Today we’d like to introduce you to Anton Du Preez.
Hi Anton, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I could never decide between music and medicine. I studied both disciplines in college, and utilized both in various roles in the US Navy. After finishing graduate degrees in both passions (Master of Music and Doctor of Physical Therapy), I’m lucky to have forged a path both as a Board-certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist in Physical Therapy, and a professional musician and composer through my company, Black Labs Music (named for my best buddy, our Labrador retriever, Didgie).
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Nope. Not smooth at all. It’s tough to have two very different careers and passions, while balancing family life and recreational time. My husband is very supportive and understanding, but we’ve had to spend the occasional time apart over the years due to career-oriented travel and moves. The music business is a very exciting and fickle environment, and there are no guarantees. Physical therapy jobs tend to be more stable and available, but finding that work-work-life balance (two careers and regular life) is often challenging. There are ups and downs, good times and bad, smooth sailing and rough seas. But I can’t imagine it any other way. I try my best not to jeopardize family time, but I enjoy my work with my patients, and I’ll never give up music. It’s been my primary passion since I can remember having one.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Focusing more on the music aspect of my life, I mostly write and record these days. My first few decades in professional music were focused more on performance, but I reached a point just before COVID where I was feeling burnt out with “being on” for stage performances. Some people thrive on that energy, but I’m inherently bashful and started to feel more drained than energized after performing. That includes solo performances, jazz combos, rock/pop ensembles, symphonic bands, and classical choirs ensembles.
I specialize in songwriting and vocal recording for various endeavors, as well as writing additional music for TV and film. I also have a recording studio for use, and design other audio assets for commercial use. I’m also a composition advisor for the masters program I went through.
I’m most proud of some of my songs touching many people around the world either through a film or radio/streaming playlists. Receiving a thoughtful message every now and then from someone expressing how a song or piece of music I wrote helped get them through another day is more meaningful than hearing cheers from a crowd. At least at this stage in my life.
What set’s me apart? I’m usually uncomfortable with questions like those, since I’m a terrible self-promoter and would rather stay in the background. But, a unique characteristic of my life is that both passions influence the other. I’m a more creative physical therapist because of my life in music. And I’m a more emotional musician and writer because of meaningful and deep life experiences.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I’m mostly a kind and respectful person. That goes a long way. Also, creativity, flexibility, and a healthy dose of stubbornness.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.antondupreezmusic.com
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/antondupreezmusic
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/antondupreezmusic/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anton-du-preez-368aa03a/
- Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtSfk_2tNWNxqMhwAEWlIAw
- Soundcloud: http://soundcloud.com/antondupreez
- Other: http://www.blacklabsmusic.com
