Working in the music industry comes with its fair share of opportunities and pitfalls. The Mix Room Master classes hosted by MCCC’s Sound Recording and Music Technology looks to help students on their paths by giving them access to professionals in the industry.  On September 30, drummer Sandy Gennaro  stopped by the Mix Room to offer his advice and lay out his philosophy for success in life and in the industry.

Gennaro has worked in the music business for 52 years. Gennaro became inspired to play the drum when he watched The Beatles perform on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1964. In his career, he has toured with famous acts including The Mamas and the Papas, Michael Bolton and the Monkees. He opened his master class by playing along to songs from his career including “I Love Rock and Roll,” “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” and “I’m a Believer.”

Gennaro encouraged the students to be aware of the “little moments” that will occur in their careers. He told a story from his time touring with the Pat Travers Band. After one show, a fan connected with Gennaro backstage, and though he was in a rush, Gennaro agreed to listen to the fan’s demo and offer insight. Years later, the fan, now a music producer, reached out to Gennaro to play in the studio for a new artist named Cyndi Lauper.

This opportunity led to Gennaro recording and touring with Lauper for several years. Backstage after one show, Gennaro met singer Joan Jett, who admired the consistency of Lauper’s band. Gennaro soon joined Joan Jett and the Blackhearts on tour. At an after party following one performance, Gennaro met the woman who would become his wife.

When Gennaro stopped to recognize the fan at the Pat Travers Band concert, he opened the door to opportunities in both his career and personal life. It is this mindfulness that he hopes to pass on to audiences with his B.E.A.T.S. motivational speech. B.E.A.T.S. stands for Belief, Enthusiasm, Attitude, Tenacity and Service, which Gennaro believes to be the necessary ingredients to personal and professional success.

Gennaro encouraged the students to believe in themselves and their goals and to strive for success.

“The strongest single factor in prosperity is self-esteem,” he said. “You need to believe in your heart that you can do it, that you deserve it and that you will get it and visualize, with enthusiasm, that you already have it.”

Of the five elements of B.E.A.T.S., Gennaro believes that “Attitude” is the most important factor to success in any industry. He advised the students in attendance to be grateful for opportunities that come along and to learn from failure.

“The only thing on the planet we have control over is our mind and how we think,” he said. “If you don’t get a job, learn why you didn’t get it and figure out how to do better next time. It won’t always be easy, but you can control your attitude.”

Hosted by the Sound Recording and Music Technology Program, Master Classes are free, open resource for Montco students and community members to meet with and learn from professionals in the music industry.