Student Spotlight - Elena B
What got you involved with music?
I took classical piano in elementary and middle school and although I despised those lessons, I still had a love for music. In middle school, my chorus teacher gave me a love of singing which over time evolved into a less “choral” sound. Over quarantine, I taught myself how to play guitar, which is definitely my preferred instrument, and began to write songs. I guess I have 5 years of classical piano to thank for my love of music and my ability to play other instruments.
How have your lessons with Sunburst impacted you as a musician?
One of the main ways that it has impacted me as a musician is that it gave me the opportunity to join a band, Bad Judgement. The ability to play with other musicians my age during quarantine was a necessity and be with musicians who not only wanted to play my songs with me but an instructor who wanted to help us increase our musicianship and stage presence.
Another way lessons have impacted me is my voice teacher, Casey. She is unbelievably helpful at understanding the direction I want to take and helping me reach that goal. She has always been very excited about my original music and has given me constructive criticisms that have shaped the way I write songs.
What experiences have shaped you as a musician?
The experience of playing with other people has changed my view on writing music and instrumentation. Writing with other people in my band is entirely different than just writing for myself. Having a new way to write songs shaped my opportunities for my music.
Another new experience that has impacted me is playing shows with other bands. Seeing how other people play and write gives you the opportunity to take what you like from them and add it to your own performance.
Any tips for new students?
Play with everyone you can. Your friend that can kinda sing? Play with them! It may not sound good but it is a fun way to practice and a good way to hang out with your friends. You can grow together as musicians and have fun at the same time and over time it will begin to sound good.
Anything else you'd like to say to the people?
Listen to what your instructors say. They have good stuff to tell you. If something they are saying makes no sense, ask them. They have a million ways to get to where you want to go.
Learn to speak up for yourself, especially when writing songs. Telling people respectfully that you don’t like their idea is important and will increase the productiveness of song creation and the quality of the songs being made.
