Life & Work with Cade Wilson of Athens, GA

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cade Wilson.

Hi Cade, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Growing up in Bethlehem, Georgia I started piano lessons at the age of 12 and my first piano teacher was my next door neighbor. I took about 3 years of lessons from her and later began lessons with my pre-college piano teacher, Joey Hokayem, in Athens, Georgia following a couple years break from one-on-one lessons. From there, I auditioned to join the music program at University of North Georgia where I was accepted with a scholarship for Piano Performance under professor Joanna Kim. After studying with her for 2.5 years I transferred into the Hugh Hodgson School of Music (HHSOM) at the University of Georgia to study under Dr. Evgeny Rivkin for the remainder of my undergraduate education and for the first year of my masters degree. I now am in the second year of my masters degree studying under Dr. Alan Woo for the remainder of my time at the University of Georgia.

From my Sophomore year until present I have taught private piano lessons as part of the faculty at New School of Music, located in Buford, Georgia while also being on staff as a collaborative pianist. I have also been involved in student organizations at the University of Georgia’s HHSOM such as the Chamber Music Society and TONIC, where I have served on the executive board as Vice President for the past year. Recently, I also joined the faculty of UGA’s Community Music School where I teach private lessons to members of the Athens community on a semesterly basis.

I hold a bachelors degree in Piano Performance and will soon hold a masters in Piano Performance and Pedagogy as well as Collaborative Piano. My passion is music and it is my goal as a performer and educator to share the transformative powers of music with as many people as possible.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My largest hurdle to overcome in life, so far, has been being able to be fully present. At my age, 24, and being a grad student studying music, there is so much happening on a daily basis that it is difficult to fully absorb the beauty in important moments like recitals, lessons, travel, making memories with loved ones, etc. due to the chronic stress of always looking to climb the mountain you’re trying to conquer. It has been really stressful managing being a teacher to my own studio while also being a student myself. I have to practice what I preach everyday and it is hugely difficult at times with being pulled in so many directions as a student, teacher, husband, friend, brother, etc. In this stage of life, I know it is part of the experience of being in your 20’s, but it certainly is challenging.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a musician. I categorize myself as a teacher and performer. I specialize in music performance and education and I am most proud of my abilities to have a high level of training in both areas. This means I can coach students to a very high level given that I have had to refine my own abilities throughout my education since I have training in different disciplines (performance as well as pedagogy).

What matters most to you? Why?
For me, it matters most that I impact people with my music or my musical abilities. As a teacher, this means that I hopefully create a lifetime love of music in my students. As a performer, this means captivating the audience’s attention during a concert and that they leave thinking of it not just as a concert, but as an experience – something that moves them, emotionally speaking.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pianist_cade
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@cadewilson3872
• Other: https://linktr.ee/cadewilson_pianist

Image Credits
Photo with myself and my student (the one with the poinsettia plants in the photo) is credited to Alejandro Imperial.