We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Reesa Myers. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Reesa below.
Hi Reesa, appreciate you sitting with us today. Maybe we can start with a topic that we care deeply about because it’s something we’ve found really sets folks apart and can make all the difference in whether someone reaches their goals. Self discipline seems to have an outsized impact on how someone’s life plays out and so we’d love to hear about how you developed yours?
My self-discipline developed from a few different activities and interests that I participated in when I was in school. However, cheerleading is the one activity that stands out; I feel it has attributed the most to my development of self-discipline. In high school, I was involved in cheerleading but did not engage in any of the competitive moves, such as tumbling and stunting.
When it was time to attend college, I wanted to join the cheerleading squad. I went to the tryout, and let’s say, I totally bombed it. The other girls were able to do back flips and backhand springs, while I ended up face down on the ground when attempting a simple cartwheel.
When the coach announced who was on the squad, deep down inside I knew the answer, but I was still heartbroken when I heard I did not make the team. The coach pulled me aside and suggested that if I was serious about getting on the cheer squad, I should join the competitive team. The competitive team was not affiliated with the college, it was open to the public between the ages of 14-19. I was right at the cut-off age, I applied and made it in.
My parents did not want me to join cheerleading, as they thought it would take away from my focus on schoolwork. That meant I had to get a job and pay for cheerleading on my own while going to school. My desire was so strong, nothing was going to get in the way. I worked hard in every aspect. I went to every practice, every competition, and every parade, and did everything and beyond what was asked of me. I also went to the gym outside of practice to become stronger and more flexible. I practiced my routines on and off the mat. The next thing I knew, I was doing the coolest stunts and my team was taking home first place in competitions! I attended the college tryouts and I made it— I was on the team!
My cheerleading experience was a great lesson in self-discipline and focus. I worked hard on and off the clock. I learned time management by juggling between school, competitions, practice, and work; which eventually led me to be on the college cheerleading team. The biggest lesson for me throughout this whole process is —anything is possible if you put your mind and efforts toward it.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’m the founder of Musician’s Addition Music School. I wanted a way to spread music education to anyone who wanted to learn, regardless of age or income. Many adults think it is too late for them to learn an instrument. It is never too late to learn. Price is generally a big concern as well, buying instruments and paying for lessons. Hence, Musician’s Addition was born to help with these concerns and offer opportunities to enjoy music.
Musician’s Additions can’t provide the instruments to the students; however, we do have a YouTube channel with teaching videos along with different methods and lesson books. We try to structure it so that it feels like a private lesson. The YouTube lessons are great for someone on a tight budget and/or busy schedule. Currently, our YouTube channel teaches flute, alto saxophone, piano, guitar, cello, and drums.
We also will be introducing and evolving into our own courses with methods and lesson books. I was self-taught on the flute when I first started playing and I did experience much success (getting into honor bands, band camps, & received a full-ride scholarship to college). When I went to college, I had to re-learn certain things, such as hand placement, since I didn’t learn the proper techniques. Taking from my experiences, formal and informal, the courses will include fundamentals, and proper techniques, with more detail and structure than the YouTube channel. As well as being more personal and fun. This is perfect for someone who likes to learn at their own pace.
We also have our one-on-one lessons for those who have more time to dedicate to their learning. We tailor these lessons specifically to the student and their goals. Right now, our lessons are online only, but we have some pretty happy students.
We also just rolled out our online community, free for anyone to join. Here, we discuss anything about instruments, ask questions, share knowledge, show performances or progress, participate in games, and enjoy being a part of a music community.
Musician’s Addition Music School is a great place for anyone to learn music at their own pace and connect with people with the same musical interest all at an affordable cost.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
I believe that the most important quality for success is being authentic about what you are doing in life, and loving it. When you alter yourself to fit what other people think, you’re limiting yourself, your creativity, and the potential to fully express your art.
Next, you should always keep going; be persistent. Whatever you are trying to pursue, there are going to be times it gets hard. Your mindset is huge here. What are you going to learn from the challenges? Remember that patience pays off: Keep going.
And the third quality is to keep learning. Skills can be learned from anything you are trying to achieve. If you are open-minded, continue to learn,and take the opportunities that arise, anything is possible.
Looking back at my own journey, I had always wanted to be a music teacher. I ended up taking a different path for a little bit, but the fire was always in me. I’ve had people who tried to tell me the right or only way to be a music teacher, was to be in a public school. Of course, this is not true at all. I had to find my own path and what felt right to me, which is creating some form of program that can appeal to anyone. I wanted to make music available to all who want to learn.
Creating a music school has not been easy. There have been several challenges, such as: Paying the music teachers on YouTube with little funds. Learning the copyright laws concerning our method and lesson books and contracting composers to write original compositions. I also had to learn how to create a website, run a social media account, write blog posts, business skills, and the list goes on. Of course, it can be frustrating at times, but it is all worth it.
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?
A challenge that I am currently facing concerns itself with backing tracks. Backing tracks are pre-recording audio tracks that accompany musicians so they can play along and experience playing with other instruments and groups.
Our backing tracks do not sound very professional, more like a computer is playing it. That’s because a computer is playing it. Good backing tracks are expensive. We are working on getting these tracks improved by hiring someone to clean up the sounds and getting better plug-ins and programs for better sounds. But we are confident with focus, determination, and wanting to have the best for our students, we will improve this area and excel in all areas.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.musiciansaddition.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/musiciansaddition/
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/musiciansaddition
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/@musiciansaddition
