Submitted by Kaitlyn Wells
On the evening of May 2, Tyler Jackson played an impressive program for his last solo performance as an MGA student.
At 6 p.m. Jackson entered the Arts Complex Rehearsal Hall to a room of applause with his guitar professor, Dr. Terry Cantwell. Taking his seat at the front of the room before his music stand, Jackson checked intonation on key notes, tested a chord, and paused to compose himself before launching into his opening piece, Estudio 14, op.6, no. 12 by Fernando Sor.
As he played, audience members read program notes on the careers of the composers and the character of each piece. Some of the noteworthy selections are the works of Johann Sebastian Bach arranged by John W. Duarte and Domenico Scarlatti.
Jackson’s performance demanded the audience’s attention with melodic control, making the guitar sound like a harp in some pieces and a cello in others. Jackson’s ability to stretch and contract the time meter, smoothly raise and lower the volume of his instrument, and accent or glide through the chords were all masterfully modeled throughout the program as the years of devotion to his instrument sounded throughout the hall.
Vincent Perez Sanchez, a peer and long-time friend from high school, had nothing but praise for Jackson. “It was great,” Perez Sanchez said. “Some of the pieces he was performing were crazy. I think he played really great today.”
An upcoming senior Music major and guitar player himself, Perez Sanchez said he is “not sure when my senior recital will be,” but preparations are well underway. “I do have some songs I could play,” he said, “but if I practice more, I feel I can do better and play as good as [Jackson] could.”
When asked how many hours he thought went into this performance, Perez Sanchez said, “Honest answer, countless, but at least 6 hours a day. That’s what our instructor tells us…I want to be that great as well.”
Jackson’s said plans after graduation are to take a break, but he’s quick to clarify that this break will be spent continuing his education over the summer with Dr. Cantwell. And if Perez Sanchez’s confession about the number of hours Dr. Cantwell advises his students to spend practicing is any indication, Jackson will be spending a lot of time honing his skills. But at the same time, he’s continuing to foster a priceless relationship with his instructor. In the music community, building life-long relationships is crucial, and the MGA music faculty give students every opportunity for success.
Tyler Jackson and Guitar professor, Dr. Terry Cantwell relax after the successful completion of Jackson’s solo performance required by his degree in Contemporary Musicianship on May 2 in the Arts Complex Rehearsal Hall.