Note-worthy Experiences Music Studio
F E A T U R E
Interview with Anna Mayo
F E A T U R E
Interview with Anna Mayo
How old were you when you first learned to play an instrument?
I started playing the piano and singing before I could fully talk, or rather, I would bang on the piano while my brother played chords and sang to me. I remember listening to him practice Canon in D so much that I just sat down and figured it out by ear one day around the age 6 or 7. My mom put me in piano lessons when I was 8 and voice lessons when I was 12.
What is your favorite type of music?
I had different favorites throughout different parts of my life. When I was a preteen/teenager, I was big into emo and nu-metal. In my later teens, I loved hip hop, soul, pop, theatre, and choir music - really anything I could sing and dance to. In my 20’s, while I studied classical music, I was really into indie, folk and bluegrass, probably because I lived in Nashville at the time. Now, in my 30’s, I listen to all these genres, have added jazz, lofi and EDM to the mix and am currently obsessed with the new Tori Kelly album.
What is your greatest accomplishment as a teacher?
One of my students made it to Hollywood on American Idol!
What do you do to get out of a practice funk?
If I’m in a practice funk, I either slow down, or stop practicing. It is very rare that I’m able to make any sort of effective change or progress if I just “power through.” If I have a big performance coming up though, and feel like I have to power through, I’ll coach myself as I would a younger performer who’s having an off day - with patience, compassion, humor and setting smaller goals to celebrate later.
What do you do outside of performing and teaching?
Outside performing and teaching, I produce films and commercials. On a day to day level, I meditate, journal, workout and spend time in nature. When I have an extended weekend, I’ll explore a town I’ve never been to, check out a museum, historic site, concert or immersive art experience. In the rare event that I have several weeks off, I’ll volunteer to work on a farm nearby.
How often did you practice when you were a kid and how have your practices changed since you became a professional?
When I started on piano, I practiced 30 minutes every day, but when I started voice lessons, you couldn’t get me to shut up - I’d practice 3-4 hours a day! In undergrad, I had a vocal injury, and was limited to 1 hour of practice per day before my voice gave out. During my masters, I sang throughout the day in various classes and lessons, but would also practice on my own for about an hour a day. Now, since I’ve diversified my career so much, and tend to stay in musical shape through teaching, I only practice 2 or 3 times a week for about 1-2 hours.
What do you like most about teaching young musicians?
I love seeing the personal transformation that comes from music lessons. Seeing them grow more confident and empowered in themselves, more self aware and more constructive in their thinking.
How are you building a successful career as a working artist?
With consistent, persistent effort, adaptability, courage, patience, a strong support system, smart investments and calculated risks. I can’t stress enough how important it has been for me to stay on top of my mental health and create a full life outside of my career, too. This career is not for the faint of heart, and it’s hard not to tie your value into it, so having hobbies/interests, a therapist, a peaceful, happy, loving home life and friendships has been integral to my continued success.
What is your goal for your students?
My goal for my students is for them to feel empowered in their self expression outside of music, as well as through music, and to know that their thoughts, their opinions, how they carry themselves, and their voices matter.
When did you first realize you loved music?
My mom said she found an old journal entry written by my late grandmother. It was the only entry in the entire journal, dated 9 month after I was born. It said, “I met my granddaughter, Anna today. She listens very acutely to music.” I think that says it all.
Learn more about our Voice and Piano teacher Anna Mayo in her Teacher Page.
I started playing the piano and singing before I could fully talk, or rather, I would bang on the piano while my brother played chords and sang to me. I remember listening to him practice Canon in D so much that I just sat down and figured it out by ear one day around the age 6 or 7. My mom put me in piano lessons when I was 8 and voice lessons when I was 12.
What is your favorite type of music?
I had different favorites throughout different parts of my life. When I was a preteen/teenager, I was big into emo and nu-metal. In my later teens, I loved hip hop, soul, pop, theatre, and choir music - really anything I could sing and dance to. In my 20’s, while I studied classical music, I was really into indie, folk and bluegrass, probably because I lived in Nashville at the time. Now, in my 30’s, I listen to all these genres, have added jazz, lofi and EDM to the mix and am currently obsessed with the new Tori Kelly album.
What is your greatest accomplishment as a teacher?
One of my students made it to Hollywood on American Idol!
What do you do to get out of a practice funk?
If I’m in a practice funk, I either slow down, or stop practicing. It is very rare that I’m able to make any sort of effective change or progress if I just “power through.” If I have a big performance coming up though, and feel like I have to power through, I’ll coach myself as I would a younger performer who’s having an off day - with patience, compassion, humor and setting smaller goals to celebrate later.
What do you do outside of performing and teaching?
Outside performing and teaching, I produce films and commercials. On a day to day level, I meditate, journal, workout and spend time in nature. When I have an extended weekend, I’ll explore a town I’ve never been to, check out a museum, historic site, concert or immersive art experience. In the rare event that I have several weeks off, I’ll volunteer to work on a farm nearby.
How often did you practice when you were a kid and how have your practices changed since you became a professional?
When I started on piano, I practiced 30 minutes every day, but when I started voice lessons, you couldn’t get me to shut up - I’d practice 3-4 hours a day! In undergrad, I had a vocal injury, and was limited to 1 hour of practice per day before my voice gave out. During my masters, I sang throughout the day in various classes and lessons, but would also practice on my own for about an hour a day. Now, since I’ve diversified my career so much, and tend to stay in musical shape through teaching, I only practice 2 or 3 times a week for about 1-2 hours.
What do you like most about teaching young musicians?
I love seeing the personal transformation that comes from music lessons. Seeing them grow more confident and empowered in themselves, more self aware and more constructive in their thinking.
How are you building a successful career as a working artist?
With consistent, persistent effort, adaptability, courage, patience, a strong support system, smart investments and calculated risks. I can’t stress enough how important it has been for me to stay on top of my mental health and create a full life outside of my career, too. This career is not for the faint of heart, and it’s hard not to tie your value into it, so having hobbies/interests, a therapist, a peaceful, happy, loving home life and friendships has been integral to my continued success.
What is your goal for your students?
My goal for my students is for them to feel empowered in their self expression outside of music, as well as through music, and to know that their thoughts, their opinions, how they carry themselves, and their voices matter.
When did you first realize you loved music?
My mom said she found an old journal entry written by my late grandmother. It was the only entry in the entire journal, dated 9 month after I was born. It said, “I met my granddaughter, Anna today. She listens very acutely to music.” I think that says it all.
Learn more about our Voice and Piano teacher Anna Mayo in her Teacher Page.