**This is Part 2 of our conversation with Drew. Be sure to look for Part 1 in our feed to hear the whole glorious episode! Ever wondered how to carve out a successful career in music, with or without the classical repertoire? That Viola Kid, Drew Ford, rejoins us to unravel the secrets of thriving as an “Extra-Classical Musician" in today's dynamic indtry. We start off with a little Valentine's Day banter and a nod to the eerie allure of "True Detective," but the real heart of our conversation is Drew's savvy advice for musicians navigating the economic challenges and opportunities of the modern landscape. Whether you're a musician feeling the pinch or a music lover curious about the industry's inner workings, you're in for a treat! Drew doesn't shy away from the tough topics—we're talking hard numbers and the stark financial realities for those in the classical music trenches.  We talk about knowing your worth and the art of negotiation for better compensation, while also serving up some fresh takes on personal branding and direct audience engagement. If you're itching to connect with your fans on a deeper level or to navigate the music industry with finesse, tune in for strategies that hit all the right notes. **If you enjoyed this episode, please consider rating and writing a quick review for our podcast!  We have a Patreon site! Support us and get perks and bonus content! www.patreon.com/musiciancentric Mentioned in this episode: Drew's newsletter, Grace Notes: https://thatviolakid.com/gracenotes wholesoul, a string quartet with attitude: https://www.wholesoulmusic.com/ ************************ Our website: www.musiciancentric.com, for merch, joining our email list, and contacting us with stories and feedback! Episode edited by: Emily MacMahon and Liz O’Hara ViolaCentric Theme by: JP Wogaman, www.wogamusic.com Additional music by: Freddy Hall with www.musicforpodcasts.com Graphic Design by: Jenny H Designs, www.jennyhdesign.com Thank you to our Sponsor for this season: Potter Violins: www.potterviolins.com Visit: VlaTutti's Marketplace for all sorts of one-of-a-kind resources for violists and beyond! Support the showInterested in starting your own podcast? We can't recommend our host Buzzsprout enough! Click here for an introductory offer from them!