Meet Kvhondre Tinner

 

We recently connected with Kvhondre Tinner and have shared our conversation below.

Kvhondre , so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

I discovered my purpose in seventh grade when I first picked up a trumpet. Initially, I had no idea I would become a musician—I had envisioned myself as an artist. However, when I was placed in a music class, I knew nothing about instruments or music.

Entering the class, I was unsure of what to expect. I hoped to play the drums, but they were already taken. The other options—saxophone, flute, clarinet—seemed too complicated with their numerous buttons. Then I noticed the trumpet, which had only three buttons. I thought, “This should be easy.” I was mistaken. Learning the trumpet was challenging, and for the first week, I couldn’t produce a single note. Frustrated and on the verge of quitting, my band teacher, Mr. Galindo, encouraged me to “give it one more chance.” I took his advice, practiced diligently at home, and finally managed to play a note. That moment ignited a passion within me.

Once I mastered the basics, my skills advanced quickly. I started challenging other players for first chair by tackling the most difficult pieces. I joined a jazz band, participated in both beginner and advanced ensembles, and even won first place in a talent show.

When high school arrived, the experience continued smoothly, but as graduation approached, I faced a choice. My mother wanted me to join the military, but I was determined to pursue music. On graduation day, I had to return my school-issued trumpet, and I feared it marked the end of my musical journey.

A janitor who had seen me practice every morning approached me and asked if I had a trumpet of my own. When I said no, he returned the next day with an old trumpet he no longer used. He said, “I see your dedication. I don’t need this anymore. Take it.” That gesture confirmed my resolve: music was my calling.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I perform at venues, parties, and weddings, and I also organize my own shows in Houston under the name Lunar Eclipse Concerts. These events feature live music performed beneath the eclipsed moon, blending celestial themes with a unique style of cosmic jazz. My two albums showcase these galactic musical compositions, merging the otherworldly with the artistry of jazz.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Here are three key qualities and skills I’ve developed that have significantly impacted my music career:

1. Business Acumen: Understanding the music business is crucial for financial success. While anyone can play an instrument, many musicians lack knowledge about copyrighting, metadata, and distribution. In an ideal world, a team or label would handle these aspects, but today, musicians often need to navigate these complexities independently.

2. Grace: It’s important to show respect and understanding to your band members. There’s a misconception that being harsh will make them perform better or respect you more, but the opposite is often true. Treating your bandmates with kindness fosters a positive environment and strengthens the group dynamic. As a leader, it’s crucial to balance grace with assertiveness.

3. Open-Mindedness: Embracing diverse perspectives is essential in music. While disagreements are inevitable, being open to different ideas and viewpoints helps create harmony and enriches the collaborative process. Understanding and valuing each other’s contributions can lead to a more cohesive and creative team.

What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?

The primary challenges I’m currently facing are increasing my income and securing a tour. I’m considering hiring a manager and booking agent to assist with these goals, but I’m hesitant due to a lack of trust in the process.

Additionally, I’m tackling the challenge of balancing my music career with my education. I’m attending Texas Southern University on a jazz scholarship, and I see this as an opportunity to stay grounded and achieve personal growth while pursuing my musical ambitions.

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