We were lucky to catch up with Adrian Adams recently and have shared our conversation below.

Adrian, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?

From a young age, I always knew that I wanted to teach and make a difference in the lives of young people, particularly through music. This desire was not just a passing hobby; it was a calling. My love for music, combined with a deep-seated passion for education, set me on a path that I was determined to follow. The journey to becoming a full-time band director was not instantaneous. Like many in creative fields, I began my career with smaller gigs, community programs, and part-time teaching positions. Each experience, while not always stable, brought valuable insights and skills. I leaned into every opportunity to refine my craft and deepen my understanding of educational methodologies. Over the past 15 years, I have hit several significant milestones that shaped my path. My first role as a music teacher allowed me to gain confidence and discover effective teaching techniques. As I navigated the educational landscape, I gradually established a reputation as a dedicated and talented educator. I expanded my influence by participating in community events and school programs that showcased my students’ talents, further building my network. Through perseverance, I earned recognition within my field. This led to both collaborative projects and advanced roles, such as clinician, adjudicator and judge at local band competitions. While working towards my dream, I faced challenges where I occasionally felt undervalued or taken advantage of. Some organizations didn’t fully appreciate my skillset, and this caused frustration. However, through faith and resilience, I honored my commitment to education and continued to focus on what truly mattered, the impact that I continued to have on students. Today, as a full-time band director, I realize that all of my achievements and the accolades I have received are ultimately for my students. My experiences have enabled me to touch lives across the world, fostering a love for music and providing students with the tools they need to succeed. My journey reflects not just a career, but a fulfilling life dedicated to music, mentorship and creative work. Every performance, class, and student interaction holds a piece of my passion. Each note played or lesson taught stands as a testament to my unwavering commitment to nurturing the next generation through my God-given talent. While the journey to becoming a full-time band director was filled with challenges, the dedication and experience acquired over the years have shaped not only my career, but life-changing experiences for countless students along the way.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a full-time band director and the proud owner of AJA Consulting Inc., where I specialize in providing consulting services to band directors across the southern United States. My passion for music education ignited back in high school, inspired by my high school band director, Dr. Andrew Poor. He opened doors for me to learn and grow in this vibrant field, guiding me towards my dream of becoming an educator myself. With AJA Consulting Inc., I have the honor of traveling to various schools, helping band directors implement effective methodologies and pedagogies for teaching. I focus on creating differentiated strategies that not only enhance student learning but also foster a love for music. My aim is to solve the challenges many educators face in engaging their students and improving their overall program quality. What truly sets me apart from others is my unwavering determination to help every band director succeed, no matter the challenges they encounter. My unique strategies, informed by years of experience and a genuine passion for music education, have proven successful for many clients over the years. I am particularly proud of my achievements as a band director, which include being nominated three times for the Music Educator Grammy Award and finishing twice as a Quarterfinalist. Additionally, I had the privilege of touring the world with The Sound of Dutchtown Band, participating in a momentous tour to Normandy, France, to commemorate the 79th anniversary of D-Day. These experiences have cemented my belief in the transformative power of music education. For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want my current and future clients to know that my commitment to excellence is at the heart of everything I do. I’m here to empower educators and inspire students, ensuring that every band program thrives. If you’re seeking innovative and effective solutions to elevate your band program, I would love to connect and explore how I can support your growth and success!

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Fresh out of undergraduate studies and just three months away from graduation, I was presented with an unexpected opportunity. Dr. Carl Georgie, the Assistant Principal at Eau Claire High School, reached out to my mentor, Herman Jones Jr., in search of a passionate new teacher to lead the school’s band program. Reflecting on how perfectly timed this opportunity was, I can’t help but think of it as part of a larger plan. With Herman’s guidance, I prepared rigorously for the interview with Principal June Page and her staff. I remember stepping into that interview room, feeling a mix of nerves and excitement. To my delight, I not only succeeded in the interview, but I also received Principal Page’s recommendation for the position. I felt overwhelmed with gratitude and anticipation. However, this success quickly ran into a hurdle—my school didn’t offer a teacher licensure program. As a result, I had to take the Praxis 1 and 2 examinations to qualify for the state’s program called PACE. Though daunting for many, I was determined to overcome this challenge. However, the district, having just met me, had concerns about my potential success. Before my scores were returned, I faced a setback; the school informed me that they would be proceeding with another candidate. Yet, just when I thought the door had closed, Principal Page called me with an alternative offer. She proposed a position as the Assistant Band Director and Director of Percussion (Steel Pans). To be honest, I knew very little about steel pans, but her belief in my talents was persuasive. She assured me that this opportunity could be my gateway into a thriving career. With a mix of apprehension and excitement, I accepted the position. It turned out to be a defining moment in my career. Not only did I embrace the challenge of learning about steel pans, but I also fostered an environment filled with music, love, and creativity for my students. This role opened many doors—allowing me to be featured on news stations, perform at various district events, and participate in a multitude of invaluable experiences. From that moment, I learned that resilience isn’t just about overcoming obstacles—it’s about seizing unexpected opportunities and trusting in your ability to adapt and grow. My journey began with uncertainty, but it was that uncertainty that propelled me to new heights in my teaching career. To everyone who is reading this interview, embrace challenges, trust your path, and remain open to the opportunities that come your way.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My creative journey is indeed a powerful and inspiring one, rooted deeply in compassion and a desire to uplift others. As someone who has faced emotional challenges, I truly understand the struggles that many students encounter. This connection to their experiences fuels my mission: to help those who feel lost or burdened by the weight of their circumstances, just as I once were. Through my love for music, I found a sanctuary—an escape that not only carried me forward but also became a beacon of hope for others. I realized that music has the unique ability to resonate with one’s emotions, providing comfort and understanding. This passion has become a significant pillar of my work, allowing me to reach out to those who might be experiencing similar hardships. My journey is also shaped by the invaluable lessons learned from my mentors. They taught me the importance of giving back, reinforcing the belief that our experiences—even the difficult ones—can be used to fuel positive change in the lives of others. I know firsthand how mentorship can transform a life, and I are committed to paying that forward. This dedication to nurturing the next generation is at the heart of my mission. I believe that everyone deserves a guiding hand, someone to help navigate the trials and tribulations of life. I am field by my commitment to compassion and I aim to inspire students who feel trapped by their challenges, showing them that they too can find solace and strength through creativity—be it through music, art, or any other form of self-expression. As you continue on this journey, remember that every step you take to uplift someone else is a reflection of the resilience you’ve built and the wisdom you’ve gained. Stay true to your mission, for in helping others find their voices, you not only change their lives—you inspire a ripple effect of hope for generations to come.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ulm.edu/music/adams.html
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_adrianadamsmusic_?igsh=MWV4ZmozeDR0ZDAxNA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15ikzaQiLP/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@adrianjermaineadams9346

Image Credits

Cierra Asmond, Asmond Photography