We have a lot of incredible people teaching for our programs, and while our students get to work with them every week, we know that our wider community might not know them!
Our featured teacher for December, Meghan Turner, has been teaching with us since the first season of Elemental Band. We are lucky to have such a highly sought after educator working with our students every week!
EM: When did you start teaching with Elemental Music?
MT: I have had the good fortune of being involved with Elemental Music since the inception of Elemental Band. I am the high brass coach, working with the trumpets and French horns of Elemental Band.
EM: How did you get started playing your instrument?
MT: My grandfather, Dad, and two cousins played the trumpet. I grew up with the sound, and thinking it was normal to put a piece of metal to your face and blow a raspberry, thus creating beautiful music.
EM: What inspired you to become a professional musician and teacher?
MT: I come from a family of musicians and teachers, everyone plays something. My grandfather, Dad, and Uncle were all music educators – they were my role models growing up. I always enjoyed band more than any of my other courses, and so that’s where my path led me. I enjoy the connection I have with my students and seeing (and helping) them progress and reach new goals. It’s very satisfying work.
EM: What is one of your favorite musical memories?
MT: My family, and a bunch of our musical friends, would get together and perform holiday music at the retirement home my grandparents were in. It was a special place. It had condos on most floors, except that the third floor was medical, so that elderly couples wouldn’t have to be separated due to illness. My grandmother had Alzheimer’s, and so she was one of the third floor residents. It was so wonderful to get together with family and friends to bring the joy of the holidays to that facility. We did it for many years, and I am grateful for all of those performances.
EM: If you could give our students one piece of advice, musical or otherwise, what would it be?
MT: Play music with your friends. Instead of playing video games together, get out your instruments and play. There are numerous books written for varying instrumentation, pick up a couple so that you have them on hand.
EM: Is there anything else that you’d like to add?
MT: I am very happy to be a part of the Elemental Music family. It is an amazing program that I am honored to be involved with.