Welcome to my first personal website. It has taken me the better part of ten years to finally decide to have one. Why did I wait this long? TIME. During my college years, platforms like Facebook, MySpace, and AOL Instant Messenger created a way of connecting people. I know, showing my age here, haha!
Fast forward through the last decade, and more platforms have become mainstream for delivering content to society - X (Twitter), Snapchat, Instagram, and others. While I don't prescribe to all of these forms of social media, I wanted to have a digital footprint where people could learn more about me, my journey, and my passions. But why did it take this long for a website? Why not just stick to the social media?
TIME. I have always felt that I needed more TIME to develop more musical and pedagogical skills, to develop an informed opinion about topics in my field, and in some respects, to have confidence in what I could offer. Many that know me well, understand that I'm a very self-conscience individual. I'm a people pleaser, a chronic "Yes" sayer that gives 1000% in everything revolving around a "successful" career and developing relationships.. Having this stance has definitely opened many opportunities for growth and wonderful experiences. However, the truth is, I've had confidence issues that stem back to my high school and early college years. TIME was weaponized by people who came through my life during this adolescent stage. By their definition, I wasn't a good enough musician - possess advanced skills, notable awards, winning auditions, practicing enough, etc.. That I didn't use my TIME constructively, and ultimately was behind, therefore a failure - "never going to make it."
Discouraged, I decided to change my behavior and work habits, saying "yes" to everything. I figured that an opportunity to practice, develop, and work was the right TIME to do something about it. Now don't get me wrong, many of us can go too far - stretching ourselves thin to burn out. I've certainly had my fair share. When my career post-graduation began, I used to maintain two adjunct trombone professor positions that were a five hour drive apart. Many podcasts got me through that drive every week, including The Entrepreneurial Musician hosted by Andrew Hitz. Andrew always gave a closing message at the end of each episode. Many times, the message was to encourage all of us to just start! We all have to start somewhere. Start that business we always wanted, start the book we want to write, start that private lesson studio...anything!
Putting yourself out there is one of the hardest things to do when you identify as a very self-conscience person. This TIME seemed as good as any to finally publish a personal website. This has been a project in the pipeline for the last several years, creating drafts upon drafts, hours and hours of editing, trying to create a product that I would be proud of and yet be authentic. The encouragement I have received from my colleagues, friends, students, and family finally tipped the commitment to fruition.
It's TIME to take this plunge and share more about what my perspective as a musician, teacher, freelancer, and person. Thanks for being here and stay tuned for upcoming posts.
-Jeremy (4/24/24)