Have you ever heard of Mr. Al? Al Mr. Al Rasso is a childrens recording artist that means he makes music for kids! In fact, Mr. Al has written and recorded 18 childrens albums and one teacher resource book. Wearing his trademark tie-dye shirt, he travels around the country entertaining children with his fun songs like Put Your Groove On and Herman the Worm. I knew Mr. Al would be a fun guy to meet and to tell you all about!
TRUMAN: What does it take to become a childrens recording artist?
MR. AL: First of all, you must love and respect what children are all about. I taught school before I began this career and had many years to observe young children and learn how they grow and develop. My undergraduate degree in Elementary Education and graduate degree in Early Childhood have also helped me to understand children.
TRUMAN: When, and why, did you first become interested in this profession?
MR. AL: When I was teaching, I started to write little songs that were designed to help the children learn skills and concepts. The children really responded to these songs, and other teachers encouraged me to do something with these songs. In 1986, my wife and I took out a loan to record my first album, and gradually teachers started to take notice and use my songs in their classrooms.
TRUMAN: How old were you when you learned how to play guitar?
MR. AL: Actually, the first musical instrument I learned was piano. I started taking lessons when I was 5. During my teenage years, I learned how to play the drums, trumpet and guitar and started to play in bands in high school.
TRUMAN: What do you do? Describe a typical day on the job.
MR. AL: Usually on the day of a performance, I must arrive early at the school or theatre. I must then set up my sound equipment and do a sound check to make sure everything works properly. When the children come, I try to greet them at the door so they can meet me and see what I look like. Once the performance is over, I generally sell my CDs and videos to the people that want them and often sign autographs. I then pack up my equipment and head out for the next city.
TRUMAN: Whats the hardest part of your job?
MR. AL: The most difficult aspect of my job is the travel because I am away from my family, and I really miss them!
TRUMAN: What is the best part of your job?
MR. AL: The best part of what I do is watching the faces of the children during the show. I love seeing all the interaction and happy faces. I also love talking to the children before and after the show. Many times they send me letters or e-mails telling me how much they enjoyed the show.
TRUMAN: How do you come up with your songs?
MR. AL: There are many ways that I come up with ideas for songs. Sometimes I get ideas from teachers or parents. Sometimes just watching children play gives me ideas. Being a dad and a granddad can contribute to a new song or two, but being a kid-watcher is the best way to get ideas. Also making sure that the songs have movement and some way to interact is important because children learn better when they are actively involved in learning.
TRUMAN: Do you ever get scared when you are on stage in front of all those people?
MR. AL: When I first began performing, I used to get nervous and sometimes even got a tummy-ache, but now I just get excited before each performance. I love performing and making children happy!
TRUMAN: What advice would you give to kids who are interested in becoming recording artists?
MR. AL: My advice would be to do well in school and learn to play a musical instrument.
TRUMAN: Thanks, Mr. Al! We really enjoyed your concert and learning more about what its like to be you!
