Voice Lessons in Lincoln, NE

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

If you weren't a musician what do you think you'd be doing instead?
I honestly have no idea what I would be doing. I don't remember being enthralled with anything other than music. And I think that if you're going to pursue music as a career in any aspect you need to ask yourself a very important question: Will I be able to live with myself if I DON'T pursue music. It can be extremely challenging to do. You may be living off ramen for a while, but if you're dedicated it is possible to make a living in music. You have to know that music is the only thing that you can do.

What is your favorite style/genre of music to play and why?
I love playing classical music. I enjoy the challenge that comes with developing the technical skills to beautifully execute a piece of music. I love the type of emotion that is evoked from it. It can theatrical, energetic, crushing, and tragic. That isn't to say that it is better than any other type of music, but that it's different. I honestly think that broadening what I study has given me a another perspective on other styles, genres, and eras of music and a better understanding of them as well.

If you play more than one instrument, how did you decide to start playing the second? (Or 3rd, 4th, 5th, etc)!
I've only studied guitar. I do have a strong affinity for electric bass guitar. The style of playing and the approach is drastically different than how one would tackle guitar, but it is extremely fun to play. I have played bass in bands before and it has been extremely enjoyable. I have dabbled a little bit on drum set and I've really loved that. Developing extremity independence is extremely challenging but it helps you understand rhythm in a VERY different way than how you would understand it on guitar.

Does music run in your family? Tell us a little about your musical family members.
I have had musical family members. My great grandmother apparently could play piano extremely well. She had the ability to hear a piece one time and play it perfectly. Unfortunately, I never had the opportunity to meet her. My father used to play drum set, but by the time I was born he had given up music to support my mother, my siblings, and myself. So, I never really had anyone in my life that was a musician. My drive to pursue music was purely of my own, but thankfully my parents were very supportive of my interests.

When did you decide to become a professional musician? Was it a gradual decision or was there a defining moment for you?
It was a defining moment for me. I had been studying electrical engineering and attempting to get into the computer graphics school at Purdue. I was also performing with some friends I had made and we started running a music venue and doing some recording. It had hit me that THIS is what I wanted to do with my life. So, I started studying theory, working on my technique, and otherwise getting prepared for my entrance exams and audition at BSU. What was tough was leaving all my friends at Purdue behind to go into something in which i was totally alone, but it was worth it because it was precisely what I wanted to pursue.

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