Brandon Bagaason of Big Quarters on Music and Arts Education

How did you get into making music, and how did arts education (or lack thereof) affect you and your music?

I was in church and community choir as far back as I remember. I also started playing Trumpet in fifth grade and played through high school. And I think that reflects on my parents, that music was valued at home. My dad played in a band in high school, they called themselves International Dateline. My mom told me to write a rap song, she told me to make my own before I had ever considered it within the realm of possibility.

I’ve been privileged. I took part in many art-related workshops as a young person, nine and 10 years old – visual art, theater and music. In high school, I didn’t have the same kind of access. And I think that lack of led me to value music and seek outlets, especially in hip-hop. Now, Zach and I run a music studio for young people at Hope Community – as well as facilitating songwriting and recording workshops in and around Minneapolis. I don’t think music education is necessary because it could be a career path – it is necessary, because some will choose music to express themselves – for most, it will give them experience to be more well rounded and contributing members of society.

This post is part of our 60-hour blogathon in support of music development and literacy within the Twin Cities. We appreciate you visiting the site – but before you go, we ask that you consider clicking the Donors Choose banner below and giving what you can to help enrich the lives of a number of local children through music and reading. Thank you. – Culture Bully