Kevin Carroll shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Kevin, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
When I tell people that I teach ukulele and perform as a solo act I get a pretty regular range of reactions including:
“Do you know any Tiny Tim songs? You look little bit like him.”
“What else do you teach?”
“Ukulele? Really? Is that a thing?”
“So you teach toddlers and kindergarten ages?”
People have all kinds of ideas they project upon me, and, often with a less than flattering tone. It can get a bit annoying and deflating to have one’s livelihood, passion and mission disparaged. I feel it is my job to educate and show others what this incredible 4-stringed instrument can do. As a performer, I relish the opportunity to take listeners on an instrumental journey that ranges from Americana finger-picking classics like Freight Train to a jazz ballad like The Nearness of You to a classic rock tune like Kashmir or Whipping Post. It’s fun to blow people’s minds.
As a teacher, I strive to open up the world of music. I teach theory, note reading, ensemble classes in jazz, blues and various styles, as well as leading a growing ensemble of players called the Austin Ukestra. We perform an eclectic mix of arrangements from Baroque to Pop, Blues to Celtic, Jazz to Funk, African and original pieces that I have composed. I conduct this group and there are 4 ukulele parts and a bass part for each song, it’s much like a chamber orchestra in approach.
The rigor, musicianship and wide range of musical possibilities is largely misunderstood by the uninitiated.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Kevin Carroll and I call myself an edUKEcator. I teach music and ukulele, or, uke for short, is my instrument of choice. I teach mostly adult learners from my home studio in North Central Austin as well as online. I offer beginner through advanced and have created all of my own teaching materials over the past 13 years. I’ve published 5 ukulele books, taught thousands of students locally and abroad and have even played ukulele on a Grammy-nominated blues album.
Music has been my passion since childhood and I converted from guitar to ukulele in earnest in 2012. I love teaching and performing equally. Helping students grow, learn and make music is a true thrill for me. I have taught students as young as 4 and as old as 92. I love composing and have turned into a compulsive music arranger. As far as I know, I am the only full-time dedicated ukulele teacher in Austin.
I have Elementary Ed. credentials and am a Level 3 Certified Ukulele Teacher in the James Hill Ukulele Initiative in Canada. Ukulele people are the best, btw! I get the honor of teaching and working with lifelong learners who are positive, grounded, creative and inspiring. I LOVE my job!
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
My mom was an incredibly dedicated and hard-working person. She instilled me with a very blue-collar work ethic and gave me a lot of responsibility at a younger age than my peers. I was earning money at age 11 and worked throughout high school. Being able to work hard is something for which I am very grateful. She also pushed me to stick with things and that has served me well. I believe some of my success in the music business is due to outlasting some of my more talented colleagues over the years.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
What a deep question! I usually shy away from giving too much personal history, but, I’m a sucker for authenticity.
On a physical level, breaking my hand led me toward playing music. Shoulder surgery inadvertently opened the door to ukulele. Music and ukulele helped heal these injuries.
I’ve never publicly talked about this, but, my father’s relationship with alcohol and his almost complete inability to accept responsibility in any form created some defining wounds for me. As an only child, I was tasked with compensating for a lot of his short comings in my family. I ended up having my own issues with alcohol and was fortunate to get sober at age 26. That likely saved my life as I was a voracious drinker in my teens and early 20’s. Getting sober also helped me to heal from the effects of his drinking. By taking responsibility myself I gained a strong sense of volition and independence.
The sudden death of my mother was another defining wound. She died from a brain aneurysm at age 68. Grief is such a long and sinuous path. The shock and the loss really shook me to my core. Time was the canvas on which my healing was painted. Luckily, we had a very strong and supportive relationship and I didn’t have any regrets about anything. I was lucky in that way.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What important truth do very few people agree with you on?
As a music teacher, I see a lot of my fellow educators spend more time on concepts and “interesting” aspects of music than actually playing music. Contrary to common belief, I don’t believe that students need to understand something before they play it. I believe that the music itself will only exist once they have played it. Playing it is job number one. Understanding comes later. I strongly believe that the fingers need to learn to make musical sounds so that the ears can recognize the patterns and our brains can process this as music. That is how I see learning take place. Most things in life work the other direction though. Music is a very unusual world and requires a different mindset, or, lack thereof.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I’d hope that people would know how much I care about making the best music that I could possibly make. I care deeply about music and about people. Knowing that this was felt by those I’ve come in contact with would be rewarding.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kevincarroll.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edukecator
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edukecator/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kevinccarroll
- Other: https://edukecation.com
Image Credits
Kelly West
