Faculty Feature: Piano Instructor: Alejandro Avila
Why do you love Barton?
I love the sense of community that we have here at the college. We all work together and support each other. I love how faculty and staff members are willing to go beyond normal expectations to help our students and guide them to a successful professional life.
Why did you go into music?
I just love music. Love playing the piano, teaching piano and music at large. Couldn't see myself outside the music world. Music involves being in contact with deep and personal emotions and it makes you feel special. Of course, that is without even taking into consideration how important musical training is for your cognitive development and motor skills.
What do you enjoy about teaching?
I enjoy passing knowledge to the new generation of music lovers. We all have personal connections with specific types of music. However, understanding music at a deeper level and being able to enjoy different genres due to the fact that the student understands songs or pieces, different structures, harmonic changes, melodic counter, etc. is something really special to pass on to someone. I guess giving my students the opportunity to understand better what they listen to makes me really enjoy my teaching experience. It gives them a whole new perspective of music appreciation.
Fun fact about you?
Born and raised in Paraguay but have been living abroad since I was 18. First moved to Brazil, then came to the US with 24. I used to play a lot of soccer. Can't find a group of friends of my age to be able to keep playing here in Kansas, but maybe I will find it here in Great Bend. Who knows?
Fav food?
Barbecue but Paraguayan style. Just less sauce and more meat. Also, pizza might be right next to it. I also love feijoada. If you don't know what it is, look it up. It will be worth it!
Last show you binged/loved?
I think it was the last season of the Peaky Blinders. It's just too good. I also like historic"ish" series, like the Last Kingdom.