I had quit playing piano a few prior to fifth grade. It was open band night, where people going into 5th grade could go and play almost any instrument they wanted and see if they liked it. I stumbled upon the trombone and actually liked it. My parents were happy and surprised, and they started taking me to a weekly private lesson at my church. I didn’t know that my understanding, value, and overall appreciation of music would be forever changed once I started playing.

One of the first weeks of summer, I went to the church where my teacher Mr. Karl Kay conducted his lessons. I can recall us buzzing on my mouthpiece, and me playing notes without moving the slide. I am pretty sure I played a “High D” on my first lesson and I was super proud of myself. From here on out we grew a stronger connection.

Mr. Kay’s teaching style was perfect. He never put too much on me. The way he used to describe the different slide positions helped me understand the physics of the instrument. Not only this, but he has been teaching for a long time, and has had his son learn the trumpet; he was patient and knew how to explain everything perfectly.

You might think that he is your average trombone teacher who knows and has a deep understanding of music, but you couldn’t be farther from the truth. Over the years, not only have Mr. Kay and I built a great relationship with each other, and have always trusted him with even my personal stories, (part of me views him as an uncle).  He has even gotten me to start playing handbells; participating in the handbell choir. He has come over to my house to accompany my solo’s that I have had to submit, and now is teaching me about the actual fundamentals of music theory. This is especially helpful since I am a producer, and I do not take his knowledge with a grain of salt.

Over the last six years, Mr. Kay has not only taught me about the trombone, he has taught me about the actual physics of music, gotten me into new musical concepts, is open to all my music I produce, and generally supports me. I really do view him almost like an uncle. 

Sometimes at our lessons we just talk about life, and his humor is off the charts. Mr. Kay has pushed me to work harder, and even become a better man. I am grateful that I know some of his struggles, and that I have him as my teacher. 

The church he teaches at we regularly attend now. Mr. Kay has not only helped me grow musically, but I have another adult figure in my life whom I can trust. My family has appreciated all he has done for us, and I hope to continue growing musically and as a person with him.