Current cello performance major at Wheaton College Conservatory of Music. ~ Online lessons ~ Based in Colorado and Illinois

Find out more about Jay

• 1) When did you first develop a passion for music and your favorite instrument?

  I have always loved and been passionate about my music, but several moments in particular hold a place in my heart. Beginning in 2016, I have traveled internationally with my symphony multiple times. I have seen first hand how music brings people together. Regardless of the language barrier, cultural differences, or geographic location, music is a part of life all around the globe. On top of this, participating in quartets and other small ensembles has created a second family for me. The bond of a chamber ensemble, to me, is one of the strongest bonds I have ever known. So my passion for music comes from bringing people, including myself, together in harmony.

• 2) Is there a particular type of music or artist that you listen to on a loop without it driving you crazy?

  I am a huge fan of jazz. There was a time in my life when I would just sit and listen to jazz for hours upon hours a day. The little details and complex rhythms have always caught my attention. In a lot of jazz styles, it is encouraged to let the music take control and this gives the performers the freedom to play what they feel. I think this provides opportunities for great, authentic music to be created.

• 3) Explain to us the most difficult or riveting course you could personally give to a student of music.

  The music world itself is challenging. The competition tends to be cutthroat and a lot of times the road can be lonely; but I would have to say the most riveting course is solo performance. The music can be extraordinarily difficult. The competition seems impossible at times. It requires an immense amount of hours practicing alone with little opportunity to perform. It takes dedication to the craft and the grit to power through the people who say that you will never be good enough.

• 4) What do you think is the most complicated instrument to master and why?

  Every instrument has its challenges. Air control, vibrato speed, foot pedals, thumb position, reading in multiple clefs; these all factor into the difficulty of an instrument. Personally, I would say an instrument that would be very complicated to learn is the organ. Not only does it require independence between right and left hands, but also feet at the same time. It requires the ability to read multiple lines of music at once as well as having knowledge about the instrument and how to correctly make each note sound to the intention of the performer.

• 5) What are your keys to success?

  Success means something different to everyone. Most people say that hard work leads to success, and while that is very true, success is a lot more than that. Being a successful musician is treating everyone with respect. Being a successful musician is being your true self and pouring your personality and passion into the music. Being successful takes humility and the ability to admit when a mistake is made. Success is not measured by the amount of fame or money being acquired, but how we move other people and make the world a better place by bringing people together.

• 6) Name three musicians you dream of meeting in your favourite bar in the early hours of the morning. Explain why.

  It is very difficult to limit this list to three people, but the three musicians I dream of meeting in my favourite bar in the early hours of the morning would be...
  
  A) Wynton Marsalis - Besides being a trumpet and jazz legend. Marsalis is one of the most kind, humble and passionate musicians today. He has so much knowledge about the music he performs and has multiple programs around the world working with kids to help them better understand the art of music.
  
  B) Eva Noblezada - Eva is a broadway icon and is very popular from her role on the original cast of Hadestown. However, I think her best work was her role as Kim in Claude-Michel Schonberg's Miss Saigon. Eva pours her heart and soul into her part, capturing the attention of anyone who hears.
  
  C) Edgar Moreau - This extremely young cellist was just 17 years old when he claimed the second prize of the world-renowned Tchaikovsky Competition. He had won other prestigious awards and competitions and was performing with major orchestras at the age of just 11 years old.

• 7) Provide a valuable anecdote related to music or your days at music school.

  Sometimes in music school, we commit to projects that we shouldn't. This year, my quartet made a commitment to record a piece without realizing how difficult it was. We underestimated the amount of time if required and ended up spending about 6 hours setting up, recording, and editing the video. But in the end, the project brought us all closer together and we have some good memories despite the challenging situation.

• 8) What are the little touches that make you a Superprof in music?

  I am dedicated to the students that I teach. I approach each lesson with patience, kindness, and acceptance. I am very passionate about music and like to create bonds with each student. I love to imagine a story or image of each piece we work on, and help each person to pour their personality and specific style into their work.