The Listen

During the holiday time, it’s pretty easy to get caught up in the gluttony of overspending/ out doing your neighbors with little benefit to those less fortunate.  Thanks to the Daily Bunch we learned about the inspiring story of a very wealthy and smart man (hence the wealth) that gave us a little perspective about having enough and sharing the rest to benefit others with music education.  Derek Sivers, founder of CD Baby and Host Baby, set up a trust, “Independent Musicians Charitable Remainder Unitrust” as the owner of his company.  He’s allotted 5% each year from it for his living expenses (because that’s all he needs according to him) and when he dies the rest will go to Music Education.  So when he sold his company for $22 million, it all went into the trust and by doing it this way he saved $5M.  WOW!  More mula for musica, me gusta mucho!

When we see so many music programs go by the wayside during these times, it’s truly inspiring to hear stories like this that show it’s still a priority for some people at the sacrifice of their own luxuries.  Thanks Derek for some perspective!

(Photo Credit: Wired.com)