Join us in celebrating this month’s Spotlight Student Jay Pickett! Jay was encouraged to try out Mason Music’s programs by a group of friends over eight years ago. His friends shared their positive experience with Rock Band League (“RBL”) and how it helped them develop as musicians. He took his friends’ advice and decided to give it a shot. Today, Jay’s a passionate guitarist because of his experience growing and developing through RBL. In fact, Jay’s band Static won the headliner division in the spring 2024 Battle of the Bands and Jay was awarded MVP of the season. Reflecting on RBL, Jay praised his band coach Tim as specifically impactful in his growth. He shared, “Coach Tim has been incredibly kind, constructive, and has legitimately established himself as a true mentor to me.”
Jay draws inspiration from Southern rock bands like Lynyrd Skynyrd, Drive-By Truckers, and The Allman Brothers. Additionally, his musical taste is shaped by his father’s favorites, including Hüsker Dü and The Replacements. Listening and practicing this music has helped Jay refine his skills, specifically developing more “chops” in different areas. When practicing and playing music get difficult or discouraging, Jay offers the following advice to fellow musicians: “Stick with it. It only gets better.”
When Jay is not playing music, you can find him participating in a variety of activities. He is the vice president of his school’s service club and a member of Mason Music Foundation‘s Junior Board. The Mason Music Foundation Junior Board provides an opportunity for junior members to learn through experience with governance, fundraising, and marketing while impacting their community. In addition, Jay enjoys reading, studying history and politics, and trying to play basketball with his friends. He joked, “Emphasis on the word ‘try’.”
As Jay continues to grow at Mason Music, his story encourages us to stay committed and embrace new challenges. If you see Jay in the studio, be sure to give him a shout out!
Click here to start your journey with music lessons at Mason Music
Learn more about Rock Band League here.
