Name: Jamyah Alvarez

Instrument: Piano

How long have you been involved in music?

I’ve been involved in music since I was 12. I learned the clarinet in my middle school band and have been playing up till my senior year in different programs. I graduated from Tulsa Tech my junior year in sound engineering, and also joined Sistema Tulsa Youth Orchestra as a member for 3 years up until my senior year. I will always be keeping music with me.

Why is music important to you?

Music is important to me because I finally found a career path that I am passionate about. Before music, I was worried that I wouldn’t have a plan after high school; I didn’t know what to do. Music has shaped my life for the better. Because of music, I now have a passion and something to keep me going. It has not only taught me to appreciate various genres of music, but it is also a helpful form of therapy.

Tell us about your time at The bART.

I felt like my time at The bART was very meaningful. I enjoyed getting a chance to perform duets with other students. I took lessons for 3 years at The bART and, compared to when I started, I believe I’ve grown a lot as a musician and a person. I always like to focus on my personal growth. It took me a while for the stage fright to go away, I’m still a shy person, but when performing I can now play with my mind at ease.

Where will you be going from here?

After high school I plan on attending TCC for 2 years then transfer to OU to further my music education.

A message from Jamyah:

I would like to thank my piano teacher Ms. John. I learned a lot from her in just a short amount of time we had together. Covid did push me back, but I kept working. I’m grateful that I got to spend my high school years with an amazing teacher. Because of everything I learned, I’m now ready to take my music to a new level.