Student of the Month: December 2024 Edition
You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen. Kevin and Ken E. and Ken B. and Kristen. But perhaps you don’t recall two of the coolest students of them all. Introducing the December Students of the Month!
Hayden Crawford
This 16-year-old Rock 101 student is serious about drumming! Although she played flute for one year, she has been intent on honing her drumming skills for the last two and a half years. She enjoys the genres of both rock and jazz, loving the sound of rock songs but rising to the challenge of jazz beats. Her favorite song to learn so far? Cool Cat by Queen.
Hayden is an upbeat, enthusiastic individual. When talking about her opinions about drums, however, she has some serious thoughts. First the positives: drumming - and music in general - is the best! It helps Hayden to express herself freely with no judgment. It helps her to connect with others and is a conduit for finding herself. On a more serious note, she recognizes the pressure that comes with being a drummer. She compares it to being a goalie on the soccer field. Even though it takes an entire team, the goalie often feels a heavier load of responsibility. Since the drums carry the beat of a song, Hayden recognizes that if she messes up, then the entire band will likely make mistakes as well.
When asked how she carries this pressure so well, she credits her support systems. She discusses this topic with Tina during lessons as well as leaning on her parents. Tina has helped her a lot to think critically about her skills and to work on areas of growth so that she can feel confident any time she is on stage. Awareness is key and Hayden’s determination to understand both the emotional and physical aspects of her craft are admirable.
Tina absolutely loves having Hayden as a student. She is impressed with Hayden’s tenacity in the face of challenges. Tina can tell that Hayden practices hard during the week, coming to each lesson stronger than the week before. Says Tina, “My favorite thing about Hayden is that she is willing to play all styles of music and learn things that are uncomfortable.” Persistence, courage, and awareness - we are so excited to be part of Hayden’s journey!
Owen
If you’re looking for a musical adventurer, look no further! Owen took piano lessons for about 2 years although he recently decided to switch to guitar lessons. He also plays saxophone in his school band. But wait, there’s more. Because he is interested in drums, he works with Ken B. a bit on this as well during his weekly lessons. Owen loves the variety of instruments in general and, specifically, of the skills he gets to learn on the guitar. His absolute favorite song so far: In Bloom by Nirvana.
Not only does Owen stay busy in terms of music, he is also active out there in the world. When not creating musical goodness, Owen plays soccer, D & D (his character’s name is Gnomey the Gnome), and participates in the Mock Trial club at his school. He loves watching anime (current favorite: One Piece), playing video games, and drawing cartoons.
Ken Broyles was excited to nominate Owen for student of the month. He is impressed with how quickly Owen has progressed on the guitar despite being a beginning student. Ken appreciates how kind and respectful Owen is and can tell that he is practicing diligently every week. Rock on, Owen!
- Danielle Parker