We recently connected with T’Nai Burton and have shared our conversation below.
Hi T’Nai, thanks for joining us today. Can you share a story about the kindest thing someone has done for you and why it mattered so much or was so meaningful to you?
The kindest thing someone has ever done for is smile. I was a freshman in college, stressed, tired, trying to find a class. As i was crossing paths with the person, we looked a each other and they gave me the warmest smile. It brightened my entire day. My whole mood changed. I don’t think people realize how much their smiles mean to someone, especially if they are having a rough day. Since that moment, I try to make a point to stress less and smile more.
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 performer, educator, and cultural awareness advocate. I received an undergraduate degree in music from Savannah State University and her graduate degree from Georgia Southern University.
My two singles, “Break a Sweat” and “Island Boy,” expresses versatility which has awarded me the opportunity to perform on various types of stages including the recital hall, theater, and concerts throughout the Low Country areas of South Carolina and Georgia opening for many national acts such as Rascal Flatts, Jennifer Holliday, and Ready for the World.
As an educator, I teach healthy vocal practices to singers, instrumental techniques and leadership roles to modern band students, and teach all students to develop an appreciation for the art form. I seek to engage them in intellectual conversations about how music reflects society, history, and culture.
As a cultural awareness advocate, I seek to educate my colleagues on the importance of implementing a curriculum that is diverse and inclusive and shows empathy so that students feel safe to learn and perform. My most recent speaking engagements include The Modern Band Summit for Music Educators in Fort Collins, CO; The Circle if R.E.S.T.E. Mental Health Awareness for Educator’s conference in Columbia, SC; and The Georgia Music Educators Association Conference in Athens, GA.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
I remember there was a period in my career where I put in many job applications in my field and I either received a “you’re not what we are looking for” or no response at all. It was really discouraging to the point I started questioning my choices and doubting myself. Then I received my first opportunity, but after the first year, they let me go due to the budget cuts. Then I received another opportunity, and I just knew this was were I was supposed to be. However, when contract renewal season was up, I did not receive a second contract due “not being a good fit,” which was baffling because all year I was told, “you’re doing an amazing job!” It was at this moment I realized that it’s not about how great of job you do, sometimes you “don’t fit” the right skin color, or the gender, or the sexual orientation, or the religion, or the socioeconomic status. It was this very moment I realized my work was bigger. I did not let this stop me, I kept pushing and I finally received a position in my field. As I kept moving along in my career, opportunities began to literally fall in my lap. I am grateful for this journey I am on and would not change it for anything.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
It has always been a goal of mine to teach high school chorus. However, after not receiving a second contract due to “not being a good fit,” I took a middle school position. I did not want to, but that was available. My first two years, I ended up having the smartest kids, really great singers, and emerging artists. On the other hand, dealing with middle school behavior, while teaching, and coming up with a product to present is like juggling fire. It was challenging, but it taught me how to work with difficult people, how to appreciate my hard workers, and how to be sensitive to people’s emotions. Teaching middle school gave me the opportunity to have a mindset change. It became the basis of my advocacy work.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tnaiamani.com/
- Instagram: tnaiamaniofficial
- Youtube: Tnai Amani