We were lucky to catch up with Ryan-oneil Edwards recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Ryan-ONeil thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
I was blessed enough to attend a performing arts high school. While I wasn’t as musically, educated as a lot of of my peers, I found myself constantly thinking about my music classes and not so much any of my other classes. I loved full day rehearsals working through scores trying to figure out music sectionals breaking the music down and of course creating my own. I guess I knew from high school I wanted to pursue music or something creative professionally.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
As a music educator, my approach is that music is for everyone and not solely for the professionals. I believe in growth over expertise. It’s important for me that my students realize that the purpose of music is exploration and at the end of the day expression and fun. I’ve worked primarily with early childhood and elementary age students however, I do teach older students I excel with beginners.
As a musician, I am a multi genre artist who makes hip-hop soul and rock music. I am a producer who makes children’s music as well as tracks for myself and others. I also DJ. My preference is private parties specifically for elementary age students.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
I was born with a limb difference. I was born missing my right hand while vocal music was my primary focus in high school and college. I’d always wanted to learn the guitar in college. I decided not that was the time disregarding the fact that I was missing fingers on my right hand. I took it upon myself to teach myself to guitar. 20 years later I am now a guitar teacher and a pretty good player. To me resilience is about overcoming obstacles and sometimes not even seeing them as obstacles.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
UBI universal basic income. I believe this is the best way for society to support, creative and artists and society itself. With the proliferation of AI and the advancements in technology a lot of jobs not just creative ones are disappearing. People need to feed themselves a universal basic income so that no one starves or goes hungry, especially in the wealthiest countries in the world is a must.
Contact Info:
- Website: Ryanoneil music.com
- Instagram: @ryanoneilmusic
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/ryanoneilmusic
- Twitter: @ryanoneilmusic
- Youtube: https://YouTube.com/ryanoneilmusic
