October Student Spotlight: Kim Ewing

Our October 2024 Student Spotlight is shining on a bright, positive, funny and courageous drummer with eclectic taste in music – Kim Ewing. Kim has studied drums with Jason Cohen for nearly a decade, having taken over her son’s lessons when he began to lose interest and she’s still going strong 10 years later!

Jason loves to brag on Kim, saying she “leaves each lesson with a glowing sense of accomplishment, having learned something new or achieved her goals. Over the years, Kim has not only achieved so much on the drums but also in her personal life. One of my favorite memories is watching her perform on stage at the Recher Theatre with her band—something she once said she could never, and would never, do. Our lessons are deeply cathartic for both of us, and I’m incredibly grateful to have Kim in my life—not just as a drum student, but as a friend.”

Read on to learn more about this phenomenal drummer in her own words and congratulations Kim!

What is your instrument and how long have you been playing?

I have been playing the drums for about 11 years. 

What kind of music do you like to listen to and play?

I like a variety of types of music, depending on my mood.  Instrumental jazz (e.g. Yellowjackets), Classic soul/R&B (e.g. Earth, Wind, & Fire, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, O’Jays, Temptations, Isley Bros), Latin jazz and salsa, chill/lounge/ambient, disco, house, older pop…

I will play to whatever music I feel drawn to!  I’ve (attempted) Toto songs, Tom Misch, Alfa Mist, James Brown songs, Moonchild, Richard Spaven, Staples Singers, Brand New Heavies, and I recently got into genres (heavy metal/acid rock) I never thought I’d ever try—Bad Brains and Living Colour (although to be fair, I do own 2 Living Colour albums from back in the day!).

What’s your favorite thing about Stages or do you have a favorite Stages memory?

My favorite thing about Stages is my teacher—Jason Cohen. My favorite memory at Stages is probably the first time I got on stage to drum in public in front of people for a student recital.  I was terrified and quite angry with myself for agreeing to do it; I only did it because my teacher pushed/encouraged me.  First, it was amazing to sit next to and chat with the other students, who were all children (which was a bit of a trip being the only one my age doing the recital), and know we were all similarly freaking out about what we were about to do.  Second, it was deeply inspiring and moving to see the talent these students possess.  And third, it was actually exhilarating to get up there and play.  I couldn’t believe I was able to let go of my fear and “just have fun and play”, like I do at home.  Afterward, realizing that people in the audience felt that vibe along with me was magical!

What are your musical goals?

My goals are to have fun, keep challenging myself, grow and express my creativity. 

What are your hobbies or interests besides music?

I love cooking, especially figuring out how to recreate something I enjoyed at a restaurant.  I enjoy going salsa dancing, water aerobics, talking with similar-age and young-at-heart friends, and exploring woo-woo/new age/spiritual stuff, and getting up late on a weekday.

What inspired you to start playing music?

I started playing piano early and took lessons from about 6 – 13 y.o.  Later, I would buy sheet music to play songs I loved.  I think my Dad’s love of piano and guitar playing may have inspired me.  He never took formal lessons and had a natural gift.  My Mom also played piano and organ.

What do you love most about playing music?

I feel happy, free, and captivated when I play the drums.  When I am learning something new, a song or a technique, it transforms from frustrating and aggravating, to exhilarating when I keep coming back to it and I hear myself get it, when I didn’t think I ever would. 

Who are the musicians that inspire you most?

So many individual musicians inspire me.  I would say that what they have in common is they love what they do, they are great at it and love to grow (which means they weren’t just naturally gifted but work at it), and very importantly, they have a larger intention for their music that is about touching people and sending a vibration out into the world to expand our thinking, connect us, and push us beyond our boundaries. 

Who is your teacher and what do you appreciate about them?

Jason Cohen.  Jason is perfect for me for many reasons.  He is a master drummer.  He loves music.  Some people are trained teachers and are good at what they do.  Then there are people who may or may not have training, but they are gifted teachers.  That is Jason. He is patient and breaks things down in a language I can understand.  He doesn’t dissuade me from trying anything, we just make it accessible for my ability level.  He teaches me how to improve myself on drums. He challenges me to stretch beyond my self-imposed limitations, be it with drumming techniques, improving skills, or getting out of my basement and in front of others. 

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Do you know a student who deserves to be recognized? Nominate them for our Stages Student Spotlight!