Which class do you teach online?
Sequencing and Electronic Music
What do you want students in your courses to learn? What is the learning outcome or objective?
I want my students to understand sequencing and electronic music. I want them to have a solid foundation so that they can build off of what they’ve learned. I also want them to know where to find information and be able to figure things out on their own.
Why did you start teaching?
My high school music teacher had a big influence on me. He started a music technology program at my school and created classes to get students interested in music through technology. I was never in orchestra or band, and I didn’t start playing guitar until I was a teenager. No one in my family studied music, so it was never really considered something you might pursue as a career. But through the music tech classes, I gained the confidence to go to college for something I love. It’s very important to me that I share my experiences and hopefully help others gain the confidence to do what they love.
What advice would you give to those considering the online Master of Music in Music Technology program?
Even though you're not commuting to a campus and sitting next to your peers, that doesn't mean that you won't make invaluable relationships. One major advantage of an online program is that you’re working with a very diverse group of faculty and students not bound by location. Many of us live in music hubs and are employed in the industry. The SUU online student body is full of working professionals which creates unique learning and networking opportunities.
What qualities make someone particularly successful in the music industry?
Self-motivation and drive are the keys to being successful in the music industry. Talent is the price of admission–we're all talented. A little luck never hurts, but if you are determined enough, you can almost always reach a certain level of success.
What do you think are the biggest challenges that people in the music industry face today?
Whether you plan on teaching or producing music, you will have to keep up with the changes in technology. These changes happen fast and are challenging because they influence everything from how we communicate to the tools we use in our daily jobs.
What is the one book you think everyone should read?
Everyone should read the manual, especially before calling tech support.
Tell us something interesting about yourself that your students might not know about you.
I somehow convinced my wife to name our youngest son Mario after my favorite hockey player (Mario Lemieux).
