Check Out Keegan Kaiser’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Keegan Kaiser.

Hi Keegan, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I am a musician currently studying jazz at The University of Kansas. I have been excited and intrigued by music since I was a small child. I began taking piano lessons from a family friend at a young age and went on to start an elementary band on the clarinet. I quickly switched to the alto saxophone when I moved on to the 6th grade. I have always taken music very seriously and put thought into what I play because music is the most powerful storytelling tool we can use to communicate our feelings with. My story is unique because I have been diagnosed with Tourette’s Syndrome. Although my symptoms are relatively mild, when I play music, all of my tics seem to disappear simply as my mind immerses itself in the soundscape. I am incredibly thankful for the things that music has brought to my life, including people, places, and life lessons.

I excelled throughout middle and high school, eventually reaching national and international recognition from the National Association for Music Educators and Downbeat Magazine. Even more recently, I traveled to New York with the KU Jazz Ensemble I to compete in a collegiate-level competition at Jazz at Lincoln Center. I was awarded the Earl Hines Overall Outstanding Musician award in this competition across all instruments. I am incredibly grateful for all the opportunities that have been given to me throughout my life and the people who have supported me, such as my parents, teachers, and friends. I am currently in school to improve my skills as a jazz musician and a saxophonist to make music my career and a focal point of my life. I encourage people to pick up an instrument as they can or even dive deeper into the kinds of music they like and discover new artists.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The biggest challenges I have faced so far have been feelings of self-doubt, self-criticism, and imposter syndrome. It can be discouraging to have these moments of extremely low confidence, even in the face of success and accolades. The key to overcoming these feelings is to surround yourself with people who believe in you and will always support you. Everyone can and will find someone who will support them, whether they have found them or not. I would tell anyone who struggles with these feelings to please reach out to friends and family to make their feelings known so that they can get the support they deserve! I have always wanted to accomplish new things and leave a mark on the places that I have been. I set new heights of achievement at my high school, and now I believe I am doing well in college. I want to inspire others by sharing my music with them and creating an emotional connection with the music.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I primarily play jazz saxophone, but I have also produced a few electronic and hip-hop tracks. Only a little of my music is available online, but releasing more music is certainly a goal of mine. I am most proud of my Outstanding Musician award the judges gave me at Jazz at Lincoln Center for the Jack Rudin Jazz Championship. I would never have thought that I would even get to play there, nonetheless, be given the highest honor they could have awarded me. Something that sets me apart from other musicians my age is my attention to detail when playing a ballad or lyrical piece. I have an affinity towards melodic and lyrical playing in a way that tells a story and carries weight.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs, or other resources you think our readers should check?
Recently the book “Effortless Mastery” by the great pianist Kenny Werner has impacted my outlook on life and music. This is a very well-known book in the jazz community, and it has so much information on how to approach music in a way free from self judgment.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://keegana202.wixsite.com/keegankjazz
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keegankjazz/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/keegan_kaiser
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@keegankaiser9566

Image Credits
Tina Kaiser