By Scott Stevenson
Three years ago, I made a choice that, at the time, seemed like a simple act of generosity. I volunteered to provide ambiance for an event, playing background music and creating a vibe that, for most, faded into the experience. I didn’t do it for exposure or a paycheck—I did it because music is my passion, and I believe in giving where I can.
What I didn’t realize then was that this small moment would set off a chain reaction. Someone at that event remembered me. I played a song for them they liked and we talked for a bit, they added me to Facebook and we never talked again. They referred me to someone else, who then passed my name along yet again. Fast forward to today, and that connection has led to something I never expected: a contract to score music for an upcoming documentary on Netflix.
The Power of Showing Up
We often think success comes from chasing opportunities, but sometimes, the best things happen when you’re simply present. I wasn’t seeking a Netflix deal that night—I was just doing what I love. But by showing up, putting in the effort, and delivering something of value, I unknowingly left an impression that traveled further than I ever could have predicted.
This experience reinforced something I’ve always believed: hard work and passion don’t go unnoticed. Even when it feels like no one is paying attention, someone always is. The world is full of unseen opportunities, and sometimes, the best way to attract them is to simply do your thing and do it well.
A Lesson in Long-Term Thinking
We live in a time where instant results are expected. But real success is often a slow burn. It’s about planting seeds and letting them grow—sometimes over years. If I had dismissed that volunteer opportunity as "not worth my time," I wouldn't have been able to pursue what I hope is a fruitful opportunity.
Every small effort, every connection, and every performance matters. You never know who’s listening, watching, or remembering your name.
What’s Next?
This Netflix project is an exciting step, but it’s just the beginning and could easily be the end. More than anything, it’s a reminder to keep putting my music out there, to keep saying yes to opportunities, and to keep believing that the right people will find me when the time is right.
If you’re a creative, an artist, a filmmaker, or just someone trying to break into an industry—keep going. Even when it feels like no one is watching, keep going. You never know which moment will change everything.
Member of the Week - Zachary Greer
Zachary Greer is a multi-instrumentalist and Music Composer for film, television and digital media from New Brunswick, Canada. Pursuing his lifelong passion for film and music, Zachary achieved his BA with a concentration in Music from St. Thomas University, where he developed his skills in composition under the tutelage of notable composer and professor Martin Kutnowski. During his time at St Thomas University, Zachary won the NBRMTA Student Composer Competition in 2016, and had various composition pieces performed by the university's chamber ensemble, as well as premieres by the Saint John String Quartet. While attending St. Thomas University he scored his first feature film Alice in the Attic at age 20
Following his final year of studies, Zachary was selected to participate in the prestigious ASCAP Film Scoring Workshop at NYU where he composed original work under the critique of prominent composers like Sean Callery (Jessica Jones) and Mark Snow (X-Files). Zachary also spent a year studying Music Composition at Memorial University in St. John's Newfoundland, where he was one of three composers selected in the Gower Band Competition in 2018.
Since graduating, he has gone on to compose music for multiple projects including two theatre productions, The Trickster of Seville and his Stone Guest and No White Picket Fence. In 2018 Zachary received the Excellence in Music Composition award at the Silver Wave Film Festival for the short film, The Nashwaak.
Recently, Zachary has scored the documentary series Never Say Die on Bell Fibe 1, The award winning short doc Fighter directed by Meagan Brown and the feature documentary Meet and Eat at Lee's Garden on CBC Gem. You can also hear his music featured in the 2021 documentary series Yukon Harvest on APTN.
Zachary also remains active as a solo artist producing instrumental albums that experiment with different genres and ensemble styles. His most recent release, The Duel, follows the historical duel between George Street and George Wetmore in 1821, New Brunswick. Working with folk-pop duo "Pallmer" and violinist Ali Johnson, the album plays as a dark, acoustic-folk soundtrack to the historic event. Currently, Zachary is working on his second album Partridge Island, which is also based on New Brunswick history, as well as the Great Famine in Ireland.