Brian Funshine

Brian’s Story
THE STORY OF BRIAN FUNSHINE

Interview with a Children’s

Edutainer & Musician

How did you get into doing children’s music?

I began first by working at summer camps and outdoor programs. We had campfire sing-alongs. I learned guitar very quickly in order to play a part in making the music. At first I learned lots of traditional kids songs, old folk songs, and songs by some of my favorite kids entertainers (Raffi, Fred Penner, Sesame Street, etc). Then, one day, while I was living in Taiwan, there was a huge earthquake, where lots of people died. I was living in the basement of a building which didn’t fall, but was without electricity, so I began singing as usual, but for some reason original “kid” songs started flowing. I wrote most of my first album “Rainbow Fun” and even some of my second album “Let’s Sing” in the following week. It was a beginning of something wonderful!

How long have you been playing music?
I officially started playing music in the sixth grade, but I give much credit to my Dad for playing piano with me on his lap all the time, and to my Mom for singing beautifully to me all the time!!! Both of my parents were great inspirations to pursue music, as was my sister’s encouragement to keep going, no matter what!! As of June/07, I am 36, so you do the math.

What instruments do you play?
My first instrument was the trumpet. Although my band teacher said he thought I had a knack for the French horn, I really took to the trumpet and still play it now, although not nearly as much as when I was in high school and early college.

I also started learning the saxophone in high school, and that helped open my eyes to a wider variety of wind instruments. In college, unfortunately, my trumpet was stolen, which at the time seemed to be a terrible thing, but later, I realized it was probably the most direct way to move on to stringed instruments. I began playing electric bass, and then fretless bass, and finally double bass. My focus remained on Jazz music throughout college.

Towards the end of my college career, I began learning to play the guitar. It came very quickly after studying the bass. Then I purchased a mandolin and learned the basics. I focused on classical and folk guitar for a while, and continued improving the bass. I also began singing both in the University Choirs and along with my guitar playing.

Finally, I began studying the keyboards and percussion, rounding out the musical spectrum. I have also studied the basics on trombone, harmonica, recorder, and even accordion.

Now with MIDI, I can produce music using realistic samples of any and all instruments. Most people wouldn’t notice the difference between these and the real thing. So my music has taken an evolutionary step.

What do you like the most about writing and producing music for kids?
The thing I like the most are the smiles the kids give me when they find something about my songs they can relate to personally, whether it is something they have thought about themselves (like monsters under their beds), or something they discovered more about by listening to my music. Perhaps a child will be inspired to become a musician too, after listening to my songs. That is the thing that would make me most happy to hear about!!
Also, because the children are innocent, the music means much more to them. I remember my favorite song growing up for a while was “Knock Three Times”. Do you remember that tune?

Where did the name Brian Funshine come from?
My first name is Brian, but Funshine comes from the song “Funshine” from my first album “Rainbow Fun”. The lyrics say “Let the fun shine down upon me now” which basically say that “fun” is something that can shine down on someone as can colors from the rainbow or rays from the sun, or beams from the moon. I decided this would make a great performance name. What do you think?

Do you play any other kinds of music?
Lots!! I have played in many bands of many styles including: The Leaves (now Buffalo Strange – psychedelic, folk, rock, world), Voodoo Court (Surf, Jazz, Rock, Psychedellic, Fusion), Hunter’s Moon (folk influenced rock), Big Medicine/The Beam (Tribal poetry set to tribal world influenced music), Red 23 (Multi-lingual rock/folk/pop), East Meets West Express (EMW – small jazz group playing standard jazz tunes with an international group of musicians), Big Sombrero (grateful dead era, hippy, California 70’s style), The Urban Gypsies (improvisational, folk influenced, African, world), Drum Tree (percussion, world, environmental, body movement/percussion), The “Fabulous” Scooters (acapella singing group), Mandala World Music …. And ….

I have to include from High School and College: Marching band, Jazz Big Bands, Jazz Chamber Ensembles, Brass Choirs, Community Choirs, Gospel Choir, Symphonic Bands, Wind Ensembles, and Orchestra.

How do you make children enjoy learning music?
That’s easy, but it’s better to think of it this way… Kids don’t have to be made to enjoy learning music, the teachers have to think of ways to consider the mind of a child. Kids don’t usually have many specific goals for their musical development, at first. They just want to have fun. So, we music find a way to convey the parts of learning music that are often tedious, but vital, in a fun and rewarding way, and reward their dedication with praise and encouragement!!

Do you have any other hobbies?
I like to juggle (clubs and balls), do art (mostly 3-D art including candle making, clay, and fresco. Not so good with a paint brush or pencil yet), I’m an amateur vegetarian chef, I like to do yoga and movement, I enjoy acting (sometimes professionally), and I love to study languages and to travel.

How did you learn how to write songs?
I created a game, that I like to call “The Game”. This game is kinda silly, but it works for helping people to evolve there creative mind for the process of song writing or creative idea brainstorming. It’s also good for relationship therapy (in a way)

It’s easy. One person strums simple chords on the guitar (or piano is fine) while the other sings or chants, attempting to let go of any needs to necessarily rhyme, make sense or accomplish anything. Their only goal is to produce rhythmic flow from the improvisational side of the brain. The words can be based on a theme (i.e. do a song about flowers and garbage trucks) the funnier the better, or they can be silly and ridiculous, focusing on rhythm or rhyme scheme (once again with flexibility to be able to cut loose) This activity is great with an open mind, and with practice will help the ideas flow more naturally and release inhibitions commonly related to structured writing. These methods can be a supplement to structured writing and formal lessons, or perhaps can be the centerpiece of your song writing/story writing approach. Obviously recording these sessions is vital too!! You will get better, the more you do this!!

The other way is obvious. Listen to lots and lots of music in lots of different styles, from many cultures around the world. Remember what you like and try to figure out why you like it!!!! HAVE FUN!

In all of your international travels and performances, did you notice any distinct differences between the children from different countries and cultures?
Absolutely. The differences were enormous between western and eastern cultures. Russian kids were right in the middle of the two. Asian children tend to be more reserved and polite. American kids are brave and vocal, but make great audiences for an interactive event. European kids are curious and open minded.

Of course, everywhere you go, kids are different, and no two are alike, but I started noticing and thinking a lot about how their culture, language, and social system effected their musicality and the way they responded to my music, in performance, and in the classroom.

Having worked a lot with ESL/EFL kids (English Learners) I have learned a lot about the major differences between this population and a native English speaker, in reference to how they learn English songs. Songs can make something relatively boring to learn (like grammar) into something fun and exciting!!