This month’s student spotlight is….drum roll please…..our AMAZING drum student Judy Douglas!

It was very cool to learn about her journey with music and what eventually brought her to Sunburst. We encourage you to read and learn more about her journey below. Thank you Judy! 🥁

How did you first get involved with music? What is your favorite genre to play? 

I took some piano lessons when I was in elementary school in Canada, and can play a little guitar too. I called Sunburst when I moved to Pittsburgh because I really wanted to learn how to play drums. What drummer doesn’t like funk/Motown? But I also like alternative pop and 80’s British pop is my ultimate jam. Janet Weiss from Sleater Kinney has some great original beats. 

What instruments do you play? 

I’m the keeper of the beat (play drums). I can play a wee bit of guitar and piano too. What I lack in drum fill chops, I make up with stage enthusiasm! ;-) I like to call myself the “rhythm drum section” and hang out in the pocket (hehe).

How long have you been with Sunburst and who is your teacher? 

I started taking drum lessons at Sunburst in 2018, and then started in the adult band program roughly a year later in 2019 (adult cover band is Sunburnt). 

Kevin Lynch is my drum teacher, and Tanner is our current band instructor. Chloe was our original band instructor for the first two years, and had a big impact on us as we were first learning to play in a band. 

What songs are you working on right now? 

I’m having fun transcribing  “Ain’t no Mountain High Enough”, and with help from Kevin, learning some weird time signature songs of Madison Cunningham. (Anywhere, All I’ve ever known). I saw her 2x recently on tour, in Pittsburgh and in Knoxville, TN. She and her traveling drummer, Kyle Crane, are amazing. 

How has your Sunburst instructor impacted you? 

My drum teacher Kevin is super upbeat and positive. He allows me freedom to bring songs I hear on the radio I’d like to play, while teaching me basic theory, and rudiments. Over the pandemic, he taught me how to edit audio and videos, which was helpful for recitals and kept me connected to my band. Distilling songs to something his students can play is his super power. He’s a fantastic illustrator and has an excellent ear. Tanner is a fantastic drummer and an enthusiastic supporter of Sunburnt. 

What is your favorite part of being a Sunburst student? 

I like the positive environment of recitals, and supportive staff. Sunburst has done an excellent job helping our band “Sunburnt '' to start playing gigs in the Pittsburgh area. It’s fun to see other students and bands play at recitals too, to see their improvement and confidence grow. 

How do you feel about performing? 

I love performing! It’s fun to rise to the occasion and bring some energy and heat to a performance! 

Do you have any tips for new students? 

“Dare to suck!” i.e. Drop the perfectionism and procrastination and join the band program! It’s an excellent way to play with others! Having a recital or gig goes a long way to keep me motivated to practice!

Anything else you’d like to say to the Sunburst people? 

I can’t think of a better community to learn and play a new instrument. I’d still like to challenge myself to try and write an original song.