Adrian Gordon is an active performer, composer, and music educator living in Charlotte, NC. His colorful compositions are captivating for musicians of all ages from very easy to advanced levels. Over the years Gordon has written several acclaimed works for string orchestra such as “Apocalypse” and “Song of the Ocean Winds” to name a few.
Adrian takes pride in creating music that is fun and pedagogically sound at all levels. Mr. Gordon currently serves as the orchestra director at Providence Day School in Charlotte, NC. He received his B.A. in music from the University of Miami, and his Masters degree in Music Education at Florida International University.
In addition to teaching, Mr. Gordon is a composer with Alfred Music Publishing and the founder of Leap Year Music Publishing which publishes string music for elementary, middle, and high school ensembles. Mr. Gordon’s compositions appear on the California, Florida, Texas, Maryland, and Georgia Orchestra Association Music Performance Assessment Lists. His compositions are distributed through JW Pepper and have been performed throughout the world. Adrian resides in Charlotte with his wife Kelly and their two sons.
Trenches story: in previous position. Genesis for writing his book. As he transitioned into last position, journaled, fleshed out why having hard time. They weren’t accepting of his outlook. He has outlook “assume they can achieve”. Prev. school not fond of that way of thinking. Had to think of his own worth as a professional. Helped him write a lot of the book.
When did you get started playing music? age 8, sat & watched
mom play piano. He’d sit & mimic. Parents put him in music program in 6th grade. Sang in chorus. Got put into magnet music program in MS. Picked up guitar in HS, was in a band. Natural progressions.At U of Miami, principal instrument was violin.
What age are your students at Providence Day School K-12? *refer to compositions for diff grade levels* He teaches and composes for all 3 levels. For sale thru JW Peppard & his website.
What got you into composing? college-age, but first composition was in 7th grade. He’d understood after college ranges of his instruments. He’d put it in front of st’s blind.
Exciting to hear it played by others. He wanted to be change he wanted to see in his life-so came up w/ LEap Yr music. JW Pepper is vendor for his music. Solo piece has been played by famous violinist.
What is your favorite type of music to compose? he has done a few alternative style. composes contemporary string music. More geared towards K-12 string players. Apocalypse-strings w/ bass drum, sounds like it’s out of a movie. He’s an educator, conductor & composer.
Talk about your workshops-are they for conferences or for coming out to schools? Last 2 were him conducting diff. groups. Schools may invite him in b/c they’re playing his music, may want to do a q & a. Special to meet the composer. He also works w/ st’s, coach them.
Tell me about why you wrote your book Note to Self: A Music Director’s Guide for Transitioning to a New School & Building a Thriving Music Program: goes thru personal experiences, how he had difficulties in previous transitions. Lesson plans, journaling, how can he do it better? He says think about self-care, esp. as music educators. Think about your purpose-you’re there to help st’s, care about students. If you’re starting a new school, connect with outgoing director. Yearbook study- learn names before day 1. Find a mentor who knows the culture. Develop a beg. of year checklist. Go thru it & be able to knock it out. Do a meet & greet or promo video, welcome letter. Get parents involved w/ the vision.
Had a lot of valuable information for other edu, started compiling it into a book. Can give tips on beg. of school year for new band teachers. Get a hold of past concert program booklets-gives idea of level of st. playing.
What makes music teachers stand apart as great PD presenters, speakers, and *sometimes* authors? music requires us to be in front of an audience. You’re still sharing experience as a presenter. Another part is practice public speaking. He writes down what he wants to talk about. 1) always in front of a crowd, as music is meant to be heard. 2) they see such development w/in st’s. He sees them from 5th-12th grade. Offers diff. perspective. “they’re better suited”.
Out of everything? he tries to tell self it’s important to give yourself grace. Things aren’t always going to go how you want it to. No award for most burnt out teacher! Set boundaries!
Where can ppl find you online? www.adriangordonmusic.com book. compositions, social media FB, IG, twitter and videos @AdrianGordonmusic
He’ll be guest conducting: In Jan. in Murphysville, TN, Middle TN Honor’s Orchestra (Jan 11-14). In May will premier work commissioned by Empire State Orchestra. (A Tender Moment in Time). Book A Note to Self: Note to Self: A Music Director’s Guide for Transitioning to a New School and Building a Thriving Music Program: Gordon, Adrian: 9798218041847: Amazon.com: Books
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