Music, like sports, is the most fun when it's done to the best of one's ability.
Q&A with Dr. Lathan
How did you become interested in Music?
I grew up in a musical family and have two older brothers who play professionally. I also have a sister who is an artist and another sister who is a writer. It was truly a renaissance family! Listening to music, from a very young age, became a source of enjoyment and inspiration for me. When I began to study and make my own music it was like a dream come true.
Why should someone consider studying Music?
If one is interested in it, music could become a wonderful outlet of diversion and self-expression. One doesn't need to seek music as a profession – many, many people I know are musicians whose professional lives are in a wide variety occupations! For someone seeking music as a profession it can be very personally rewarding.
How would you describe your teaching style and what can students expect in class with you?
I work to be inclusive and encouraging, and to expect students to bring their best effort to their musical endeavors. Music, like sports, is the most fun when it's done to the best of one's ability. I work to encourage students to "practice every day" so they can enjoy music-making the most for the unique rewards that it can provide. If they are seeking a professional life in music it will benefit them, of course, to be the best that they can be at their chosen talent.
What should students know about studying Music at Waubonsee?
We have performing groups - Chorale, Concert Band, Jazz Band and Jazz Combo, Steel Band, and Electronic Music Ensemble - that are always looking for people to join! You do not have to be a music major to join one of our groups! Chorale and Steel Band can take rank beginners. We also offer class guitar and piano for those just starting out. We have audio production and recording classes for students interested in learning about the exciting field of making records – again open to those just starting out as well as musicians with some background. (We also have an intro to music business class to help students get started selling those records they make.) For music majors, or for those looking to enrich their knowledge of music, we have applied study – one-on-one instruction on specific instruments and voice – and music theory classes to further one's overall knowledge of this creative field.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I'm a very curious person and I love to learn new things. People who know me know that I like to ask questions and dig into things that are new to me! I enjoy travel, studying languages, and learning about various sciences such as astronomy, chemistry, and neurology. I love to experience different cultures, either among people I meet here or while travelling inside and outside the U.S. I also enjoy baseball and brewing beer.
