Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeremy Coleman
Jeremy, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
After completing my undergraduate degree in classical guitar performance, I delved into the realm of music therapy, where I had the privilege of working with veterans and individuals with disabilities. This experience ignited my passion for creating accessible music resources, leading to a collaboration with Austin Classical Guitar to establish letplayguitar.org, an invaluable online platform for blind students to learn guitar. My journey has also seen me lecturing at universities, presenting at music education conferences, and witnessing my students’ stellar performances at prestigious venues. Presently, I am a dedicated full-time music teacher at a residential school for blind students, where I continue to nurture budding talents. Alongside my teaching role, I am proud to be recognized by the esteemed Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) and the Austin Songwriters Guild as an accomplished songwriter. The upcoming release of my new album in November 2024 marks another significant milestone in my enduring dedication to the art of songwriting, solidifying my standing as a respected figure within the songwriting community.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road to becoming a music educator has been challenging. A lot of education and certification are required to enter the class. But more importantly, people really learn to become teachers by teaching in the classroom. After 10 years, I only feel like I have the hang of it.
Music education is a transformative journey that nurtures individuals’ creativity, critical thinking, and emotional expression. Through music, students learn discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. It fosters a sense of community, cultural appreciation, and personal growth. Music education empowers individuals to communicate across boundaries and connect with their emotions and the world around them. It is a platform for self-discovery, confidence-building, and personal achievement.
Songwriting presents many challenges, from finding inspiration to crafting compelling melodies and lyrics. The process demands relentless dedication, as ideas often require extensive refinement to achieve their full potential. Overcoming self-doubt and navigating creative blocks are common hurdles in the songwriting journey.
Additionally, the industry’s competitive nature and the quest for originality can be daunting. Building a sustainable career as a songwriter also involves navigating the complexities of music publishing, copyright laws, and the industry’s business aspects. However, the joy of crafting a timeless song that resonates with audiences makes overcoming these challenges gratifying. It fuels the passion to persist in the pursuit of musical excellence.
What were you like growing up?
Back in the day, I started jamming on the guitar at 10, growing up in the 90s with a heavy dose of Seattle grunge and 90s country. I was a bit of a troublemaker, but nothing too serious. High school was all about sports, building stuff, and of course, music. Still had a lot of growing up to do, so I signed up with the Marine Corps after graduation. Oh, and I was the class clown, always cracking jokes and keeping things light. Those were the days!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://learnguitaraustin.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jmc.guitar
Image Credits
jeremy Coleman
