Kellen and Matt

Kellen and Matt are brothers who live in the San Francisco Bay area and have been playing music since elementary school. Kellen is now in middle school and plays the piano, keyboard and clarinet. Matt is in high school and plays the bass and saxophone. We e-mailed Kellen and Matt ten interview questions, and below are their replies.

MUST

How old were you when you started playing music, and what instrument did you first play?

Kellen

I first started playing when I was in grade 1 in a group keyboard class. When I first started, it was mainly my mum pushing me, but now I practice & play for my own benefit & enjoyment.

Matt

I was in third grade when I started piano and alto sax.

MUST

What types of music do you play, and what drew you to those types of music?

Kellen

The 3 main kinds of music I enjoy are jazz, ragtime and classical because they have lots of variety & are challenging. The rhythm gives each song lots of personality. When I play, people feel the music and really get into the beat.

Matt

I'm playing jazz, rock, and indie-rock on bass.

MUST

Why do you like playing music?

Kellen

Music is fun, and I really enjoy playing for an audience. I'm happy they would come to hear me play and that they appreciate the music. I want to continue until I'm pretty good, but I don't think I'll end up playing professionally.

Matt

So you can answer questions like this with cliche answers like, "it comes from the heart" and "it's a way for me to express myself."

MUST

Would you recommend playing music to other students, and why?

Kellen

I'd recommend it as other students would enjoy the experience and find that music represents some aspects of life, and they'll find out about different cultures and how music is important to them. It helps you appreciate other cultures, as you can share with different musicians as you travel to many places.

Matt

If you like music, why not learn to make your own?

MUST

Do you play with any groups other than your school band?

Kellen

I play twice a month on keyboards at the church youth group where we play worship songs.

Matt

Yeah, I'm in a couple local bands who gig around and in a worship band.

MUST

Have you been able to travel for your music?

Kellen

I have been on a field trip to a local elementary school.

Matt

Last year our school went to LA to perform all of our bands.

MUST

What has been your biggest challenge regarding your music?

Kellen

My biggest challenge is to find time to practice as I'm so busy. If you don't practice, you don't get better. Some weeks I'm doing my theory homework on the drive to my lesson.

Matt

The challenge of becoming a good player to a really good player.

MUST

Do you have any tips on motivation to practice or rehearse?

Kellen

If you practice, you'll get better. Get involved in music. It's relaxing and enjoyable.

Matt

For concert band: practice, practice and practice. For jazz: do not rely on what you think the riff's going to be. Play the part.

MUST

Do you plan to be a professional musician when you finish school?

Kellen

Being a professional takes too much time, focus & determination. I'm also involved in sports and school work.

Matt

I want to play music, but I don't want to make less money than the guy flipping my burgers.

MUST

Is there anything else you would like to mention about your music?

Kellen

When I first started playing the clarinet, I didn't know I had a broken reed so it sounded terrible, so I thought I'd quit. Then my teacher noticed and fixed it so it actually sounded fine.

Matt

I am influenced by the following bassists: Victor Wooten, Flea, Fat Mike from NOFX, and Jaco.