We recently had the chance to connect with Brandon Mann and have shared our conversation below.
Brandon, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
I just became a father. The past two weeks with my newborn have been the most joyous of my life. I am so excited for the future, watching her grow. When I watch her sleep, I think about what she will be like and what she will do as she grows up. I get joy thinking about all the firsts; first steps, firsts words, etc
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My wife and I own and operate a music lesson studio named Music Fun in Mooresville, NC. We met at sea while both working as cruise ship musicians. We traveled the world together for a few years then married in 2015 as she immigrated to the US (she is from Ukraine). We continued to play in bands and opened our own lesson studio in 2016. Ever since then we have been teaching the joy of music to young and old.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
My father. He was such an influence on me. He was a musician who shared his love of music with me. Some of my favorite childhood memories are sitting next to him at the keyboard or him playing guitar for me.
When you were sad or scared as a child, what helped?
It was always music. Listening or playing. This is why I teach music. I think there is a point in every students journey (if they stick with it) they realize that this love of music is something they can always turn to. I still use it when Im scared or sad.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
There are many. In a culture so driven by money, there are loads of bad advice. I think in the music education industry, the most common one is that there are shortcuts. It is a journey and no one gets there overnight. You gotta put the time into it to get the something out of it
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
Learning music is an apprenticeship. Just like I cherish the memories of teachers that inspired me, I hope to pass the craft to the next generation with patience, discipline, kindness, and a little humor. Behind every musician there is a quirky personality, this is what makes us unique. Some students probably thought I was talented, some thought I was weird, but I can only hope that all knew that I cared.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://musicfunlkn.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/musicfunlkn/
