We were lucky to catch up with Kevin Staley recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Kevin, thanks for joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I grew up in a very musical family and I was blessed with parents that supported me in whatever I took an interest in be it sports or music. I just sort of naturally gravitated towards music singing in church and trying several different instruments in band before I finally settled in on piano and percussion. I think from a young age I knew I wanted to be a musician because it was my main outlet and passion. I loved sports and was pretty good at basketball but music was all I ever saw myself doing.

Kevin, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m a husband/girldad/minister/musician. I grew up around music and I’ve been teaching piano since my sophomore year of high school. I’m currently working on my jazz project now with my band The Kevin Staley Project!!! My company is Musical Journeys Mobile Music Lessons through which I teach piano to students either in their home, online, or in my studio. There are two things that set me apart from others in my industry. My passion and unique (musical) journey…in all honesty I believe these are the very elements that differentiate us all. As a pianist I started in the church like a lot of musicians but my performance credits span several genre’s. I’m also a classically trained percussionist. I mention this because I often use my experience as a touring and session musician to aid my students. The experience levels represented in my teaching studio go from beginners just starting their “Musical Journey” to experienced musicians that are working to perfect their craft.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

First the necessity and relevance of the artists as well as what they bring to community must be acknowledged. Once that is done sustainable platforms and safe spaces for artistic expression and understanding must be formed. I know I wasn’t truly able to begin to grow as an artist until I found spaces communities such as these.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I’ve been blessed on my journey as an artists to be able to mentor and influence young musicians many of which have gone on to pursue professional careers in music. As creatives we must understand that we have a superpower. Whether it be music, poetry, public speaking, visual arts etc….we have the power to stir emotion as well as provoke thought and change. These are the most rewarding aspects for me.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.musicaljourneysga.com
• Instagram: @musicaljourneysga @thekevinstaleyproject
• Facebook: Musical Journeys Mobile Music Lessons/ The Kevin Staley Project
• Linkedin: Kevin L. Staley
• Twitter: @kevinlstaley
• Youtube: TheKevinStaleyProject