Notes From a Curious Listener

Why am I starting this blog? I’ve asked myself three times now as I force myself to sit and write. First, I love the music. And despite the gorgeous beach, San Diego would be a dull place to live without the arts, especially La Jolla Music Society. Being an electrical engineer, I like complicated problems. I discovered that the music world is just as complicated as the telecommunication world but infused with gorgeous music. Artistically, there is the balance between music that will sell and that which pushes the envelope and could make history. Financially, there is the tussle between musicians wanting privacy and donors wanting access. And, of course, there are the normal difficulties that every business and non-profit faces like predicting revenues and expenses. Thus, I found my mind stimulated in several ways when serving on the Board of Directors of the La Jolla Music Society and ultimately became Chair of the Board from 2007 - 2009.

Second, I love marketing, and social media is an exciting revolution. I want to learn about it and how it can further my passions. I asked several blogging experts for advice. They told me: Be yourself, be real. After some questions to understand exactly what “yourself” and “real” means, I find that I may inadvertently hurt a musician’s feelings or reveal an intimate detail about a friend or my own life. The few details that I’ve provided above already make me uncomfortable. My friends may also be squirming.

Third, if I’m being “real”, I am starting this blog because there is good gossip behind the scenes at La Jolla Music Society which could actually be helpful to people instead of hurtful. They might learn something that entices them to a concert which enriches their life. Hope you enjoy!