SAE Institute Atlanta Student Takes Time Off from Classwork to be New Edition’s Touring Keyboardist
Atlanta, GA (PRWEB) July 29, 2014 -- SAE Institute Atlanta Audio Technology Program student Jamin Eunice is taking six weeks off from his studio engineering curriculum and joining multi-million selling r&b artists New Edition as the keyboardist for their national summer tour. Eunice will be on the road with the band through August, at which time he’ll continue with his studies at SAE.
“My gig with New Edition came about because a friend of mine saw a YouTube video of me playing an original live arrangement of Ciara’s ‘Body Party’,” says Eunice, who describes his playing style as churchy, jazzy, and “from the heart and mind.” “My friend sent the video to a keyboard player who tours with Justin Bieber, Usher, the Gap Band, SOS Band, and many others. The guy liked my work, and when he heard that New Edition’s regular keyboardist was on the road with TLC in Australia, he was able to get me hired. I’m now hitting 25 cities on a six-week North American tour!”
Eunice grew up in Augusta, GA. His parents supported his early interest in music (he loved banging on pots and pans with wooden spoons), and at age 8, Eunice began taking piano lessons. His natural abilities allowed him to figure out and perform the Motown, beach music, and classical music that his mother played around the house, and he drew inspiration from such piano luminaries as Robert Glasper, Art Tatum, Oscar Peterson, Fats Waller, and Kevin Powell. He graduated from Glenn Hills High School in 2008.
“I was interested in pursuing a degree in audio technology because I knew it was more stable and with more long-term opportunities than only being a musician or artist,” says Eunice. “I took a look at other schools, but SAE Atlanta was the best for me at the time. The curriculum is great and practical, and it’s preparing students for real life situations. The teachers are also excellent and the facilities are state-of-the art. In fact, the gear, equipment, and consoles that I see and use outside of SAE I also see and use in SAE.”
Eunice would like to continue touring when the opportunities make themselves available. Ultimately, he aims to be the head engineer in a top studio facility in the film, music, gaming, or television industry.
“My advice to SAE students is to capitalize on what you do best, and focus on doing it even better,” says Eunice. “If you work hard, are eager to learn, and are willing to go the extra mile, you will be noticed, and people will want you on their team. Also, develop your networking skills. You never know when you’ll get an amazing opportunity to do something exciting, and by taking advantage of the easy networking that technology makes possible, you must do it to keep moving forward.”
Jeffrey Baker, SAE Institute, http://www.sae-usa.com, 646-355-1804, [email protected]
Share this article