Vinny Valentino is a Musician of New York.

As a jazz guitarist, Vinny splits his time between playing as a permanent member of a band, performing at jazz clubs all over the city, and composing and producing in his home studio. Each summer, he works as musical director of Drum Fantasy Camp in Chicago with other musicians from the New York area. He also started PlayAlongJazz to help musicians grow in an ensemble environment. As a father to four kids, he appreciates the flexibility that allows him to cheer on the sidelines at his sons’ soccer games and shuttle his kids to activities. Although he has watched the music industry change over his career, Vinny still loves being a musician because it allows him to wake up every morning and be challenged to learn something new.

“When I made my first record, I got paid by the record company to make the record. I got paid for my publishing, the songs that I wrote for that record, and I got a payment for the next record. Record labels used to promote you and help get the product to the marketplace. Nowadays, it’s like you’re shooting in the dark. You never know what will stick as far as promotion or touring goes, and you just have to hope that it all helps the goal of getting your music out there and eventually being able to make a living out of it.” #MusiciansofNewYork

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#MusiciansofNewYork tells the stories of the working union musicians of New York, with posts about a new musician every Wednesday! Find more Musicians of New York stories here.