Life & Work with David Wyatt Jr. of Murfreesboro

Today we’d like to introduce you to David Wyatt Jr..

Hi David, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started taking piano lessons when I was 7, but it wasn’t my favorite. I put music down for a while until I picked up playing drums again as a teenager. Before I left for college, one of my mentors, John Jackson, introduced me to a new way to see piano and sparked my interest. Once I got to college, my now wife asked me to come and play at their church in Murfreesboro. I wasn’t skilled at all during this time, but I agreed. After graduating, I was able to accept a job teaching music at MNPS. During my time here in Middle TN, I was fortunate to meet another mentor, Keith Rogers, who showed me a closer look into what I was playing and when to do it. I’ve always enjoyed the sounds of various instruments, which is why I try to play so many for personal enjoyment. I’m thankful that I teach my passion to young kids daily. It is truly a blessing.

Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I’d say the road hasn’t been too bumpy regarding music. However, today, it is easy to become discouraged as a musician when you see so many talented people, especially when they’re only 12 or 13. Once I started focusing on doing what I could and finding my sound, I felt like it made the journey a little easier. Although I play more frequently now, I don’t know many people on the Nashville music scene, and networking is huge when it comes to playing and potentially receiving bigger opportunities.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
So, I am currently K-5 music in Metro Nashville Public School. This year will be my 6th year teaching. Over the years, I have been blessed to teach and show my students my passion for music and how I utilize it in my daily life and make it fresh and new. This past year I did a recording session with my students, who were so invested. Tears of frustration with their classmates began to fall because they did not want to settle for anything other than the best they could give. They could motivate and inspire each other without a word from me, and I enjoyed watching them. I’d like to think you won’t find another classroom like mine anywhere. We will do anything from TikTok dances to learning one of their favorite (school-appropriate) songs. I like to be spontaneous because it benefits both teacher and student.

Risk-taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I don’t consider myself to be a risk taker. I like to try and feel as stable as I can. That doesn’t mean I’ve always made the right choice. Sometimes risks are necessary to propel yourself forward in life or chase the dream you desire. I applaud the risk-takers for having the courage to go after what they want relentlessly.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/d_wyattjr12/?hl=en
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/user/DdayJr12?sub_confirmation=1

Image Credits
Anthony Ferrell Trista Boseman