Introduction

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My name is Zhuraini and I am from Malaysia. Many of you that knows me, knows that I am very much into openmic. I have a music background. I was from the faculty of performing arts in Technology University of Mara. I have chosen a career in music and I teach music to my students in Yamaha Music School in Subang Jaya.

I am into Flamenco music and I do sometimes play for Flamenco dancers. I play fingerstyle, electric guitar and classical too. I have another passion for violin which not many people has seen me playing.

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Music as a Career

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Being in this line is never easy. Unless you have made it big. I live a very mediocre life. I used to teach music in a public university because I took their grant (scholarship) to Spain for Flamenco lessons. That was the best few months of my life. I immerse myself in the Spanish culture and understanding what Flamenco is about. I did one piece for Week 60 and here is the piece.

I have done many things apart from music. I was running a business of renting jet ski in the island of Langkawi. I really enjoyed my time there. It was beach, fun, sun and tourists. I earn a little but it was a good part of my life. But however this life is no longer suitable when my wife gave birth to my first child.

I started business of my own but it didn't go far, so eventually I stick to what I know best, teaching aspiring guitarist. I was also actively involved in this musical called P.Ramlee the Musical which is a tribute to one of the most talented singer, composer and musician that we ever had.

Achievements

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I don't have many achievements to boast about. I won some local music competition and I won one of the week in #openmic.

I get invited for guitar festivals both locally and abroad and most of the time because I am a Flamenco guitarist. It is not easy to find one in this part of the world.

What I do Now

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Well, I am a Steemian for a start. I am your weekly participant in openmic and I do take job offers from people who wish to see me perform during functions or private events. I do take commercial song writing too, for corporations or for recording companies. Basically, life is okay, doesn't always pay well but it is cool because I am doing what I love.

Personal Target

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It is not easy to breakthrough in this career that I have chosen. I am using this platform to help me achieve what I could not have achieved on my own. The reach of this platform is huge especially with the initiative by openmic. I could not say enough to those who had made this possible, people who tirelessly took their time to make this work, you know who you are. If you don't, I am naming you now, @luzcypher, @verbal-d, @meno, @passion-ground, @soundlegion, @Krystle and many others.

I am sorry I can't name them all, but the support that I have been getting from openmic alone is incredible. I hardly spend my time networking with these people but each time I do my posting, I get a flurry of messages commenting on my piece. Excellent community.

I hope that one day, which is not very distant in the future, I can own my own yacht and not worry about money concern. I don't love money a lot, but I need enough to ensure that my family leads a decent life.

Parting Words

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I know when I get older I ramble a lot. But I hope that Malaysians take this initiative to showcase their talent. This is one of the few platforms that I know pays for our work. It is not easy earning an income but I think most musicians like myself we seek recognition more than anything else. But if there is money that comes along, we welcome it.

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To those who had helped me along the way, may you be blessed. @perennial, you have always helped me with my recordings, proof reading & translation (English is not first language), @zord189 for the support, @bitrocker2020 for keeping #teammalaysia as a common community drive for us all from Malaysia.