Daily Inspiration: Meet Jonny Lipford

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jonny Lipford.

Hi Jonny, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I was first introduced to the Native flute through a cartoon when I was 13 years old. I wasn’t quite sure what instrument I heard, but it resonated with me as no other instrument had before. I knew I had to have one. After doing some initial research I finally found one to purchase and being only 13 at the time, I did what any teenager would have done… asked for one for Christmas! Mind you, this was back in 2002––before YouTube and the internet really figured out what it was going to become––so finding out information on these instruments was not as easy as it is today.

Christmas day was full of extra magic for me that year when a 5-hole bamboo flute appeared. It was perfect and I played non-stop for weeks. That developed into me coming up with little motifs and melodies rather quickly. By 2007, I had released my first album at 17 years old and started performing all over the country.

By 2012, I had released several more albums and began teaching others how to play the Native American-style flute.

I started booking more shows and found my way out to Arizona and established a fan base by giving house concerts, workshops, and private lessons. My most recent trip to Arizona was in the fall of 2019 where I gave a private concert at sunset in the backyard of dear friends. More than 60 people gathered that night to enjoy the music and stories I was sharing. It’s definitely one of those memorable events for me.

When Covid hit, all live performances dried up and we decided to pour our efforts into the online space and quickly launched several courses, workshops, and lesson packs to make learning the Native flute more accessible for people in various communities.

I now do most of my teaching online through courses, workshops, and private coaching and we also offer a robust membership option with tons of perks for those who are looking to learn to play the Native American flute.

I’m also getting back to live performances and would love to share music and stories with audiences in the Phoenix Valley area.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’ve definitely experienced many setbacks––even from the beginning as my music teacher told me I wasn’t musical. But that’s a story for another time.

I’ve had a few setbacks in my career. One was when I first moved to Iowa and was not able to support myself on music alone, so I had to put it on more of a backburner and seek other employment while still trying to teach and perform on the side. That’s the case with many artists today, unfortunately. It’s hard to make a decent living as an artist, so you really have to tap into the entrepreneurial side of things.

I started studying more about marketing, leadership, and business rather than just about music. Just like many artists, musicians, and business people, I sharpened my skills through trial and error. When something didn’t work, I didn’t give up. I asked why or why not. Then I tweaked it and tested it again. Tenacity is the name of the game here.

Having that burning passion deep within and not letting anyone or anything dampen it.

As the world was shutting down when covid hit, we were slightly ahead of the curve and used the momentum to grow our business online. It wasn’t easy though. I had to learn a whole new way of operating. Building courses, creating videos, launching and upgrading our e-commerce platform, and what is Zoom?

Today, just as many other businesses are navigating these challenging and ever-changing times, we are also. But, we’re always seeking opportunity and positive outcomes.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
When I was learning to play the Native American flute, there were not any good resources around. This was before YouTube and social media. There was no opportunity to take a course or be in the community with others, and there definitely was not a local teacher who could show me how to play. I had to do it all on my own. As I grew my skills and desire to share the music of the Native American flute with others, so did my desire to teach others what I had experienced with this wooden flute.

I took life by the reigns and I started learning how to be a better teacher and build resources that would have helped a younger version of myself not struggle with learning techniques, songwriting, performance, confidence, and overall skill with the Native American flute. I became, and still am, fully committed to helping as many people as I can achieve a greater sense of creativity, belonging, and passion for music through the peaceful art of the Native flute.

I’ve had the privilege of performing in front of crowds of 14,000 people, teaching thousands of students how to play the flute, and sharing my music all over the world! [Video Link to performance of 14,000 people: https://youtu.be/J4N0zPmhDvg].

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out.
I have three main things that I would share with someone who is starting out with their creative or business endeavor.

1. Dream BIG. When I was starting out, I didn’t think I would be doing what I’m doing now at the scale at which I’m doing it! They say that dreamers believe they can change the world, and they’re crazy enough to believe it. Take risks, dream big and chase that passion!

2. You can’t do it alone. You’re gonna need help, support, and people that love you to help you achieve your dreams.

This can sometimes be your family or your friends. Just be careful that you’re not listening to the people who don’t believe in you. They’ll weigh you down and crush your dreams. They’re only trying to keep you safe and the only way they know how to do that is to keep you thinking small and not dreaming big. Find people who build you up and will help you cross off those “to-do’s” in your plan.

3. Seek Wise Counsel. Who has done what you want to do or achieved something similar to what you want to do?

Take those people out for coffee. Pick their brain, but don’t be a nuisance. Hire a coach, someone who can help you go further in a smaller amount of time. Always be sharpening your brain and move your body, staying fit and keeping your body moving helps every part of your life.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://jonnylipfordmusic.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonnylipford/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JonnyLipfordMusic/
• Youtube: http://youtube.com/jonnylipford

Image Credits
Louis Collins, LMC Photography