Meet our May Student of the Month! Poet’s been a student at MCMA since the spring of 2021, and they’re currently studying bass and guitar with instructor Amory Raymond; they’re also a member of Rock Band. Amory has this to say about his student:

When I met Poet at 2022 Jazz Camp, my first impression was: “Now there’s a straight shooter.” I sensed no fear in this individual who was ambitiously learning both drum and bass; instead, they were just counting away and being committed to the music, nose to the grindstone in the murky end of a jazz rhythm section. 

In addition to Poet’s consistent quality as a dedicated student, they’re always open to master anything new, regardless of their personal preferences. They learn the music thoroughly, then lay it down with precision. This quality reflects Poet’s strength as a bass player and as an aspiring professional musician.

Poet’s interest to explore a variety of genres and lean into collaborative learning ensures their development. Because of their curiosity and investment, we’ve studied everything from alternative plucking to harmonic presence to rhythmic awareness. Right now, they're moving into adult level skill sets while tackling a complex instrumental; it’s taking their technical facilities to a well-deserved new level, opening the door to another world for them to explore.