Conversations with Riley Anderson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Riley Anderson

Hi Riley, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started playing music at the age of 12 in my middle school band, and played the euphonium (like a smaller tuba. I picked up the guitar the following year. Between both instruments, I’ve done over 100 performances in a variety of settings from, rock bands, solo gigs/recitals, jazz groups, wind ensembles, British style brass bands, chamber groups, to name a few.

I received my master of music degree in euphonium and electric guitar from the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, UK in 2021 and a Bachelor of Music in euphonium and guitar from Central Michigan University in 2019.

In 2016, I discovered my love for teaching students, and began offering students private lessons.

I knew at that moment, that it was my calling to help inspire, and gift people with music, which later inspired me to start teaching independently.

In 2017, I discovered what would soon be my other love, which is dancing! I got started at Central Michigan University as part of the Swing Dance club. From there, dance became a regular part of my schedule. In 2018, I got introduced to west coast swing and ballroom, to which west coast swing quickly became my favorite.

In 2021 I started training as a ballroom dance instructor learning and teaching various American Ballroom and social dance styles. These days, I primarily focus on dancing and teaching west coast swing, started my competing journey in 2022, and currently compete at various events in the US.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Haha I don’t think any artist can say it’s ever been smooth.

As a musician and dancer, the usual things are hitting plateaus at certain points and feeling frustrated about not getting better, as well as imposter syndrome not feeling good enough compared to others more talented.

As a studio owner, getting my first students was a huge struggle in the beginning. Marketing has never been my strong suit and is in fact still something to this day I’m trying to figure out. It is a little stressful, but I really seriously love being able to help people accomplish their goals whether that’s in music or dance.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I currently specialize in beginner guitar lessons for kids and adults, west coast swing dance lessons also for beginners, social dancers and early competitors, wedding dance lessons, and providing solo acoustic entertainment for retirement homes/senior living centers and events.

A new project I’m working on, is I’m creating a high ticket 1-1 guitar coaching program to help people become confident guitarists in 12 weeks.

We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I studied in the UK for graduate school at the Royal Northern College of Music in euphonium, and guitar for secondary studies. It was an incredible experience despite covid interrupting my time there.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.rileyandersonguitardance.com/