Note-worthy Experiences Music Studio
F E A T U R E
Interview with Patrick Valentino
Photo Credit: Sam Brewer
How did you first get interested in music?
I grew up in a very musical family; my parents sang in the church choir and family gatherings always involved music. My mom also played piano and my dad played trumpet, so I had particular exposure to those instruments as a child. Every car trip had the radio playing on a variety of stations, and early on I was particularly taken by the music in TV and movies. In highschool, I became fascinated by composing, and this led me to learn as many instruments as I could get my hands on! Later on in college, while studying composition and conducting, this multi-instrument study continued - I learned woodwinds and other brass instruments, and once I started directing church music, organ was added to the mix.
What about singing?
I came to a serious study of singing later, but it is so important for any musician, regardless of what they play. Developing your ear is essential to developing as a musician, and there is nothing better for this than singing. Plus, there's not heavy instrument case to lug around!
What do you like about teaching young musicians?
I love sharing music with anyone, and I love to see how students develop, not just in music but as individuals. Their questions remind me how people connect with music, and when they learn something new or make a new connection, it's an awesome feeling.
What is your favorite type of music to play?
I like to play all types of music, and to improvise. Improvisation is an essential and often overlooked aspect of music making - either because people think it's only for jazz, or that it's just intimidating, but it's so freeing and really helps you be creative. I encourage all students to spend a little time improvising each day.
When you aren’t teaching, what are your hobbies?
Musically, I conduct a number of ensembles and choirs, and spend a decent amount of my free iem composing. Besides music, I am a big movie fan, I like to read (like real books with pages and stuff), cook, ride my bike and go for walks in the woods.
What is your best advice to students who want to learn a new instrument or improve?
Everything happens step by step. Set little goals and celebrate when you achieve them. Nothing great was ever accomplished in a day, but a small amount of practice, if done consistently, will become part of your life and the results will be amazing. If you stick with it you can do great things.
Read more about Patrick on his Teacher Page.
I grew up in a very musical family; my parents sang in the church choir and family gatherings always involved music. My mom also played piano and my dad played trumpet, so I had particular exposure to those instruments as a child. Every car trip had the radio playing on a variety of stations, and early on I was particularly taken by the music in TV and movies. In highschool, I became fascinated by composing, and this led me to learn as many instruments as I could get my hands on! Later on in college, while studying composition and conducting, this multi-instrument study continued - I learned woodwinds and other brass instruments, and once I started directing church music, organ was added to the mix.
What about singing?
I came to a serious study of singing later, but it is so important for any musician, regardless of what they play. Developing your ear is essential to developing as a musician, and there is nothing better for this than singing. Plus, there's not heavy instrument case to lug around!
What do you like about teaching young musicians?
I love sharing music with anyone, and I love to see how students develop, not just in music but as individuals. Their questions remind me how people connect with music, and when they learn something new or make a new connection, it's an awesome feeling.
What is your favorite type of music to play?
I like to play all types of music, and to improvise. Improvisation is an essential and often overlooked aspect of music making - either because people think it's only for jazz, or that it's just intimidating, but it's so freeing and really helps you be creative. I encourage all students to spend a little time improvising each day.
When you aren’t teaching, what are your hobbies?
Musically, I conduct a number of ensembles and choirs, and spend a decent amount of my free iem composing. Besides music, I am a big movie fan, I like to read (like real books with pages and stuff), cook, ride my bike and go for walks in the woods.
What is your best advice to students who want to learn a new instrument or improve?
Everything happens step by step. Set little goals and celebrate when you achieve them. Nothing great was ever accomplished in a day, but a small amount of practice, if done consistently, will become part of your life and the results will be amazing. If you stick with it you can do great things.
Read more about Patrick on his Teacher Page.
