way. I tell all my students, “I will always be your biggest fan.” I mean it!

My photography has led me to belong to a beautiful Facebook group, Flower Expressions. My flower art has won many Special Mentions and best of the day photos. I have six gardens and adore shooting flowers and portraiture. I also shoot bands and promo shots. Many of my best shots have been of my students. I hope in the future to have more time to devote to photography and painting.

I think the love, respect and appreciation for art in general, really sets me apart, not only in my business, but in my personal life. I love sharing it with others. To inspire others is an always-present desire of mine.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I was taught at a young age to listen to and respect my elders. I try to listen to any and all advice given to me and be aware of others’ paths…challenges and wins.

In today’s world, networking has never been easier! Social media changed the world and gives us all the opportunity to reach the ends of the earth in a heartbeat. Teaching online allows me to serve people in many areas of the world!

If a mentor is something you seek, just ask someone who you think is cool, smart, productive, or successful and just ask them for guidance. I’m sure they will feel honored and offer their help and suggestions.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://grahammusicstudio.com
• Instagram: graham.rr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robin.graham.332
• Other: https://www.reverbnation.com/closerisbetter