The Jazz Music Institute was founded in 1996 and has been a higher education tertiary institution since 2009.
In the following blog series of ‘Where Are They Now?’, we talk to some of our alumni who we haven’t heard from in quite some time! We find out where life has taken them since graduation, and how studying at JMI benefited them throughout their career and life.
For this particular blog, we were lucky to chat with JMI alumni Al Wheeler who graduated from JMI’s Bachelor program in 2018. Read on for the full interview.
Tell us a bit about yourself. What do you play?
Hi! I’m Al, I studied trumpet at JMI until 2018. I’ve been gigging since I was 10 in ensembles ranging from klezmer and orchestras all the way through to rock and metal. I enjoy the challenge of jumping between different styles, and having to learn new things for every show.
What have you been doing since graduating from JMI?
I spent a few years playing in Brisbane, working in events and studying instrument repair before everything stopped when Covid 19 happened. After that, I have taken on venue ownership, bookings and management at Banshees Bar & Artspace out in Ipswich. I haven’t been on stage in the past few years as much as I would like, but am finding great pleasure stepping up to play and record with musicians I have met through the events I host.
What has been one of your biggest musical highlights in your career thus far?
Our shows at Jungle Love were always the most fun – huge crowds, stage divers, big parties!
What are your future goals in music?
I want to spend more time recording with people this year. Brisbane is putting out so much great music, and I want to be in it!
How has studying at JMI helped you to get where you are?
JMI has provided me with an awesome network of music professionals, an ability to roll with the punches and make it through any gig and an excellent attitude towards organising shows.
I was stoked to be able to use the business planning skills I learned from Sean Foran in running my own business, and I am proud to have seen many of my friends and acquaintances from my time at JMI come play at my venue. It also left me with the ability to play and blend with a huge range of different ensembles, and the confidence to play with almost any prompt.
What advice would you have for someone thinking about studying music and especially jazz?
Be open to all advice. Play every show you’re offered. Listen, learn and keep saying yes. Immerse yourself in the music and the culture, and find your niche!
Any advice for current students as they complete their Bachelor?
While doing as much as you can, make sure you keep time for yourself and play the music you love. Don’t forget to eat and sleep.
What musicians have you been listening to lately?
I’ve fallen back into Snarky Puppy recently, and am looking forward to seeing George at the Zoo in a few weeks with member of my cohort Brandon Mamata on guitar!
Any music links of yours we can listen to?