How'd you end up at Music Masters?
I was scrolling looking for jobs that not only help with the bills, but something that I could really use my abilities and skills. When I saw the listing for Music Masters, I knew I had to apply! I had missed teaching music and this was the perfect opportunity to get back to it!
What sparked your passion for music?
I was in 5th grade and thought it was so cool that some of my classmates got to leave during music hour with their instruments and so mid-way through the school year, I convinced my classroom teacher
and the band teacher to let me in, even though I would be behind. I wanted to prove to them that I could catch up to the rest of the class and so I practiced my saxophone constantly until I had not
only caught up to my peers, but also started getting ahead of them in the book. It was so fun making sounds and learning new notes and rhythms!
How’d your music go from there?
From 5th grade band, I immediately took off with music. I decided to switch to trombone and started taking private lessons. With the help of numerous teachers along the way, I started competing in
solo and ensemble competitions, honor bands, and in middle school I had the opportunity to start playing with the high school band. In high school I performed and placed at the state solo competition
for both trombone and clarinet and performed in Australia (on clarinet) and throughout Europe (on trombone) to name a few amazing opportunities. I eventually went to college as a trombone performance
major at the UO, where I performed in many ensembles that ranged from marching band to symphony orchestra. After college, I was given the great honor to teach high school music courses on the Pine
Ridge Reservation in South Dakota! After my teaching commitment, I decided to get a Master in Education at the University of Southern California where I played sousaphone in The Greatest Marching
Band in the History of the Universe, the USC Trojan Marching Band! Now that I am back at the UO, I am getting a PhD in Education and still find time to play in the Trombone Choir at the UO as well as
some paid performances with Orchestra Next.
Who would you most wanna jam with?
Youngblood Brass Band, Heavy Metal Brass Band, Band groups
What do you express through your music?
Joy! Anytime you see me perform, I always show how I am having such a good time performing. After playing a challenging run and nailing it I will smile so big. Even when I mess up, you will see me
smile and giggle because that’s all part of music and life! In the words of Bob Ross, “We don’t make mistakes, just happy little accidents”
Your message to aspiring artists?Your voice, your rhythm, your melody, yourself, holds the
power to move hearts, shift perspectives, and light up the world! Music is not just a craft; it is a manifestation of the soul, and every time you pick up an instrument, raise your voice, or write a
lyric, you’re adding your story to something timeless and universal.
Jon teaches:
Euphonium Lessons
Trombone Lessons
French Horn Lessons
Tuba Lessons
Clarinet Lessons
Saxophone Lessons
Flute Lessons
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