Today we’d like to introduce you to Juan Tobon.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I would say my first encounter with music was through, my father. He used to work at a record company in my country (Colombia) and bring records from all kinds of music.
The late hang with my father really cultivated my ear and love for sound, not only for music but the sound itself. I felt pleasure in hearing people walk, or how the trains sounded and some other stuff. I remember how I would look at any instrument and think of it as the most majestic thing my eyes had ever seen; Drum Sets, Saxophones, Guitars, and Pianos… my father got me into music lessons when he brought an old Yamaha keyboard to the house and I could not stop playing it. I did not know anything about it, only that my being was caught on it. From then on, I started my Piano lessons with a local teacher that was quite spiritual and encouraging. He would get me into his gigs since I was nine; that was quite a thrill. I was never a disciplined student until I applied for the music conservatory. Of course, I did not pass, I had no idea about any music theory whatsoever and was playing the classical pieces by ear. I decided I really wanted to pursue this career professionally so I dedicated six months to learn as much theory and sight reading I could. Long story short, next time I applied I passed. From there, it has been quite a trip. I have had all kinds of teachers in different places from Classical to Jazz and Salsa. One of the most memorable moments in my life as a musician was meeting Mike Orta whose teaching will be carried forever in my music.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I do not think of it as a smooth or rough road. I really have enjoyed every step of it.
Even the moments where I doubted my self have made me who I am today. I know I am not the best Piano player, but I am confident that my music embodies many of the human emotions; that makes me happy and gives me a feeling of accomplishment.
I wake up every morning and practice, write or learn something new; as my profession, I try to be as active and fresh I can. I like being proficient around people who I perceive as my idols, and around people who I can inspire, teach, or guide. Slowing down is never an option when it comes to learning.
Please tell us more about what you do, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
My main thing is composing and arranging music. The piano is my vehicle to do so, although I enjoy playing other instruments (badly). I just make music that is honest to my self. I have found that touching one soul with my way of composing is more important than touching 1000 souls with something I do not mean. Sometimes, I write tunes, sometimes strings quartets, Clarinet duos, Trumpet pieces, Piano pieces, Electronic music… really anything that I feel like doing I go for it. Like Duke said I just see music as good or bad music.
What’s your outlook for the industry over the next 5-10 years?
The music industry is quite unpredictable, but I am sure that there always be time and space for relevant and honest art. That keeps me going.
I see my self composing and playing my compositions around the world. Also, I have been getting quite a few commission to write music, and that is really interesting and exciting.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.soundsenses.com
- Email: tobonmusicsounds@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tobonmusicsounds/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Juan-Tobon-685276628479530/
Image Credit:
Ph: Juan Munevar
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