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Welcome to the Feature Series on the blog where you get to connect and hear from some really empowered folks, who are changing the game and inspiring all of us to do the same. They are real people doing badass shit.
Today, we are featuring:
TREVOR PITTS: Professional Musician
Tell us about you, how would you describe yourself?
My name is Trevor Pitts. I'm from Springfield, Ma and I'm 39 years young.
I'm a professional musician & percussion teacher at The Community Music School with 24 years of musical experience. I have been on a wonderful journey & career playing for numerous bands, my church St.Johns Congregational Church, artists, poets, teaching, etc. I am a huge music lover whose outgoing, creative and inspired by others.
What does empowered mean to you?
Empowerment means to me the feeling of being free, confident, uncomfortable, brave and inspired to move forward despite any obstacles, doubts or fears that may come your way no matter what.
How would you define yourself as an Empowered Millennial? What makes you one?
I define myself as an Empowered Millennial by always rising to the occasion. Whether it would be something I've done before or something new I haven't.what makes me one is always working to be an inspiration and example that you too can do this as well.While walking on a path with passion and purpose letting god & the universe take care of the rest.
What have you gone through that now makes you empowered? Sometimes you have to go THROUGH IT in order to be this strong version of yourself. What was the event, situation or ah-ha moment where you decided to BE this empowered?
It was in the beginning of my career I was green. Wanting to be a musician, but understanding the process was frustrating. And how long it would take. Day after day I would practice still feel like I had a long way to. I remember I went to my first audition. I was 15 at the time. It was for a jazz ensemble. I never played jazz before but always heard it. So I started playing a tune and the instructor kept looking over trying to feel the music but it wasn't happening. So he tried another one and that one didn't work either. He then stopped and said "I'm sorry I'm not sure what you were playing but it wasn't swingin'. Your gonna need to get with someone to work on it". I said" Ok thanks for the opportunity and left". I was discouraged not sure it was gonna work out at all. So i took his advice I got with my mentor/drum teacher Billy Arnold he showed me how to play jazz swing and I practiced over and over.
About a year later they called me back to audition again. This time I was ready. When i got in the room with the instructor he started the same tune from before at a faster speed. He had his head down looking at the floor ready for the same result from when I first came. As were playing the song he starts to lift his head and looks at me with a smirk on his face. As soon as we ended the song he said "Now that's swingin'. And from that day forward I was in the jazz ensemble for 6 years under the leadership of Vishnu Wood the legendary jazz bassist.
How have you changed course away from something that wasn't working for you and are now doing something aligned and empowering for yourself, personally, professionally, spiritually?
I never forget I was working in the corporate world and enjoyed it for quite a while. Met some great people. But something was always telling this is temporary in the back of my mind.The position ended and I was in transition figuring out my next move.
And I was getting ready for a job interview and got a call from my Mentor and drum teacher Bill Arnold he asked me if I would be interested in coming onboard as a percussion teacher to fill in for him. I took a beat (lol no pun intended) to think about it. And at the orientation the next day I was sitting there and everything around me went silent and I heard his voice again asking me to come on board. And I walked out and never looked back and have been teaching ever since then. It's been 4 years now.
What challenges do you face (have you faced) staying empowered and what strategies do you use to overcome them?
Some of the challenges I've faced staying empowered has been sometimes feeling self doubt,not feeling as confident in certain areas or things. One of my strategy's has always been self visualization. Seeing myself doing the thing before it happens. So when I get there I've already been there before. Then allowing God and the universe to control the rest
If you could give someone who has experienced a similar situation to you and maybe isn't on the other, brighter side of it, a piece of advice, what would you say?
I would say keep going and strive for it. You never know what's on the other side of your hard work,commitment and dedication.
If you could tell your younger self ONE thing, what would you say?
I would tell my younger self to stay the course matter what. It's not as hard as you think.
That's great advice!! I love it. What are you most excited about and how are you taking action to go and get it?
I'm excited about all the great upcoming projects and musical opportunities that I'm apart of. I'm looking forward to seeing were they go. I'm taking action everyday writing, producing and connecting with other creative individuals.
What is your favorite part of being a millennial?
My favorite part of being a millennial is seeing and supporting my peers in there endeavors. And striving to continue to inspire, make a change & impact the lives of the next generation coming in my own style.
What is your fav millennial pop culture moment?
My favorite millennial pop culture moment would have to be the one summer in the 2000's you heard nothing but hit after hit from one of my favorite music production duos The Neptune's. I believe they had about 5-7 top songs on the radio at once.
Where can people find you?
Thank you so much for being part of this feature! You are amazing and definitely trailblazing something special. Thank you for sharing your story. Folks, make sure you connect with Trevor and get more inspo and maybe get drum lessons!
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