Lots of people know me from my Miami-based band PALO! and from my music production work. But before I ever played a note of Cuban music or funk, I was lucky to have learned from so many great teachers. And they all share the same secret: the power of words.
I come from a family of teachers, so I guess it’s not surprising that in 2003 I became a professor of Music Business at Miami Dade College’s School of Entertainment & Design Technology. My mom, Norma, was an art teacher in Dade County for most of her adult life. Her encouragement of my early efforts gave me the momentum to pursue music. And she still knows the power of words.
David Roitstein
My biggest influence, mentor, and role model was, and still is, my brother David Roitstein. He’s been supporting and facilitating my musical efforts since I was a kid. David is the chair of the Jazz Studies at CalArts, where he’s built an outstanding program that has produced many successful musicians. What I treasure most about my brother is how he always knows exactly what to say to make me feel good about what I’m doing. He’s a master of the power of words. And his vast musical gift and work ethic are motivational. Dave’s wife Rosy Sackstein and her extraordinary mom, Dr. Rosalina Sackstein, are great music educators and longtime examples for me.
Byron Hanson
John Casbarro, my first French horn instructor, introduced me to expression, music theory, and tone. My ninth grade band director, Brad Meyerdierks, took extra time to coach me on musicianship. When I attended Interlochen Arts Academy, many amazing educators contributed to my development; I couldn’t possibly list them all. But in particular, Dave Sporny, John Lindenau, and especially orchestra director Byron Hanson helped to shape the person and musician I was becoming. Byron always knew the right words to give me the confidence I needed. Many of his sayings still resonate. That is the power of words.
At the University of Miami, I had many great professors, but the biggest impact was from Jerry Peel, Vince Maggio, Ron Miller, and especially Whit Sidener.
Whit Sidener
Whit taught me in several classes and was the director of the Concert Jazz Band, of which I was a proud member. An impromptu compliment about my songwriting made me think I might have a future as a composer. The power of words showed the way.
Some of my best teachers are fellow musicians, colleagues, artists, clients, friends, and students. My students teach me every day. Sometimes they thank me or offer feedback about how they’re learning. The power of words reminds me: I must be doing something right.
I can also rattle off the names of some wonderful teachers I’ve had along the way. My 8th grade teacher, whom I’m now friends with, is one. In high school one of my English teachers Mrs Barry taught me that the classics were amazing we just had to be open to them. To this day Beowulf is one of my favorites. In college it was Dr White, he taught me that we made our own path and that it was our fault if we let others deviate us from that path. Sometimes we unknowingly become teachers to those that are open to listen.
Dr. White sounds like a philosopher!
It is always, IMO, the teacher and not the material that makes or breaks a student’s experience. One of the most amazing English professors I had in college was an expert on Chaucer. I spent an ENTIRE semester in his course covering The Canterbury Tales and ONLY The Canterbury Tales. Before the course, I had NO interest in that period of literature of that type of writing or that particular work. I couldn’t fathom how we could spend an entire semester on that one book. The course, however, ended up being one of the most memorable and interesting of my academic career. All because of the teacher.
And of course, like you say, teachers are everywhere, not just in the classroom. Our worst moments, our biggest mistakes, our lowest lows — those are great (albeit hard or painful) teachers, too. Of course, our friends, loved ones, significant others, families, strangers and others are our great teachers too.
You, Steve, teach me always how to let go, move forward, live with dignity (even when others around us are not), focus on what’s important, not hold on to negativity and be a good person above all else. You are also a great example to me of someone who lives his passion every day. That is no small thing.
Love you!
~ Alli
Thanks, Alli! You’ve certainly taught me more than you realize. Love you too.