Breyon Ewing’s achievements as a Joy of Music School student were extraordinary by any measure. Starting out as a “lovable, scrawny teen with oodles of potential” (in Executive Director Frank Graffeo’s words), he grew to become an accomplished singer with a robust tenor voice. As a senior in high school, Breyon earned the Grace Moore Memorial Scholarship—a merit-based full ride to the University of Tennessee.

Now, four years later, he’s adding to his JoMS legacy by returning to the School as a teacher.

This fall, Breyon began teaching piano and voice lessons to 15-year-old Michael and piano lessons to Michael’s brother David, 8. “Being back really feels nice,” Breyon says. “It’s cool.”

It was only natural to return to the School, where as a youngster he was taught by volunteer instructor Andrew Skoog, a celebrated tenor and UT associate professor of voice. “It changed my life—it really did,” Breyon says of the School. “Being in that program convinced me that I could get into music as a career.”

“I’m really proud of him,” says Frank. “He knows what it’s like to take an opportunity and make the most of it – and that’s going to mean a lot to his students.”

Breyon expects to wrap up his UT undergraduate degree next year and then will likely pursue a master’s in music pedagogy. This would make him a certified instructor, with a goal of setting up his own studio for teaching and performing.

We’re confident Breyon can achieve whatever he wants. In the meantime, we’re glad to have him back among our dedicated team of volunteer instructors.

 

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