I Just Turned 50 and I'm Just Getting Started!
Join me for my 50th birthday episode as I explore my evolution from aspiring band director to production music composer and educator. I discuss my happy 30-year marriage, career shifts, work-life balance, and personal growth insights.
00:00 - Intro & welcome
02:40 - Am I where I thought I would be?
06:41 - Some of my proudest achievements
13:08 - How have I changed over the years?
18:21 - Am I where I want to be?
22:35 - What legacy do I want to leave behind?
27:54 - What lessons have I learned along the way?
36:48 - What's next?
43:47 - Outro and how you can join the 52 Cues community
Expedition 52
Embark on the most epic year-long composer quest from 52 Cues! Weekly challenges and check-ins help keep your creativity ablaze while collaborations and feedback hone your cues and your critical listening.
Rewards like discounts and coaching sessions await, and the climbers who crest the summit will be guests on the 52 Cues Podcast!
Join the 52 Cues Community!
Join the 52 Cues Community for FREE! – Post your own cues for feedback from the community, network with other composers, participate in community discussions, provide feedback on other composers' cues, and ask questions about the industry!
Dave's Studio Gear
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• Electro-Voice RE320 Large Diaphragm Dynamic Vocal Microphone - https://amzn.to/3RsRsAG
• Audio-Technica Condenser Microphone (AT8035) - https://amzn.to/3nXT487
• Samson C02 Pencil Condenser Microphones - https://amzn.to/3cdzaDd
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• Alesis Recital – 88 Key Digital Piano Keyboard - https://amzn.to/3PkyKJA
• Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25 Controller Keyboard - https://amzn.to/3uHZHPK
• Akai Professional MPD18 Compact Pad Controller - https://amzn.to/3RsSixk
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• Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen - https://amzn.to/3IBFCQz
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• Sony MDR7506 Professional Large Diaphragm Headphone - https://amzn.to/3yvD7us
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• Canon EOS M200 Compact Mirrorless Digital Camera - https://amzn.to/3IySsiF
• Canon EF-M 22mm f2 STM Compact System Lens - https://amzn.to/3PqXfos
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• Novostella 2 Pack 20W Smart LED Flood Lights - https://amzn.to/3AR72QH
• GIJUANRING Photography Lighting LED Studio Light - https://amzn.to/3z0I402
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• Elgato Stream Deck – Studio Controller - https://amzn.to/3uNej05
• Kensington Expert Wireless Trackball Mouse - https://amzn.to/3AKjZvJ
Episode Blog
As the echoes of a 50-year journey reverberate through the corridors of time, the latest episode of the 52 Cues podcast, hosted by Dave Kropf, presents a rich and resonant narrative of life, music, and mentorship. Celebrating his 50th birthday, Dave shares a symphony of experiences, lessons, and aspirations that have shaped his life as a composer and mentor. His reflections serve not only as a personal milestone but as a source of inspiration for anyone who seeks to harmonize their passions with the rhythm of everyday life.
In a candid recount of his evolution, Dave delves into the intricacies of personal growth, from his formative years as a self-conscious teenager to becoming a drum instructor who finds strength in vulnerability. His collegiate years were pivotal, offering a sense of belonging among fellow music enthusiasts and receiving invaluable guidance from mentors. The importance of mentorship remains a central theme as Dave acknowledges the profound impact his mentors had on shaping the melody of his career.
The beauty of life's grand composition is often found in its simplicity and the joy of shared moments. Dave's nearly three-decade-long marriage is a testament to the significance of nurturing personal relationships alongside professional achievements. His narrative is imbued with a sense of gratitude for the validation and encouragement received from industry publishers and mentors, which has boosted his confidence and reinforced his dedication to helping others achieve their dreams in the world of music.
As we listen to Dave's story, the legacy he hopes to leave behind becomes clear. It's not merely the music that stands as a testament to a composer's life but the lives touched and the relationships forged along the way. The transmission of knowledge and passion from one generation to the next forms a lineage as rich and enduring as the music itself. Dave expresses his pride in being part of this continuum, tracing his teaching heritage back to jazz drumming legends and imparting his wisdom to his students.
Balancing work and life is a recurring motif, and Dave speaks to the importance of maintaining a healthy equilibrium. His approach to not overworking is a conscious choice that has positively shaped his career and personal life. The dialogue extends to the planning of future compositions and the careful consideration of posthumous ownership of creative work.
Looking ahead, Dave's vision for the future includes fostering opportunities for fellow composers. He envisions himself as a publisher and mentor, aiding others in preparing their music for television and beyond. His forward-looking perspective is tempered with contentment in the present, as he celebrates his achievements and the simple pleasures of life.
Dave's reflections are not only a chronicle of his own life but serve as a guidepost for listeners who seek to compose their own life's symphony. This episode of the 52 Cues podcast is a rich tapestry of melody, mentorship, and milestones, encouraging us all to strike the chords of our aspirations and tune our lives to the harmonies of our dreams.
In this heartfelt episode, Dave Kropf not only celebrates half a century of life but also invites us to contemplate the music within our own lives. As we listen, we are reminded that the score of life is an ever-evolving composition, one that we are all capable of conducting with grace, passion, and purpose.
