Note-worthy Experiences Music Studio
F E A T U R E
Interview with Cassie MacDonald
F E A T U R E
Interview with Cassie MacDonald
How old were you when you first played the trumpet and why did you choose it?
I was in sixth grade when I started playing trumpet, and I LOVED it. I chose it for two reasons: I was inspired by my uncle who played, and it only had three buttons. I had a phobia of the many-buttoned woodwinds...
Did you (or do you) play any other instruments?
I begged my mom to let me start piano lessons in fifth grade, and that lasted an entire three weeks. I’ve tried guitar, and after those experiences, I had pretty much decided that I should play instruments with only one note at a time. I do play the other brass instruments pretty well (euphonium, trombone, French Horn, and tuba), and I can play flute, clarinet, and saxophone enough to model for my middle school students.
What is your favorite genre of music to play? To sing? To listen to?
I am trained classically, and I love playing classical music. I also really enjoy playing for musicals! Jazz is not my forte, but I always have a blast listening to live jazz—there’s something magical and alive about jazz music in person. When I’m in the car, country music is my go-to jam. If I’m preparing for an audition, I may listen to a few versions of different pieces I’m preparing.
When you’re not performing or teaching, what do you like to do?
I love to bake and cook! If I can find time between teaching, practicing, and life, I love to bake bread, inspired by the Great British Baking show. I also have two cats who love to play, cuddle, and eat.
Who were some of your most inspiring teachers?
SSG Kevin Maloney was my teacher for five years at Grand Valley State University. He was fresh out of graduate school when he came to GVSU, and it was incredibly inspiring to watch him grow as a teacher and as a player during his time with us. I look back on those years sometimes and his hard work to remind myself that no matter how busy I get, I can always find the time and determination to work toward my dream of being a full-time professional trumpet player.
What do you like most about teaching young musicians?
When it comes to young students, I love seeing the awe of their own learning. When I can introduce a student to a concept or a skill that they didn’t know they could do, the shock and excitement on their faces is amazing! I think that must be my favorite part of teaching - those moments of discovery.
What is your best advice to students who want to learn a new instrument or improve their playing?
The first couple years of learning a new instrument should be all about discovering the joy of playing. It should be fun! The more you practice, the better you will sound; the better you sound, the more fun you have! And the more fun you have, the more you want to practice! I tell my beginner band students (usually 5th/6th grade; I realize piano and strings often begin much earlier, so age is a little different for my band beginners) that they really only need 15-30 minutes per day. A little bit of practice every day will be far more valuable to you than an hour or two the day before a lesson or concert.
Learn more about Cassie on her Teacher Page.
I was in sixth grade when I started playing trumpet, and I LOVED it. I chose it for two reasons: I was inspired by my uncle who played, and it only had three buttons. I had a phobia of the many-buttoned woodwinds...
Did you (or do you) play any other instruments?
I begged my mom to let me start piano lessons in fifth grade, and that lasted an entire three weeks. I’ve tried guitar, and after those experiences, I had pretty much decided that I should play instruments with only one note at a time. I do play the other brass instruments pretty well (euphonium, trombone, French Horn, and tuba), and I can play flute, clarinet, and saxophone enough to model for my middle school students.
What is your favorite genre of music to play? To sing? To listen to?
I am trained classically, and I love playing classical music. I also really enjoy playing for musicals! Jazz is not my forte, but I always have a blast listening to live jazz—there’s something magical and alive about jazz music in person. When I’m in the car, country music is my go-to jam. If I’m preparing for an audition, I may listen to a few versions of different pieces I’m preparing.
When you’re not performing or teaching, what do you like to do?
I love to bake and cook! If I can find time between teaching, practicing, and life, I love to bake bread, inspired by the Great British Baking show. I also have two cats who love to play, cuddle, and eat.
Who were some of your most inspiring teachers?
SSG Kevin Maloney was my teacher for five years at Grand Valley State University. He was fresh out of graduate school when he came to GVSU, and it was incredibly inspiring to watch him grow as a teacher and as a player during his time with us. I look back on those years sometimes and his hard work to remind myself that no matter how busy I get, I can always find the time and determination to work toward my dream of being a full-time professional trumpet player.
What do you like most about teaching young musicians?
When it comes to young students, I love seeing the awe of their own learning. When I can introduce a student to a concept or a skill that they didn’t know they could do, the shock and excitement on their faces is amazing! I think that must be my favorite part of teaching - those moments of discovery.
What is your best advice to students who want to learn a new instrument or improve their playing?
The first couple years of learning a new instrument should be all about discovering the joy of playing. It should be fun! The more you practice, the better you will sound; the better you sound, the more fun you have! And the more fun you have, the more you want to practice! I tell my beginner band students (usually 5th/6th grade; I realize piano and strings often begin much earlier, so age is a little different for my band beginners) that they really only need 15-30 minutes per day. A little bit of practice every day will be far more valuable to you than an hour or two the day before a lesson or concert.
Learn more about Cassie on her Teacher Page.