About All Around Music

I showed interest in playing the cello at the age of nine and then switched to the viola at ten, after all the repairs I put my school instrument through during a clumsy growth spurt. Even so, I came to like the viola, since it still had the lows of a cello and the mids of a violin. As a violist, I have played many classical concerts, competitions and auditions.

While training classically on the viola, I was fascinated by many other string instruments, the guitar being one of them. Alongside the viola, I taught myself to play several instruments so I could create and perform the music that interested me, like rock, pop and hip-hop. It took me years to get good at it, but I was determined, practicing at least four hours a day. Despite all the practice and the frustration that came with it, I can honestly say I am happy it went that way, and I will explain why later. I was finally able to hone my skills and play in many styles, from traditional art music to mainstream media. I started writing my own music at fourteen and created my first symphonic piece, “Vincent,” at seventeen.

As I grew as a musician, I was also developing my skills in technology, which became another passion of mine. Since high school, I have been building and troubleshooting computers and networks. What drew me to it was the mindset that every problem has a solution, and usually more than one. You have to research and experiment to find them. It is definitely easier said than done, but knowing there was a way made all the difference.

I earned my degree in music from the University of North Texas and went on to study computer science for my next degree. However, something stopped me in my tracks, and it was my love for teaching music. I discovered that all the practice I had gone through, my experience and optimism as a troubleshooter, and my formal education had given me the tools to become a great teacher. I had the motivation and patience to help students overcome problems while learning an instrument, and with encouragement and guidance, it was exciting to see my students find a love for playing music. I kept getting better at teaching and devoted more than ten years of my life to being a public school music teacher and an at-home, in-person and in-studio music instructor.

With my knowledge and skills in technology and music teaching, I knew I wanted to create something that brought the two together seamlessly. Through much practice and experimenting, I discovered methods that could provide quality music lessons anywhere. And so All Around Music was born, giving students access to phenomenal music lessons no matter where they live (as long as they have internet, of course, for now). My vision as the founder is for the company to push innovation and allow students to experience a love for music. With the help of an awesome team of teachers and staff, I know we will continue to innovate and provide exceptional service.

Christopher Pinon, Founder and CEO