Dino Rhelos

Bio

Started playing piano at the age of 8 and guitar at 10 years old. Been performing live since 9th grade. Went to Indiana University of Pennsylvania for Music Theory and Composition. Played throughout the United States and Europe. Won guitar contest from Duquesne University. Ran live sound for Hollowoods in Pittsburgh and FAB3 Productions in Jacksonville, FL. Chief writer/composer for Mulberry St. Productions/DSI/Silvertooth Records in Pittsburgh, PA. Owned and operated Maestro's Studios, a music school and recording studio. Currently enjoy making music videos and sharing my knowledge and experience with those who love to learn!

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What is music to you? What does it give you?

My life. It creates a state of mind that brings me the most satisfaction. It's never let me down. I've heard it said that music is how we decorate silence. I concur.

What is your music dream?

Doing exactly what I'm doing. I am very fortunate to have lived my life as musician. Everything from here on is a bonus.

If you could change the world - what would you start with?

I'm not smart enough to answer that with any worth or validity.

Which is the most memorable song from your childhood?

Playing music. Music is a meditation, henceforth the place I where always want to be.

Who are your favorite musical artists or bands?

From A to Z and Bach to Rock. As a theory/composition major, I take from anything that sounds good to my ear.

What inspires you to make music?

The joy of performing, creating, listening, teaching, and sharing. I feel a composer/songwriter should fundamentally love their own music. If not, I think they're missing a key element of the musical experience.

What is the message you want to send with your music?

Listen and let go!

How do you feel when you perform in front of an audience?

Very comfortable and connected. I would hope so after 41 years of playing.

How do you see the musicians’ reality nowadays? What could be improved?

If someone is serious about their music, they should absolutely have a strong grasp of music theory. Practice without theory is long and arduous. Meaning, if you love it so, how can you not seek to understand it the best you can?

What do you think of Drooble?

Really cool and getting better. I joined years ago and really dug the idea. But at the time in my time, I couldn't give it the attention it deserves. I'm hoping now is a better to be more involved with it.

What frustrates you most as a musician?

Working with other musicians who are not up to par just for the sake of a paycheck. It's a terrible feeling wanting it to be over, especially before it even starts. Mind you, I love to play, but can't get into the pocket if the band is a train wreck. Same goes for gigs that I didn't have time to really prep for. Both are probably on the same level.

Do you support your local scene as a fan? How?

Yes. I know lots of the musicians and am a teacher to many of them. My senior and adult students build bands all the time and do gigs at all the local clubs. I often run sound for them. This also keeps me in the loop with the up and coming acts in my area.

What qualities should a musician nowadays have in order to get their music heard by a larger audience?

Well, I'm still trying to figure that out myself. I'm a player, but not much of a promoter.

Share some awesome artists that we’ve never heard of.

Whew, I'll get back to you on that. ;-)