Description
If you look professional, and act professional, people will think you are professional…and you have yet to play – Paul Weikle
This question explores the transition from being an amateur musician to becoming a professional one. It delves into the criteria or milestones that define the shift, such as earning a certain income from music, obtaining formal recognition or accreditation, or dedicating a significant amount of time and effort to musical pursuits. It may also touch on the personal and professional considerations involved, such as financial stability, artistic development, career goals, and commitment to the craft. Overall, it’s a question about defining one’s identity and status within the music industry.
Meets the teachers
John A. Lumpkin II
John Lumpkin II is a producer, mentor, and artist. He obtains a Bachelor’s degree in Jazz Studies from the University of North Florida under the direction of Danny Gottlieb and a Master’s degree from Florida State University under the leadership of Leon Anderson. In 2009 he was also a part of the Ravinia Steans music institute and betty carter jazz ahead program, John grew up in the Pentecostal church and still plans to exercise his gifts there as well as in other national venues. However, he says “The church is the root of my zeal for music and forever shall be”.
While carrying his talents between Japan and Switzerland, he has also internationally been a part of the Jazz at Lincoln Centers Artist in Residency Program. In 2017 Wynton Marsalis combined with the Dr. Phillips Fine Arts Center in Orlando, FL to create the Dr. Phillips Jazz Orchestra of which John was a part.
Along with his passion for the church, he is also a part of Beyond Music. Beyond Music is an online platform where artists from around the world can create music. The late co-founder Tina Turner was a part of the Ambassadors for this movement and the artistic directors have been Larry Klien, Manu Katche, Michael League, and Bill Laurance.
Throughout his career, John has shared the stage with artists such as Emmet Cohen, Delfeayo Marsalis, Sean Jones, Marcus Roberts, Arturo Sandoval, Curtis Fuller, Doug Carn, Houston Person, Rufus Reid, Vanessa Rubin, James Moody, Nathan Davis, and David Baker. From serving on staff at the University of North Florida and Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, he is also the founder of the Jazz Discovery Series, The John Lumpkin Institute, and The Covenant which extends to the community based in Jacksonville, FL and abroad. His level of expectancy drives him to see many other things emerging from his gift of music to the world through his faith.
Barry Stephenson
New York City-based acoustic/electric bassist and composer Barry Stephenson has been acclaimed as “one of the most sought-after bassists on the scene today.” Released in 2020, Barry’s The Iconoclast was nominated for the NAACP Image Award® for Outstanding Jazz Album (Instrumental), and was notably the only independently-produced album in a category that included work by Jon Batiste, George Burton, Christian Sands, and Immanuel Wilkins. The Iconoclast was also named by Offbeat magazine as one of the Top 50 Albums of 2020.
