We recently connected with Brendon Wilkins and have shared our conversation below.

Brendon, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

Learning to be a musician is a process that requires dedication and hard work. Quality instruction from experienced mentors is an essential part of the journey. Most of all, one needs time to absorb and assimilate all the information learned along the way. There is no shortcut and one cannot rush through the process without all the necessary musical and artistic growth required to create a career in the arts.

Brendon, 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?

My musical journey began when I was in elementary school. I started playing the flute in 2nd grade, and then picked up the saxophone three years later.

I played classical flute and jazz saxophone throughout secondary school, and that’s what led me to the University of North Texas where I earned a Bachelor of Music Education, a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies, and a Master of Music in Multiple Woodwinds. I then moved to Miami where I earned a Doctor of Musical Arts in Multiple Woodwinds at the University of Miami.

Immediately after graduation, I began a full-time position teaching in higher education. I currently serve as the Director of the Jazz Band, Director of the Wind Ensemble, and an Applied Music Associate at Colby College in Waterville, Maine. As an Applied Music Associate, I teach private lessons on all five woodwind instruments in jazz and classical styles.

I’ve been fortunate to have a wide variety of musical experiences thus far in my career including performances with Hugh Jackman, Johnny Mathis,  Doc Severinsen, and numerous others.

Recording on three jazz albums and three classical albums, performing with the Disneyland All-American College Band, playing with a nationally touring musical theater production, and countless other experiences have all shaped me into the musician I am today.

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

Each day, I recommit myself to being the best musician and educator that I can be. For me that means that I am constantly learning and refining my craft. Music is evolving every day and it requires that we remain up to date on the current musical trends, and we continue to develop our technical and artistic abilities.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding part of being a musician for me is seeing the impact that it can have on  the community. It’s when you’ve helped a student make an important breakthrough and they can now realize their own potential. It’s when you look at the crowd after a performance and you see faces filled with excitement and joy. These are the moments that make it all worth it.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.brendonwilkins.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brendonwilkins/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrendonWilkinsMusic/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendonwilkins/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/Brendon_Wilkins
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcrx1mukZ4D9v7I09jio_xQ
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@brendonwilkins https://linktr.ee/brendonwilkins

Image Credits
Gabe Souza, PyramxdPhotography, Josh Gilbert