The song says "If you can make it there, you can make it anywhere" in regards to succeeding in New York City. To be on top of your game in the Big Apple for thirty years is quite an accomplishment for anyone, and this month marks three decades that my brother has been the premier Saxophone Repairman in New York City.
Bill Singer moved to New York City to play music, surround himself with the best musicians in the world, and to repair instruments. He has always loved the saxophone, and over the years his hands have saved many thousands of horns from disrepair.
Bill is 12 years older than me, and his constant practicing and playing music (and his love of Jazz) echoes in my childhood memories. I can recall being unable to hear the television even though he was playing in his own room. Not being able to hear The Flintstones meant complaints to the parents (maybe whining and tears?), and Bill was often sent out to the garage to practice. I can still see the image in my head of him in exile down the driveway on rainy nights belting out tunes.
To earn a living he began repairing horns. The saxophone is a delicate instrument, and Bill's commitment to each repair is evident in the artistic manner in which he applies his craft. I have watched him work, and he treats each horn repair as a work of art. The passion of that kid learning to play that saxophone in the garage is evident today in the way he runs his business. All jobs get the same level of attention, no matter how big or how small. He enjoys working with the new aspiring musicians as much as he does the celebrities (He has repaired the horns of many of the most renowned saxophone players of our time, some referring to him as "the Music Doctor").
All of his clients find him through word-of-mouth, and he is known far beyond boroughs of New York City. It is not uncommon for those coming the area to bring their saxophones with them for an appointment.... but an appointment is always needed, as his calendar is booked months in advance. He is a great example of how "Word-of-Mouth Marketing" can book you solid. Do great work in a niche business and the customers will find you! While he is not the only repairman, his dedication to the craft of saxophone repair has made him "the" repairman of choice.
Bill has seen a lot of changes in New York City and in the music industry. He has survived the good times and the bad with a strong focus on overcoming all odds. Quitting has never been an option.
Passion, plus hard work, has transformed his love of the saxophone into his career. While Bill Singer works hard, I do not think he considers what he does to be "work". He always seems to be having fun!
Doing something you love and being your own boss can be pretty cool...thus he is today's entry into "Cool Things My Friends Do".
Congrats to my big brother on 30 years in New York City!!!
Check out the attached video created by one of Bill's clients.... it has over 18,000 views on YouTube and shows a great personal side of Bill in action!!
Have A Great Day
thom singer
(Note the below photos of a repair)
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