Spotlight on Jonathan Beard, ETM-LA Associates Board Member

Can you share a little bit about your background (growing up) in music? 

My parents were both musicians, so there was always music in the house. My mother is a professional piano and voice teacher, and now retired performer. And my father was an amateur trumpet player. We always had music going on in the house. Songs, rehearsals, discussions, it was a wonderfully rich musical home to grow up in.

How has music shaped your life?

Music may not quite be air to me, but it’s close. I have had music in my life longer than I have conscious memories. I don’t remember the exact age where I got it in my head that I would want to do music professionally, but I know that I was pretty young, certainly long before I knew what that process actually meant. The fact that it’s led to such a rich creative path of composing, orchestrating, and producing, from electroacoustic chamber music to orchestral recordings, has been extremely special. I am so lucky that I get to do this, and I never want to take it for granted.

How and when did you first get involved with the work of ETM-LA?

I began working with ETM-LA as a teaching artist in its second year of programming, and I continued to do that for a few years in the late 2000’s. My wife and I were friends with Victoria as she was starting to build this new organization, and she presented this opportunity to me at an important point in my development. I was recently out of school, figuring out my path forward as both an educator and creative professional, and I’ll always be grateful for that teaching experience. As my professional schedule got more full in the following years, my role at ETM-LA had to shift, but now I cheer from the sidelines as a supporter of the mission! I love that as an Associates Board member, I can look back on that history within the organization; the gift that I have gotten to see it grow and flourish and touch the lives of so many students. It also has touched me.

What inspired you to want to serve on the Associates Board for Education Through Music-LA?  And what continues to motivate you to serve? 

It was a natural position to move into after I stopped teaching. First, serving on the Associates Board keeps me connected to this organization that has had such a profound impact on children’s lives in Los Angeles. Second, it is a chance for me to amplify and advocate for the organization in some small way, even if I’m no longer involved as a teacher. A chance to preach the gospel of Education Through Music-Los Angeles is something that I take seriously, and value getting to do.

Can you share an experience with Education Through Music-LA that has positively impacted you?

One meaningful experience that comes to mind was the Music Unites the World Festival a few years back, where I served as a mentor, and got the chance to reunite with some of the faculty members from the elementary schools where I taught back in the day. That was really special.

For those who might be interested in serving on the Associates Board for Education Through Music-Los Angeles, what is the best way to get involved?

Reach out! ETM-LA is looking for young professionals who are interested in serving; for instance, by putting on events to raise awareness of the organization. It’s an auxiliary board to the main Board of Directors, so there’s as much to be made of it as participants want to put in.

Why is music education so important for every child?

Because music nourishes, full stop. Just like food, just like air, just like water, music serves the brain and helps make us better, well-rounded people. The data supports this beyond contention, and we owe it to our children to give them all this opportunity. Every child deserves a music education.

Would you like to share anything about a recent or current project you’re working on?

Working on the two Wicked films recently as an orchestrator and arranger will always be one of my career highlights for sure! And the future looks bright ahead with fulfilling projects. My orchestration partners and I are extremely grateful to get to work with the composers we work with, helping to bring their scores to fruition. I can’t wait for what’s next.