Virtual Musicians Tip Jar - Duffee Family

For the past 20 years I have had the opportunity to make my living following my dreams - performing music and teaching private music lessons as a full-time professional musician.  The support I have experienced and felt over all these years has been incredible, as well as meeting so many incredible people from all over the world.

When I was watching the news the past few weeks I was watching my job just dwindle away in both areas.  I have been fortunate to have continued my private lessons, but now with the State of Illinois telling people to stay at home, my student count is slowly fading away.  I'm afraid the State of Iowa won't be too far behind with how things are progressing rapidly.

My main concern is keeping all my students, fellow musicians and my family safe during this sensitive time in our lives.  With that being said, I am left without a job and no way to make any money to support my family or pay the bills.

I have come up with some virtual ways of working from home where I can still share my passion and love for everything music with people all over the world.  These programs will each have a different theme to them, and my hopes are that people will enjoy participating with me if they are at home riding things out safely, or later on through watching the video.  I do know that Crystal is looking at a few programs as well, which she will be announcing when she's all set!

While I am live-streaming my programs, I will let people know that if they like what they are seeing and hearing, they are more than welcome to visit this page and contribute a virtual tip towards the program.  The tips towards our programs will keep us going through these few months of cancelled work, as well as supporting our family.

I am one that does not like to sit-around and do nothing - I love my work and I need to have music in my life every single day.  I immediately started thinking of ways to re-invent myself during this time, and my heart is telling me to move forward and present these programs online to anyone interested in enjoying them. 

The programs we have planned include a flute performance by Crystal, along with some music education programs focused on the following:

Bix Beiderbecke - A Driving Tour Around Davenport  (Week of 4/6)

Louie Bellson - His Drums and His Music  (Week of 4/13)

1920s Percussion  (Week of 4/20)

Band Photos from The 1920s, 30s and 40s   (Week of 4/27)

At this time I do not have any gigs scheduled until the very late part of May.  I don't know where things will be at during that time of the month, so I will be working on additional program ideas to share online through Facebook Live.

Crystal, Chauncey and I cannot thank you enough for your generosity and kindness during this time in our lives with your tips.  We as a family have always tried to help our friends and family if they needed help in any way, so we sincerely thank you for helping us get through this rough spot in our lives. 

Make sure to send us a friend request on Facebook so you can stay up-to-date with my program schedule and activities.  I will post updates on this page every so often so you know how things are going on our end.

THANK YOU, and please stay safe and healthy!