My family is from Vienna, Austria, and eventually moved to the United States. I was introduced to music as a boy, and was recognized for showing talent and promise, and began studies on the Bass and Cello with members of the Cleveland Orchestra when I was young. When I was 13, I began playing Electric Bass, Piano, and Guitar, and started playing music with a few local bands. By the time I was 16, I was playing professionally 3-4 times a week, and decided to leave my Classical Music training to play Bass Guitar with Rock, Pop, and R&B bands for a living.
I switched from Bass to Guitar when I was 20, and entered music school to earn my BA in music. From the age of 20-40, I earned my living as a local musician, as well as a studio and touring musician playing Guitar and Keyboards for a few well known national acts. During this time period, I also earned a degree in Sound Engineering, and built and owned 3 Recording Studios, and started a Sound System rental company. My Recording Studios were known mainly for the radio and television commercials I composed music for, as well as my music arranging, engineering, and production.
When I was in my 40’s, I was hired full time for 10 years to work as a Music Director, Keyboardist, Guitarist, Bassist, and Vocalist for a band at a large Resort in Florida. During this time, I decided to return to school to further my musical education, and earn my Masters degree in music theory and orchestration. Once again, I switched instruments to Piano and Keyboards. While in school, I began my love affair with Classical Music again. I began composing for the Piano, and then some Chamber Music, and eventually Orchestral music.
Today, I no longer have my Recording Studios, and I use my Sound System and Lighting rental company (The Music Shoppe) for my income. I utilize any spare time possible to compose my Classical Music, strictly for the sake of art. My “musical mission” is to create music that is tonal, that evokes emotion and is pleasant for listeners to enjoy, and to hopefully have my music performed and enjoyed by professional Chamber Groups and Orchestras.
Music Schools where I have studied:
- Willoughby School of Fine Arts - Lakeland Community College - Cleveland Institute of Music - St Petersburg College - University of Southern Florida
If you have any questions, you can reach me at the phone number below, Mon-Thur 12-8 PM, EST.
Gerald W. Braden 100 E. Dartmore Ave. Akron, OH, 44301 USA
(330) 773-3030