Note-worthy Experiences Music Studio
F E A T U R E
Interview with CJ Waldrop
F E A T U R E
Interview with CJ Waldrop
When did you begin studying music?
I began studying music when I was about 5 years old when I sang in my Lutheran church's children's choir. I remember feeling surrounded by the sound of the pipe organ in the choir loft during hymns and exciting postludes. I started piano lessons with the organist, and I played piano on and off until I picked up the trumpet in middle school band. I also grew up acting, singing, and dancing in local musical theater productions. High school marching band and wind ensemble got me hooked on performing on my trumpet, so I eventually convinced my parents that going off to study trumpet and voice at college was the right plan for me. I am so lucky and grateful that I had the support of my family all through my musical beginnings!
Who are your favorite composers or musicians?
My favorite orchestra composers are Ottorno Respighi, Dimitri Shostakovich, and Johannes Brahms.
My favorite film music composers are Thomas Newman, Michael Giacchino, and John Powell
My favorite popular musicians are Jacob Collier, Billy Joel, and T-Pain.
What are your favorite albums?
Magical Memories for Trumpet and Organ by Tine Ting Helseth and Kåre Nordstoga
On Track: 9 Grand Solos de Concert
On Top of the Covers by T-Pain
Folie à deux by Fall Out Boy
Do you play any other instruments?
My first instrument was piano, and I also grew up performing on stage in my local musical theater troupe. I arranged for and led an amateur a-cappella club called the Bell Tower Boys while studying at Furman University!
When you’re not teaching or performing, what do you like to do?
I love getting out in nature. I'm from South Carolina, so I do miss being in the mountains. However, fall in New England is hard to beat. In the past few years, I've gotten into cooking. My favorite recipe is chicken chili, with chicken quesadillas in a close second.
What do you hope students learn out of music?
I hope that all students can discover something through music that makes them excited. I became a musician because I heard music that I liked, and my curiosity led me to need to know how that music was made. Now, my favorite moments as a performer are those when my audience asks me "how did you do that?!" For my students, building skills on an instrument leads to opportunities for excitement.
Learn more about our Trumpet teacher Chandler Waldrop in his Teacher Page.
I began studying music when I was about 5 years old when I sang in my Lutheran church's children's choir. I remember feeling surrounded by the sound of the pipe organ in the choir loft during hymns and exciting postludes. I started piano lessons with the organist, and I played piano on and off until I picked up the trumpet in middle school band. I also grew up acting, singing, and dancing in local musical theater productions. High school marching band and wind ensemble got me hooked on performing on my trumpet, so I eventually convinced my parents that going off to study trumpet and voice at college was the right plan for me. I am so lucky and grateful that I had the support of my family all through my musical beginnings!
Who are your favorite composers or musicians?
My favorite orchestra composers are Ottorno Respighi, Dimitri Shostakovich, and Johannes Brahms.
My favorite film music composers are Thomas Newman, Michael Giacchino, and John Powell
My favorite popular musicians are Jacob Collier, Billy Joel, and T-Pain.
What are your favorite albums?
Magical Memories for Trumpet and Organ by Tine Ting Helseth and Kåre Nordstoga
On Track: 9 Grand Solos de Concert
On Top of the Covers by T-Pain
Folie à deux by Fall Out Boy
Do you play any other instruments?
My first instrument was piano, and I also grew up performing on stage in my local musical theater troupe. I arranged for and led an amateur a-cappella club called the Bell Tower Boys while studying at Furman University!
When you’re not teaching or performing, what do you like to do?
I love getting out in nature. I'm from South Carolina, so I do miss being in the mountains. However, fall in New England is hard to beat. In the past few years, I've gotten into cooking. My favorite recipe is chicken chili, with chicken quesadillas in a close second.
What do you hope students learn out of music?
I hope that all students can discover something through music that makes them excited. I became a musician because I heard music that I liked, and my curiosity led me to need to know how that music was made. Now, my favorite moments as a performer are those when my audience asks me "how did you do that?!" For my students, building skills on an instrument leads to opportunities for excitement.
Learn more about our Trumpet teacher Chandler Waldrop in his Teacher Page.
