Is Jay Hutson the Right Music Teacher for You?
Get to know Jay better with this in-depth, informative interview.
Q: Hi Jay! Can you start by telling me for how long have you been
playing and teaching saxophone, clarinet and flute?
A: I have been playing for 50 years. I began formal compositon and conducting in college. I started arranging at 16.
Q: For any student looking to find a music instructor, what do you feel
you bring to the table that distinguishes you from other woodwind and reed instrument teachers?
A: I have a performance degree, and attended graduate school. I have studied with 25 famous private teachers. I have a 45 year professional career. I offer specialized classes with insight others don't have.
Q: Tell us the 3 main reasons you hear students stating for wanting to
take piano lessons.
A:
1. They have heard the instrument on a recording, or seen it played at a performance.
2. Their friends or siblings play them.
3. Their parents recommend they play an instrument.
Q: What are the most common challenges you've observed beginners facing
in learning to play a woodwind or reed instrument?
A: Beginners don't understand that music is not magical, but rather a study just as all other subjects. Discipline and responsibility are more important than talent.
Q: What is your approach to helping students overcome these challenges?
How can you help them?
A: Each student is analyzed to determine their personal needs. Each is given specific teaching gained from all the 25 private teachers I have studied with.
Q: How much time should a beginning student be ready to devote to
practicing on a weekly basis, if they want to make good progress?
A: Beginners- 15 minutes per day
Intermediates- 30-45 minutes per day, 5 days a week
Advanced- an hour plus, or how good do you want to be, per day
Q: What is your favorite thing about teaching flute, saxophone or clarinet to adults?
A: Adults have already learned discipline through their life experience.
Q: What is your favorite thing about teaching piano to children?
A: I love to see the feeling of satifaction, the beauty of discovery of my young students.
Q: For parents, how long, on average, should they expect their child to
need to take music lessons before they can play their first simple tune?
A: ALL DEVELOPMENT is individual. Some students are able to play a song immediately because of study
habits and/or ambition. Practice and talent are the main factors that answer the amount of time question.
Q: How will intermediate or advanced students benefit from coming to you
for further instruction? How can you improve their musical abilities and
satisfaction in playing the music they love?
A: Mainly, my professional experience and the fact that I still perform
keeps me constantly preparing and practicing myself. Also I studied
extensively with 25 famous teachers, have a performance degree and
further went to graduate school. I have played for countless professionals,
accompanied on stage and recording studies, for the last 40 plus years.
I also count as friends many famous professionals and teacher/professors.
Studying does not end with the music but personal and anecdotal sharing.
Q: What local opportunities are there for your students to play their
instruments in a performance setting?
A: I have periodic recitals. There are community orchestras and concert bands for qualified players. School and community people want to start ensembles.
Q: To take our last question a step further, are there any local musical
venues where you have performed, or any local orchestras/groups with whom you
have played?
A: I am a professional. I play all summer long in the Marina Symphony; I have played for Ray Charles, The Temptations, Aretha Franklin: Church On The Way, and other TBN venues; played the Kodak, Universal, Long Beach Civic, Pasedena Civic, etc; I have played on TV and national commercials and albums and concerts; I solo regualrly at several churches.
Q: Tell us about some of the things your student have gone on to do that have
made you proud.
A: Several students have gone on to college and even were tutored to getting scholarships. Other students have gotten positions on local concert bands and on party bands.
Q: When do you know that you've succeeded with a student?
A: The feeling that the students SHOW when their own accomplishments meet their expectations.
Q: When did your interest in music begin?
A: As a youth, I was a Cub Scout and saw the Boy Scout Band at the Boy Scout Circus in St Louis.
As I got older I made the Boy Scout Band, the High School Jazz Band, and at 15 started playing in local St Louis night clubs.
Q: Please tell us about your formal music education and credentials.
A: I have a Bachelor Of Arts in Music performance from Webster University, St Louis.
I attended S.Illinois University graduate school for ensembles and composition.
I have been a member of the Professional Musicians Union since I was 15.
Q: What is the style of music you love playing best, on your own time?
A: I have studied and played ( professionally ) virtually all styles:
Classical, Pop, Jazz, Rhythm and Blues, Blues, Latin, etc.
Q: Please share the highlights of your performance/working experience.
A:
I Played a solo with Ray Charles at the Hollywood Bowl.
I recorded with the Pointer Sisters, Puff Daddy, Commercials, etc.
I was musical director for the 30th Anniversary of Rock and Roll.
I toured with Joe Harnell in Cole Porters 100th Birthday.
I played on American Song Writers PBS special.
I played the Golden Eagle Awards many times.
For 8 years, I have done the Marina Symphony Summer Series.
Q: I understand you've written tutorials and done recordings, Jay. Can you tell me about this?
A: I have written and recorded professional level a Flute and a Saxophone Rhapsodies. Written and recorded two woodwind quintets. I have a series of three arrangements for brass quartet on Christian hymns. I have 17 woodwind quartet arrangements of famous Classical pieces. I am currently writing a performance text, all have been in negotiation for publishing.
Q: How has music enriched your life?
A: I have toured in virtually every state, and overseas. I have had the honor of meeting and playing for numerous performers and celebrities from politicians like the president of Taiwan to Ray Bradbury. Not to mention hundreds of famous musical performers. I have had a life where I met and exchanged ideas with wonderful and vital artists of all kinds.
Q: What do you want students to get out of getting to work with you?
A: Greater understanding that music increases every level of human life. Boosting concentration, and aiding in confronting and solving problems. Putting one in touch with the spiritual aspects of art. Being able to perform in front of groups and crowds.
Q: Can you share a free tip that prospective students can benefit from
right now?
A: Practice, research, analyze, and study. Have fun and get satisfaction from learning, accomplishing and interacting with others.
Q: Anything else you'd like to say, Jay?
A: Come in and learn to enjoy the art of music!
Contact Jay Hutson To Set Up Your First Piano Lesson:
Call (626) 282-7605 or email dawolvezz@yahoo.com
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