Piano Lessons in North Bethesda, MD

Instruments: Voice Recorder

When did you decide to become a professional musician? Was it a gradual decision or was there a defining moment for you?
I decided to become a professional musician as a teenager, I began pursuing recording my first demo after graduating from high school. I recorded my first demo with three tracks on it, produced by a professional music producer while in college and I was signed to my first recording deal at age 20. I had the opportunity to work with other professional musicians from different parts of the United States. I also had the opportunity to collaborate and work on a gold and platinum album. That musical achievement was amazing to me and defining moments in my life.

What is your favorite style/genre of music to play and why?
My favorite genre of music is inspirational music and my favorite style is Christian and gospel. I remember one of the first songs I learned as a child and I still remember it to this day is “Jesus Loves Me”. "Jesus Loves Me" is a Christian hymn written by Anna Bartlett Warner (1827–1915). The lyrics first appeared as a poem in a novel in which the words were spoken as a comforting poem to a dying child. The tune was added in 1862 by William Batchelder Bradbury (1816–1868). Along with his tune, Bradbury added his own chorus "Yes, Jesus loves me, Yes, Jesus Loves me. After publication as a song it became one of the most popular Christian hymns in churches around the world, especially among children.

If you play more than one instrument, how did you decide to start playing the second? (Or 3rd, 4th, 5th, etc)!
When I was in 5th grade I was introduced to the recorder. I played it and I remember it brought me a lot of joy. Playing and instrument some of the brain benefits of learning a musical instrument include increased comprehension and math skills, better coordination, and a greater capacity for memory. Over the years I have been able to share my love of playing the recorder with my students and I see that look in their eyes when they are able to play a song on their instrument for a recital. It’s an achievement you won’t ever forget!

Does music run in your family? Tell us a little about your musical family members.
Yes. My identical twin sister made up the duo I was apart of as professional recording artist. My sister and I wrote and recorded songs together for years. We are both currently Music Educators. My sister and I are still singers/ songwriters. We always enjoyed music since we were children. Our parents instilled a love for music in us at an early age. We began singing in the choir together and continued to explore music throughout elementary, junior high school, high school, and throughout college.

If you weren't a musician what do you think you'd be doing instead?
If I wasn’t a musician full time I would create Art full time because I love painting , it’s one of my hobbies. Painting is very relaxing and it another great creative outlet. I love how richter history of Art. Artist create Art and it reflects the world around them and give others a chance to see the world through their eyes. It’s a talent that is rare, unique and priceless. Some Artists work go on to become timeless masterpieces. Some become very valuable as well which is amazing to me. Art can touch you like Music can.

What is your dream piece to perform and why?
My dream piece to is classical music because it is classic. When classical music is played correctly it is enjoyed by the masses. Timeless pieces will never go out of style. Classical music is art music produced or rooted in the traditions of Western culture, including both liturgical and secular music. It is also used to refer to the period from 1750 to 1820 (the Classical period). The early 19th century, marked the period from Johann Sebastian Bach to Ludwig van Beethoven as a golden age. I had an opportunity to sing a classic song along with a song I wrote on television the classical song was titled “ Hallelujah“ it was a great experience and one I will never forget.

If you have a Music Degree, what is it in (Performance, Education, Musicology, Theory, Composition, etc) and why did you choose that degree?
I have a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications degree from Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. I have a Certification, type AN - Ancillary from Louisiana Department of Education for Lifetime. I choose this degree and certification because these are my two passions I learned in college how to reach the masses through all forms of communication whether it be television, radio, newspapers, or the internet. Also I learned in college in I learned more about Music and I went on to become a Professional Musician do to this I was issued a lifetime certification they classified me as a Teacher Of Talented In Music.

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