We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kevin Elam. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kevin below.

Kevin, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

I have played music in some variety since I was five years old. However, I did not realize that I wanted it to be my career until I had finished my second year of college. I was attending George Mason University as a physics major with a music minor. I had always been good in math and science, and although I was (and still am) very interested in physics, I realized after that second year that I wasn’t happy with my major. Although the material was interesting, I found that I wasn’t making very many friends, as STEM work is often more individually based, and there are simply fewer opportunities that facilitate or require strong interpersonal connection. Missing those strong friendships and personal connections in my field of study, I found that I was simply not motivated to study and put in the amount of effort that would be required to truly excel in physics. At the same time, I realized that I was spending proportionally more time in the music building, and felt at home there. I decided to make the change to a music major in my third year, and haven’t looked back since. The personal connections I’ve made – ranging from lifelong close friends to professional contacts – have proven the key and catalyst to my subsequent career in music, and my enjoyment of my work in that field.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am a singer, multi-instrumentalist and teacher who is primarily interested in using music to share the peace and joy that music brings to my life with as many people as possible. This philosophy is reflected in the name of one my groups – “Ars Gratia Populi” – which means “art for the people’s sake”. I believe that music, and art in general, derives its meaning not from itself, but from the reaction it creates in its beholders. This view of music influences and guides everything I do musically – from my choice of repertoire and venue to the way I present myself and my music to the public.

I have studied, enjoyed and played or sang many styles of music on multiple instruments over the years. I studied classical piano throughout my school years and always enjoyed singing in church and school choirs. In high school I took up the saxophone, guitar, and tin whistle. Around this time, my love for both jazz music and Irish traditional music began, influenced in large part by the music that my parents played around the house. In college, I continued my pursuit of music with a degree in jazz studies, while expanding my connections in choral music, Celtic music and other styles. Since that time, my career has taken off in Celtic music, and I have found my voice as a solo singer in this style. I’ve also added other instruments like the mandolin, banjo, Irish flute, Irish bouzouki, and harmonium to my skill set. This diversity and appreciation of multiple genres and instruments continues to shape my identity as a musician and a person.

I actively perform throughout the USA and internationally in Celtic music, both as a soloist, in a duo, and other bands, and with several vocal ensembles or choirs, including my own group, Ars Gratia Populi. In all of these groups and settings, I always try to make my performances about connecting with my audiences. If I am performing music for you, I also want to be your friend – I view the music is an accessory to that. In addition to fostering personal connection, I try to perform music that elevates our hearts and minds communally towards a higher goal – that of unity, peace, appreciation for the world, humanity, or life itself. Although I’m not religious myself, I recognize the great power of religious or sacred texts and songs to convey these messages, and so, sacred music forms a big part of the repertoire that I present.

Besides performance, the most important way that I share my musical joy with others is through teaching. Having taught hundreds of students in many different instruments, settings and styles over the past fifteen years, I have built a reputation as an extremely patient, knowledgeable and goal-oriented teacher. My experiences range from directing treble choirs, coaching youth rock bands and tutoring emerging classical and jazz pianists to teaching group workshops at traditional music camps and creating acclaimed instructional videos online. My current students include Fleadh (Irish music festival) medal winners and successful touring musicians, and several of my former students have gone on to earn conservatory music degrees, start their own musical projects, work as film composers, and so on.

Nevertheless, I always take special pride in teaching the complete beginner, and am happy to take students at any stage of their musical journey. My lessons are always securely grounded in consistent ear training, frequent singing, and the continuous sharpening of music theory skills, while maintaining a strong focus on unlocking muscular relaxation and maximum efficiency in physical technique, as well as the importance of learning the history and nuances of the given genre – and Western music writ large.

I am currently offering instruction in piano, voice, tin whistle, and fretted instruments (guitar, Irish bouzouki, mandolin, tenor banjo). I also offer “premium” subscription-based lesson videos on Patreon, as well as select lesson videos on Youtube which are publicly available.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

I think one misunderstanding folks might have is thinking that being a career musician consists primarily of “creative work”. Although of course this is a large part – and perhaps the most rewarding part – of a career in music, nevertheless a huge proportion of one’s daily hours are actually spent doing “busy work” – calls, emails, promotion, marketing, building websites, scheduling lessons and performances, planning lessons, choosing repertoire, purchasing gear and equipment, etc. Many of your hours are spent doing relatively unexciting stuff! One has to be ready to put in the “drudgery” hours in order to truly reap the benefits of one’s creative work.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is when something I share with another person, whether through performance, teaching, or some other means, is able to change the way that person views the world for the better, or even more simply brings a little bit of joy into their lives. Of course, I also value technical excellence and accuracy in my performances, and there are certain types of music and repertoire that I naturally enjoy more than others – but transcending all of those concerns is my interest in sharing my joy and enthusiasm for life with people I encounter.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://kevinelammusic.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/kevinelam.music
• Facebook: facebook.com/kevinelammusic; facebook.com/kevin.elam.77
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@KevinElamMusic
• Other: https://Patreon.com/kevinelammusic

Image Credits

Dominique Bianco; Andrew Markowitz, Rachael Rodgers