Note-worthy Experiences Music Studio
F E A T U R E
Interview with Anthony Balester
F E A T U R E
Interview with Anthony Balester
Was the saxophone your first instrument? If not, how did you pick it?
It was. When I was in elementary school, the junior high school band would travel to all the different elementary schools in the spring to get kids excited about starting an instrument in the fall. I was born in the 1980s, which was the tail end of rock and roll saxophone solos. The saxophone was the only band instrument you heard on the radio, in the music of James Taylor, Bruce Springsteen, and Bob Seger, so it was an easy decision.
What do you like about the saxophone?
Composer Percy Grainger famously described the saxophone as being the closest instrument to the human voice. That, in and of itself, would be a great reason, but I like it just because it is so diverse. It was invented to mimic the sound of string instruments in outdoor bands. It’s made of brass, yet it is a woodwind instrument. It’s one of the only instruments that you can find in a rock band, jazz band, concert band, and even an orchestra.
What do you like about teaching young musicians?
You really have a chance to shape them from the ground up. It’s like being given a blank canvas. I especially enjoy being able to play for them and with them.
What is your favorite type of music to play?
That’s really a tough one, but I’d have to say rock and roll. Part of the reason is that it’s the first music I really knew and experienced in my youth. The other reason is the way the audience expresses themself, whether it’s at a wedding or a rock concert, it is just so transparent. I love playing classical music and jazz, but etiquette dictates that the audience is much more subdued.
When you aren’t teaching, what are your hobbies?
I have two small children who keep me busy. I also like to cook, exercise (particularly running or skiing when it’s too cold to run), play video games, and my wife and I like to travel (I’ve been to over 20 countries and at last count, I've visited 47 states). Of course, being a musician, I also love to attend concerts.
What is your best advice to students who want to learn a new instrument or improve?
Confucius said, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” I still have goals for ways I want to improve and pieces I want to learn and perform. I’ve achieved many such goals since I began a career as a professional musician over 20 years ago. If the desire to play and improve is there, everything else can be taught and learned.
Learn more about Anthony on his Teacher Page.
It was. When I was in elementary school, the junior high school band would travel to all the different elementary schools in the spring to get kids excited about starting an instrument in the fall. I was born in the 1980s, which was the tail end of rock and roll saxophone solos. The saxophone was the only band instrument you heard on the radio, in the music of James Taylor, Bruce Springsteen, and Bob Seger, so it was an easy decision.
What do you like about the saxophone?
Composer Percy Grainger famously described the saxophone as being the closest instrument to the human voice. That, in and of itself, would be a great reason, but I like it just because it is so diverse. It was invented to mimic the sound of string instruments in outdoor bands. It’s made of brass, yet it is a woodwind instrument. It’s one of the only instruments that you can find in a rock band, jazz band, concert band, and even an orchestra.
What do you like about teaching young musicians?
You really have a chance to shape them from the ground up. It’s like being given a blank canvas. I especially enjoy being able to play for them and with them.
What is your favorite type of music to play?
That’s really a tough one, but I’d have to say rock and roll. Part of the reason is that it’s the first music I really knew and experienced in my youth. The other reason is the way the audience expresses themself, whether it’s at a wedding or a rock concert, it is just so transparent. I love playing classical music and jazz, but etiquette dictates that the audience is much more subdued.
When you aren’t teaching, what are your hobbies?
I have two small children who keep me busy. I also like to cook, exercise (particularly running or skiing when it’s too cold to run), play video games, and my wife and I like to travel (I’ve been to over 20 countries and at last count, I've visited 47 states). Of course, being a musician, I also love to attend concerts.
What is your best advice to students who want to learn a new instrument or improve?
Confucius said, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” I still have goals for ways I want to improve and pieces I want to learn and perform. I’ve achieved many such goals since I began a career as a professional musician over 20 years ago. If the desire to play and improve is there, everything else can be taught and learned.
Learn more about Anthony on his Teacher Page.