Student of the Month: October 2024 Edition
“Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.” F. Scott Fitzgerald nailed it in this line from The Great Gatsby! Can you feel it? Enthusiasm, anticipation, and tricks (or treats) are coming our way. In line with all the autumn feels, I can’t wait to introduce you to our Students of the Month. When it comes to their musical journeys, both of these students contain that October energy of excitement. Grab your hoodies, sit down with a warm beverage, and read on.
Tyler Porter
Tyler’s nomination for student of the month could not have been more timely. This mountain biking, sports-loving, Judo expert has a passion for all things Halloween, particularly homemade Halloween costumes. (His favorite costume? The headless horseman, though his version of Oogie Boogie from Nightmare Before Christmas won first place in a costume contest last year.)
When it comes to music, Tyler is always willing to try new things. He learned trumpet with Jameson for about six months before deciding to switch to guitar. He loves the versatility of guitar in that it can be used and adapted to any genre of music. For Tyler, music is a method of relaxation. It helps him to chill out and release the overactive mind.
Jameson enjoys teaching Tyler for many reasons. Not only does Tyler work hard but Jameson admires his flexibility in trying new instruments and techniques. To top it off, he appreciates Tyler’s kindness. From Jameson: “We played the Pink Panther theme and he went out and found the Steve Martin versions of the movies and even let me borrow them to watch! He's a thoughtful kid and has a lot of heart. He will be great at music if he sticks with it, I just know it!”
Earl Parker
We hold a special place in our hearts for our adult learners and this includes Earl Parker! A security specialist by day, Earl spends his free time mountain biking, camping, and exploring new places with his family. Though he only started taking bass guitar lessons with Jabez about 6 months ago, Earl has a lifelong history with music. He played violin in elementary and middle school; he rocked the drums in high school band; and he has continued to enhance his drumming skills via online courses on and off through adulthood.
Earl has always felt more drawn to the rhythm of music as opposed to the melodies and he finds his affinity for drums and bass to be a natural consequence for this. Taking music lessons is something Earl has considered often over the years. Although juggling work and family life keeps him busy, he recently felt that he had enough space and ample curiosity to learn a new skill. Interested in bass guitar since elementary school, he has been excited about becoming a student once again. He does not feel stressed by adding one more thing to his schedule. On the contrary, he says taking bass lessons has increased his overall enjoyment in life.
Jabez loves having Earl as a student. He is impressed with Earl’s commitment to working hard and enjoys seeing how quickly Earl improves from lesson to lesson. Jabez said, “Earl has been progressing so quickly on bass guitar. I love that Earl is super focused and hard working so it’s so much easier teaching him new concepts and techniques.” From bass technique to arpeggios and blues bass, we are excited for Earl’s new adventure!
- Danielle Parker