Q1.When did music first come into your life? Was it vocal or what instrument did you start out on?
As I look back and see what fate was put in front of me as a musician, I was surrounded by music my entire life, for sure. From the time I was very little, my two uncles -both of whom were professional traveling musicians- would have jams at my house and bring over other musicians (I remember Kelly Clarkson's drummer was over a lot playing bongos, for instance).
By the time I got into middle school, I fell in love with Beethoven and started playing cello, and to this day, my favorite discourse still has to be the Classical tradition. At the same time, Musical theatre was truly an interest of mine, to the point where I was actively looking for roles in theatre productions my sophomore year at Highland Park, and it just so happened that you got better parts in the plays with a choir/vocal background, which led me to joining the HPHS choir. This ended up being my favorite form of musical expression!
Q2. Tell our readers about your music career and experience.
When college considerations began to take place, I was torn between theatre and music, but ultimately leaned into music as I found I liked the people in that space more (Theatre kids were just a tad dramatic!). Coming out of my high school band, Subtle Stubble, I was playing bass in a rock context, but seeing that I was applying for a classical arts school (SMU Meadows), it seemed to make more sense if I applied with a vocal focus, as All-State choir was the highlight of my musical résumé at the time. While at Meadows, as much as I loved studying Voice, I couldn't resist joining another band (playing bass guitar again), and by my 21st birthday, we were in Austin recording our first record and touring different colleges and festivals across the southern US.
I started Rodman Steele Studio in May of 2018, where first and foremost I wanted to make a great place for me and other high-caliber musicians to work in this city. While this gave me exposure to all forms and genres of music, my heart still very much desired to express the Classical tradition, leading me to audition and join the Dallas Symphony Choir, North Park Presbyterian, and the Highland Park Chorale of Highland Park Presbyterian, all as a bass vocalist- it is many musical hats to wear, but I love all of these roles greatly!
Q3. What are a few things you would tell a parent or kid considering learning a musical instrument?
Let me put it like this: I find it easy in this day and age to forget that the world of music is so much bigger than the apps on our phone. For the vast majority of the Human experience, the way you have appreciated music is by physically playing it yourself, or hearing others perform it in a live setting. Not everyone who has picked up an instrument did so in pursuit to be the most skilled player of all time on that instrument; I think the best way to approach playing is for the pure joy of it, and that's certainly the case at our studio. When you walk in, we're here to meet you wherever you are in your musical journey, and our destination is to find what your greatest joy can be in music.
Q4. What instruments or types of lessons are available at Rodman Steele?
Voice (Classical, Theatre, Pop), Bass, Guitar (Jazz, Classical, Contemporary) a lovely Piano department (Jazz, Classical, Contemporary), Songwriting, Drums, Production and Performance Skills.
Q5. How do you feel learning to play a musical instrument can enrich a child's or person's life?
It's quite blatant to me: Why are we here? It continues to be one of the greatest joys in life- find me someone who doesn't like eating an exquisite meal, or listening to a great album. Music develops every part of your well-being; it is arithmetic, it is science, it is artistry, and it is community. It helps you learn how to better communicate, relate to others, and enjoy being here with others. How does it not enrich the Human experience?
Music develops every part of your well-being; it is arithmetic, it is science, it is artistry, and it is community. It helps you learn how to better communicate, relate to others, and enjoy being here with others. How does it not enrich the Human experience?