Instructor Spotlight: Bill Cashdollar
This week, we're excited to introduce Bill Cashdollar, a dedicated instructor who's been part of The Center of Music and Art family for 15 years! Fun Fact: Bill writes his own percussion method books that we sell here in our store! Be sure to read his Q&A below!
Q: What instrument(s) do you teach?
A: I teach varying levels of most percussion. Drumset, snare drum, drumline, mallets, and hand percussion.
Q: How long have you been teaching?
A: I have been teaching for 18 years, 15 of those at CMA.
Q: What inspired you to start teaching?
A: My musical journey began when I was six years old. Through those years, I've had a seemingly countless number of music teachers, a few of which really made me love the craft enough to want to pass it on. These teachers, along with a few not-so-good ones, have helped me learn what to do, as well as what NOT to do, to help every student reach success at every level of their musical journey.
Q: What genres or styles of music/art do you enjoy most?
A: That's kind of a tough question for me, as I listen to just about everything. I think there are both amazing AND terrible songs in every genre, so to me, it's less about the genre, and more about the quality of care given to the craft.
Q: What is your favorite thing about teaching at The Center of Music and Art?
A: Definitely the people. I know it's cliché, but this place is definitely an extended family.
Q: Do you have any memorable moments or success stories from your teaching career?
A: There's so many... I have several students who have gone on to become performers and/or educators themselves. It's nice knowing that I've helped them prepare for their future. I also have so many former students who have gone into just about every field imaginable, but they all point back to their time in music that helped them become the people they are today. And most of them still play! But there's nothing quite like the feeling of taking a gig, whether it be a performance or a director position, and having former students be 'on-the-bill' or 'on-staff' with you. They've become your equal, and they're now a part of the team.
Q: What advice do you have for students just starting out?
A: Don't give up on yourself after a boring first lesson or a bad third or fourth lesson. Be patient with yourself, and you'll be amazed at what you can do. Progress isn't linear; there are ups and downs and plateaus and valleys. Days where you feel like you can play everything, and days where you feel like you can't play anything. Just keep playing. And most importantly, don't be afraid to play poorly - play the wrong note, play the wrong tempo, play the wrong volume - it takes playing it poorly to learn how to play it better. Mistakes are your friend.
Q: What do you like to do outside of teaching? Any hobbies or interests?
A: My wife and I love spending time exploring. We love traveling around to experience vintage and antique trains, finding covered bridges, and enjoying all of the beauty of nature. I also enjoy a good bit of sci-fi, both on screen and in books.
Q: Is there a particular artist or musician who inspires you?
A: There's so many through the years. My first love of music came from hearing the music of John Williams while watching Star Wars. He is still my favorite composer to this day. My first piano teacher, Mary Jane, had the patience of a saint with my six-year-old self. Mr. Dann Booth, my first band director, was so great and getting me started on my drumming journey. Of course I took drum and guitar lessons here at CMA from Barry Truluck. Aaron Bishara and Doug Neel, both former professors of mine at Mount Vernon Nazarene University, really took the time to fine tune all of the things that I needed, not just as a musician and music educator, but in all the things that come with that. There have been countless other teachers, directors, and fellow musicians, but there are two others who will always have a lasting impact: Brett Cain and Stephan Carroll. Though they both have passed on, there is not a day that goes by that I don't think about them, and the impact they've had on my life, both musically and personally.
Q: What’s your favorite piece to play or teach?
A: Any piece that has a good groove, deep pocket, and feels good is always my favorite to play. As far as teaching, Rock & Roll Band by Boston, or Everlong by Foo Fighters are two really great songs to inspire and motivate up-and-coming drummers.