Teacher Feature: Justin Wright
Drums & Bass Instructor
Tell us a little more about your background! Where are you from?
I’m from Brick, NJ. I like to play video games, go indoor rock-climbing, read comic books, and go to the gym.
What do you like to do when you're not teaching or playing music?
I’m a nerd, I like playing video games and watching superhero movies. I also spend massive amounts of time on YouTube, I love watching recording studio tours and beat breakdowns.
What are you working on right now?
I'm currently working on my band's upcoming second album, as well as my friend's solo record.
Where/how can we follow you and your music?
You can follow my bands on social media @meteor_police and @thedreamofwhen
Who/what are your top 3 favorite artists/bands right now?
King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, Osees, Queens of the Stone Age
What is one piece of advice you would give to someone just starting to learn music?
Try to focus on your own growth as a musician and not so much on what others are doing around you. Everyone learns at their own pace and you are your own musician. Try to make yourself stand out.
What is your opinion on the evolving landscape of the music industry and its impact on young musicians?
Having a music community is more important than ever because it is becoming more difficult for bands to survive on creating music and playing shows.
What's your favorite genre, type of music, or technique to teach?
I enjoy teaching my students how to play a Samba for the first time because they require plenty of concentration and independence to be performed. Once those skills are learned, other things become easier to play.
What band/musician/song is a guilty pleasure?
"Dragonball Durag" by Thundercat
How did you become interested in teaching music, and what inspired you to pursue it as a career?
Considering that I was once a student myself at Lakehouse for a few years, teaching was naturally the next step for me as I was getting older and wanted to evolve and mature in some way. The opportunity to teach was offered and I decided to give it a try. Here I am, roughly three years later!
How have your personal experiences and background influenced your teaching/music?
Being an active musician in the scene allows me to impart some of my first-hand experiences into my students who are either in a similar position that I was once in or are looking to pursue music as a career.
Share a memorable life experience or adventure that has shaped who you are.
My first recital as a teacher. Spending weeks preparing with your student, and then watching them perform in front of their families something they have been working on is remarkable to see.
What do you find most rewarding about being a music teacher?
The most rewarding thing is the relationship you develop with each student. Everyone you teach is different and you get to see them evolve and get better as you progress together. You become a mentor to them.
Share a memorable life experience or adventure that has shaped who you are.
My first trip to Boston when I was twenty. I went up to Berklee to visit some friends who were attending and I enjoyed the independence of traveling to a new place alone and being able to meet new people who were like-minded and pursuing music as a legitimate career.
How do you view the role of mentorship and personal connections in music instruction?
It’s as important as teaching them a skill. I think it is an important dynamic to have. Music is a common interest for both the instructor and student which makes for a great working environment. For the most part, this is something the student is willingly wanting to learn, so they will want to talk about music and their favorite bands, ask questions, and accomplish difficult goals if it means they will be a better player.