Today we’d like to introduce you to Taylor Kroff.
Hi Taylor, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in California. I started piano lessons at age 7, focusing primarily on classical music. I played through my teenage years, during which time my passion for music and the piano grew, and I started practicing 3-4 hours every day. In addition to Classical Music, I began learning to play Blues and Rock’n’Roll as well, jamming with my friends whenever I could.
After graduating from high school and serving a two-year mission in Sweden for my Church, I moved to Utah and began my studies at BYU. Two years into my college education, I received guidance from on-high that I was to study Music, and thereafter pursue a career as a musician. So I auditioned for the School of Music, was accepted, and then spent the next three years earning my Bachelor’s Degree in Commercial Music, with an emphasis in film score composition and jazz studies.
After I graduated with my bachelor’s in 2015, my wife and I moved with our 2-month-old son to San Antonio, Texas, where I took a job teaching at the San Antonio Music Academy, while on the side building up my career as a composer, producer, and gigging pianist. After a year, we moved up to Austin, where my career continued to blossom into what it is today.
Today, I play in two different bands (a jazz band and a church worship band), I play piano solo gigs around the Austin area, I compose music for films, theatre and other such projects, and I produce music for local independent singer/songwriters.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road has rarely been smooth. Providing for a family of now five (me, my wife and three kids) as a musician has been full of challenges and stresses. There have been plenty of times and seasons when projects / gigs seemed to dry up for me. COVID was an especially difficult time. However, with the help of God, and with the undying support of my wife, I’ve always pulled through. I’ve been able to find the work when I needed to.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As a musician, I’m very well-rounded. I play piano, both solo and in ensembles/bands, and I play in all genres (including classical, blues, pop, rock, jazz, funk, etc). I compose music, I produce music, I’m skilled in orchestration, studio production, music theory/analysis, I teach music…
I admittedly may not be the most skilled musician in any one specific area I just listed, but my ability to do so many things is what has allowed me over the years to be able to provide for my family with music.
In my career, my most proud moment is probably the time when my jazz band was chosen and hired to perform at the grand opening of the Kalahari Resort in Round Rock, Texas.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
So many people have contributed to my success, including:
–God – He has supported me, and stood by me, through everything
–Dr. Robin Hancock – my classical piano professor at BYU, who helped me prepare for the audition into the School of Music
–my mother – she paid for my piano lessons throughout my childhood, and has always taught me to be my best and to never settle for less than excellence.
–Dr. Steve Lindeman – my jazz piano professor in college, who gave me the harsh reality check I needed when I first thought I was ready to audition for the Music program, but clearly I wasn’t ready
–Sue Freuh – my high school piano teacher. She has always loved and supported me.
–Ron Saltmarsh – the head of the Commercial Music program at BYU. A talented musician and a great mentor.
–My wife – my biggest supporter and cheerleader. She has always believed in me, ever since I first told her I was considering auditioning for the Music program and pursuing a career as a professional musician (she was my girlfriend at the time).
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.taylorkroff.com
