Note-worthy Experiences Music Studio
F E A T U R E
Interview with Fall Raye
F E A T U R E
Interview with Fall Raye
How old were you when you first started learning music? It depends on where you count as the beginning, because before I got my hands on the saxophone I was practicing lots of Guitar Hero around 10 years old. My more official start came at 12, when I joined band class in middle school. I started out on the Euphonium and Tuba before picking up saxophone a year later. Once I got to highschool, I quit the tuba and focused solely on sax/woodwinds and piano.
When did you first begin teaching music?
I believe I taught my first student when I was 16/17 years old. They were a great kid with lots of instruments in the house, a piano, drums, and saxophone.
What do you like most about teaching?
My favorite thing is seeing a student find excitement in learning music. Practicing was/is such an important part of my life since I was in high school, and it's incredibly rewarding to see younger students find that same passion. I also love teaching because it holds me accountable for knowing my stuff. I have to constantly improve and learn how to explain different concepts in different ways for different types of learners. It’s been so rewarding and my students are huge inspirations to me.
What is your favorite type of music?
I have always deeply loved jazz music because of how the music embodies freedom, social liberation, and unapologetic individuality. I also love folk music, classical music, salsa, pretty much anything because good music is good music.
If you could give a quick tip to students, what would it be?
Be creative in your practice and find ways to make the mundane exciting for you! Whether it's scales or long tones, you can practice them a million different ways to always be challenged and pushing yourself to be better. Personally I love to practice my scales in any intervals I can (3rds, 4ths, 5ths, 6ths, etc), backwards and forwards at the same time, in chord voicings, two scales a tritone apart at the same time, anything you can think of. And long tones can be incredibly meditative and healing, especially with a cello drone in the back to keep you in tune ;).
Do you have a favorite piece?
I’m going to give a couple of answers because I can’t just name one:
Blues by Walter Smith III on the album Live in Paris is one of my favorite recordings of all time because it feels like you are watching a movie when you listen to it. The incredible story-telling the musicians on that album achieve through improvisation blows my mind every time I hear it.
One of my favorite songs to play is Geri Allen’s Unconditional Love - this song is a gem written by one of the greatest musicians to ever live, and if you haven't heard Geri Allen play you need to hear her and learn her music! Also anything by vocalist Cecile McLorin Salvant will be the best thing you ever hear.
Learn more about our saxophone, flute, clarinet and piano teacher, Fall Raye, in their Teacher Page.
When did you first begin teaching music?
I believe I taught my first student when I was 16/17 years old. They were a great kid with lots of instruments in the house, a piano, drums, and saxophone.
What do you like most about teaching?
My favorite thing is seeing a student find excitement in learning music. Practicing was/is such an important part of my life since I was in high school, and it's incredibly rewarding to see younger students find that same passion. I also love teaching because it holds me accountable for knowing my stuff. I have to constantly improve and learn how to explain different concepts in different ways for different types of learners. It’s been so rewarding and my students are huge inspirations to me.
What is your favorite type of music?
I have always deeply loved jazz music because of how the music embodies freedom, social liberation, and unapologetic individuality. I also love folk music, classical music, salsa, pretty much anything because good music is good music.
If you could give a quick tip to students, what would it be?
Be creative in your practice and find ways to make the mundane exciting for you! Whether it's scales or long tones, you can practice them a million different ways to always be challenged and pushing yourself to be better. Personally I love to practice my scales in any intervals I can (3rds, 4ths, 5ths, 6ths, etc), backwards and forwards at the same time, in chord voicings, two scales a tritone apart at the same time, anything you can think of. And long tones can be incredibly meditative and healing, especially with a cello drone in the back to keep you in tune ;).
Do you have a favorite piece?
I’m going to give a couple of answers because I can’t just name one:
Blues by Walter Smith III on the album Live in Paris is one of my favorite recordings of all time because it feels like you are watching a movie when you listen to it. The incredible story-telling the musicians on that album achieve through improvisation blows my mind every time I hear it.
One of my favorite songs to play is Geri Allen’s Unconditional Love - this song is a gem written by one of the greatest musicians to ever live, and if you haven't heard Geri Allen play you need to hear her and learn her music! Also anything by vocalist Cecile McLorin Salvant will be the best thing you ever hear.
Learn more about our saxophone, flute, clarinet and piano teacher, Fall Raye, in their Teacher Page.
