Monday evening the Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business at Belmont University hosted a seminar featuring performing musician, author and Belmont Alum, Chad Jeffers. Jeffers, who is currently playing dobro (or resonator) on the road with Carrie Underwood and has toured with Keith Urban and Kenny Loggins, discussed his strategic and dedicated path that led him to where he is now. Don Cusic, Belmont’s own, moderated the discussion.
Jeffers associates the success he has received thus far with good fortune, not luck. “I’m not lucky. Lucky is buying a lottery ticket and winning big. I consider myself fortunate, which involves: preparation, making goals and moving forward.”
Jeffers’ tales of his experience as a full time touring musician unveiled some truth to the highly sought after, dream career. “Connecting with the crowd is what makes it all worth it. Some nights it’s a magical thing.” On the contrary, touring is a full time job Jeffers explains. “We play our show, get on the bus, drive 4-6 hours, soundcheck, hang out, then do it all over. Touring is like the film Groundhog day with Billy Murray; over and over.”
Jeffers is a highly passionate person who pursues all worthwhile experiences available. In regards to the student audience, he advises to utilize all the resources available. “The internships, that’s your bread and butter- they’re not always your calling, sometimes it’s figuring out what you don’t want to do. You only have to do it for three months, why not try it out?”
Apart from touring, songwriting, and playing sessions, Jeffers is an author and has just finished writing a book entitled “25 Notes for the Successful Musician.” The book reveals the ingredients that have built his career and relationships in the industry.
Jeffers ended the seminar with a soulful, instrumental jam on his dobro and then proceeded to thoughtfully answer a flood of questions from an aspiring student audience.
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