Today we’d like to introduce you to Brendon Wilkins.
Hi Brendon, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
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 moved to Miami in 2019 to pursue a Doctor of Musical Arts degree at the University of Miami. After three years of intense study, I’m proud to say that my doctoral studies are complete and I’ll be moving on to a new chapter in my career soon.
I’ve been fortunate to have a wide variety of musical experiences thus far in my career including performances with Hugh Jackman, Johnny Mathis, 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.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Creating a career in music is a challenging endeavor. It is an extremely competitive profession, but those who are serious can build a successful career.
The University of North Texas is one of the largest colleges of music in the world, so I became accustomed to a high level of competition at a young age. It was challenging at times but it forced me to work hard to rise to the top. It took several years before I started to gain traction in the performing scene in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.
When I moved to Miami, I had to build new connections with the local network of musicians and community members.
The pandemic has made it more challenging to integrate myself into the community over the last few years, but I am reassured to see that performances are coming back, venues are opening their doors again, and most importantly, audiences are returning and eager to hear live performances again.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a woodwind performer and educator, and I perform on flute, saxophone, oboe, clarinet, and bassoon.
I have an active freelance career as an orchestral musician, jazz combo leader and sideman, and pit orchestra woodwind doubler. In addition to my performing schedule, I also maintain a private studio teaching woodwind instruments to young musicians.
My musical experience is unique because I perform and teach both jazz and classical music. It is rare for a musician to perform at a high level on so many instruments and be well-versed in classical and jazz. I believe this is one of the reasons that I have found a niche in the musical community.
We’d love to hear what you think about risk-taking?
Committing to a career in music can be a risky endeavor.
Some may feel that there are safer options that can lead to more reliable employment, but I can’t imagine dedicating my life to a career that I didn’t love. Despite the risks of a career in music, I feel that there are many ways to make a successful living as long as you are dedicated to the craft and determined to find your own path.
The path to creating the kind of life that I want to have has not always been clear. At times I had to make the best decision with the information I had. Having reliable and experienced mentors who can help guide you is crucial to maximizing your success, and I am thankful to have had mentors to guide me during my most challenging moments. The knowledge that they bring to the table is vital information that is only gained through years of experience.
The unpredictability of a career in music keeps things very interesting for me. One day, I could be performing as principal flute of an orchestra, the next as a baritone saxophonist in a jazz big band, and the next day teaching a college class on composing music.
The variety of a career like this keeps things endlessly entertaining and interesting for me. There is never a shortage of things to prepare and always something to learn. I am a lifelong learner so this type of variety suits me well.
Risk-taking is an inherent part of the music-making experience. Every time that you begin to perform or begin to improvise you are taking a chance. Taking a risk by communicating your musical perspectives for all to hear. Taking a risk by improvising in a particular style. Taking a risk by composing in a way that reflects your musical influences.
I believe that as artists we must accept that our art will be received and interpreted in different ways. My goal is to create music that truly represents my most authentic self. Great music is never without critique.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.brendonwilkins.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brendonwilkins/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrendonWilkinsMusic/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Brendon_Wilkins
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcrx1mukZ4D9v7I09jio_xQ
- Other: https://linktr.ee/brendonwilkins
Image Credits
PyramxdPhotography, Josh Gilbert, Richard Takenaga, and Bart Marantz
