Every month, we like to spotlight one of our incredible Elemental Music teachers. Some of them have been teaching with us for close to a decade while others might be in their first year of working for our organization, but there is one thing that all of our teachers have in common: their dedication to the young musicians in our programs.
This month, we are featuring Ryan Rowles, a talented trumpet teacher and music educator at Elemental Music. This is Ryan’s first season with us and he is passionate about inspiring students through both music education and performance. With experience performing alongside jazz legends like Buddy Collette and Pete Christlieb, Ryan also serves as the band director at multiple schools in the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District. We’re thrilled to have him as part of our community and look forward to the positive impact he will continue to make on our students’ musical journeys!
Elemental Music: How long have you been teaching for Elemental Music? Can you tell us a little bit about your history with the organization?
Ryan Rowles: This is my first year working with Elemental Music. I have known about Elemental Music since 2012. During my time in another music non profit, I had interacted with Josephine through the LA County Arts Ed Collective. Additionally, I have been collaborating with other staff members and colleagues from SMMUSD since 2018. Finally, I had an opportunity to lead an 8 week brass class for 4th graders back in 2019.
EM: How did you get started in music?
RR: My dad is also a trumpet player. When I was 7, I would listen to him practice and would ask to know how to play. He started teaching me and I joined the school band in 3rd grade.
EM: What is one of your favorite musical memories?
RR: When I was 15 years old, I had the opportunity to meet one of my musical heroes, Wynton Marsalis, after a concert he had given. He took about 30 minutes to listen to me play and give me some amazing feedback. Getting a lesson with the legendary Wynton Marsalis was absolutely life changing.
EM: What inspired you to teach in addition to performing?
RR: Around my junior year of college, I kind of "discovered" that I really found joy in teaching and conducting. It was not one specific thing but just more of an evolution. I have not turned back since and have been teaching for over 25 years.
EM: How do you see the role of music education in shaping the lives of students?
RR: Music is more than just making beautiful sounds. Music builds life skills such as focus, perseverance, team work, and problem solving. Music also teaches a person how to handle struggle, disappointment, and discouragement....all things that are a part of life. But it also brings a person joy, peace. Music is good for intellectual stimulation and mental health. And another significant benefit....lifelong friendship and community.
EM: You have a range of experiences in music education, working as a public school music teacher as well as having many years of experience in community music organizations. What do you see as the role of a community music organization like Elemental Music in a community like SMMUSD?
RR: This is a great question. Community music organizations are strategically positioned to increase access and to close instructional and achievement gaps. Not everyone has the means for expensive private lessons. However, when a student is exceptionally motivated in music, the public school system, serving so many students in SMMUSD, more often than not can not provide that extra focused attention and instruction on those extra motivated students. An organization like Elemental Music then can fill that gap with their programming as well as access to additional resources of grants, professional teaching artists, and robust performing opportunities.
EM: If you could give our students one piece of advice, musical or otherwise, what would it be?
RR: Music is an absolute gift. Don't take it for granted. So many kids never even get a chance to make music. Honor this gift by taking it seriously. Practice. Focus during rehearsals. Sounding good and playing with other dedicated musicians is the most satisfying experience. There is nothing like it. Along the way, fellow musicians will become your best friends. Enjoy the journey!!!