Interviewed by: Carol Ann Loeb

I am continuously amazed at the talented and dedicated students that thrive at Sayla Music Academy! We are all part of a vibrant assortment of unique individuals that offer their own talent and personality. Each person is like a thread that is woven together and makes the colorful fabric of our unique community. 

As soon as you enter the front door at Sayla, you are greeted with the buzzing sound of music making. As you make your way to your teacher’s studio, you may hear piano scales on the right and then follow the sound of a tuning violin and a strumming guitar as you walk up the stairs. Do you ever wonder who is playing the music behind the closed classroom doors when you come to your lessons each week?

Sayla would like to take the opportunity to highlight students and their musical journeys. This amazing and dedicated student is in Jim Miksche’s guitar studio. Maybe you will recognize his playing and get to know one more person who is behind the classroom door.

Student Spotlight : Zander Graddy

How old are you? 

16

Why did you choose to play guitar?

I played flute and saxophone before but wanted to try a stringed instrument, and my dad used to play guitar as a kid, too.

How long have you played guitar?

6 years

Why did you decide to start taking one-on-one lessons?

October of 2017 when I noticed self-teaching was becoming repetitive and boring.

What is your favorite part about learning music?

My favorite part about learning music is that I can approach things the way that I want and I can really express myself in music. I feel that tone is all in the fingers and soul of how you play.

What is your favorite genre of music?

Jazz and Heavy Metal

If you could play guitar with any musician/band, what would it be?

If I could play with any band it would be Ozzy Osbourne when he had Randy Rhoads [as guitarist.]

On average, how much do you practice each week?

Around an hour a day, so 7 hours a week. Sometimes this can really rise or lower because of school and other factors. Sometimes I play 10 hours a day, sometimes not at all.

Do you like performing music?

I love performing music! I wish I could do it more often. Playing is so much fun because I can really stress test my skills. There is no bedroom or do overs.

What is one of your musical goals for this year?

One of my musical goals is to nail the two Mr. Crowley guitar solos from Randy Rhoads who played for Ozzy. Also, [I’d like] to dive much deeper into learning Jazz music. I find it more challenging and a nice break from metal or rock and roll shredding.

What advice would you give someone who is interested in learning guitar?

One piece of advice is that you should slow down what you play and master it, otherwise you can build bad habits. Another is you should build a relationship with the things that you learn and not think of it as useless information. Once things start piecing together you really open up your skill set.

What do you like to do when you’re not playing music?

When I'm not playing music, I usually love listening to music and finding songs, riffs, techniques or styles that I can learn next time I play.

Want to be featured? Send us a video of you playing your instrument for a chance to be interviewed and given the Sayla Spotlight