Conversation with Dave Ruch, Guitarist with Organ Fairchild, on maintaining a career in the arts for more than 30 years

On this episode of WNY Soundstage, Host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Dave Ruch, performer and teaching artist, and guitarist with Organ Fairchild, Buffalo’s Groove Funk Jam Band. 

Dave has maintained a career in the arts for 30 years. He has done this by constantly evolving and working in unexpected places, like the school system. Teaching Artists are practicing professional artists that are hired to enrich school’s curriculum by connecting art and arts practices to classroom learning.  Dave’s specialty is early American music, specifically, the music of New York State, which pairs perfectly with history lessons taught in schools.  

Dave also is the guitarist for the band Organ Fairchild, a group that was nominated for New York’s top emerging band.  Their debut album, Brewed in Buffalo, was released in 2021, and is available on all streaming platforms.  

 This episode includes:

• Dave’s journey to become a professional musician

• How a few moments of happenstance can change a person’s life

• A description of the life on an independent artist

• The evolution of the life of a professional musician

• The importance of diversifying offers 

• The creation of online workshops

• The difference between education performances and traditional concerts

• The importance of Early American Music 

Dave Ruch
Dave’s advice blog 
Organ Fairchild 

Lead Photo by Frankie Cavone, Mirth Films
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