Student of the Month: May 2024 Edition
There are some people in life when, after just a few minutes in their company, you know you’ve just met someone fantastic. That was my experience this month while interviewing our students of the month. These genuine individuals smiled easily, shared deep musical thoughts, and left me feeling joyful and lighthearted. They reminded me of the quotation from the poet Amanda Gorman: “There is always light. If only we’re brave enough to see it. If only we’re brave enough to be it.” Read on, friends, and prepare to meet two of my new favorite people!
Liam Parker
You’re gonna want to get to know this song-writing, uke-playing, nature-loving student of the month! Upbeat and easy-going, Liam has been playing the ukulele for about 7 years (half of his life!). Though he has taken a few lessons with the guitar and piano, he consistently returns to the uke. As his first instrument, Liam says it comes naturally to him and feels the most comfortable.
For Liam, music is a way to bring out feelings you didn’t know you needed to release. Through the years, he has played around with writing his own music. This endeavor blossomed in the 2023-24 school year when he enrolled in the Songwriter’s Collective, taught by Kevin. Along with his weekly class with Jameson, where they play instruments and explore music production skills, Liam has now written 12 songs and continues to work on producing them. He writes his songs based on experiences he has in nature. He is most happy when he is immersed in the outdoors, whether it is the ocean, a forest, or amongst cool rock formations. Check him out on his YouTube channel: Sylvan Gems.
Jameson loves how open-minded, easy-going, and creative Liam is as a student. Says Jameson, “He’s always working towards a goal, there’s never a dull moment! I love being his instructor because he is open to every aspect of the musical experience- I don't think I've ever heard him say ‘no’. He is SO creative and inspires me by the amount of material he creates! He is a song machine and is willing to put himself out there- SO COOL! He is always optimistic and willing to try new things!”
Nihal Aurora
Spend a few minutes with Nihal and you’ll be smiling, laughing, and genuinely enjoying yourself. This 9-year-old third grader loves school (math is his fav!), his dog Bossy, telling a great joke, and all things drums. He has been taking drum lessons with Kendall for over a year now. He enjoys learning how to keep the beat with drums and is currently working on what he thinks is a most awesome song: Seven Nation Army.
When Nihal thinks about music in his life, his favorite aspect is how it has the power to put you in a good mood, even if you are feeling sad. He aspires to one day learn more about the tabla, a type of hand drum from his Indian culture.
Kendall sincerely enjoys having Nihal as a student because of the attitude Nihal brings to each class. Nihal is interested in learning, a hard worker, and is considerate during lessons. Says Kendall: “He has a positive attitude and is always willing to learn new things. He is always so respectful towards me and the instrument.”
- Danielle Parker