Today we’d like to introduce you to Demetrius Doctor.
Hi Demetrius, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started playing music at the 5 in my home church, Royal Missionary Baptist Church in N. Charleston. I come from a family of singers, but no instrumentalists. My older cousin Lavonta Green, Sr., whom I look to like a brother, started playing music and I wanted to do everything he did, so I started playing music! Looking back, I truly believe it was divinely inspired that I began down that path. I had a natural talent for music and kept with it, as did my cousin. I attended the Charleston County School of the Arts, where my musicianship was shaped even more. I went on to study at Belmont University in Nashville, TN, before ultimately getting my degree in Music from the College of Charleston. I went on to get a Masters of Arts in Music Technology from Coastal Carolina University. All of these experiences, from playing musical games with my cousin, to early mornings and late nights in church, to the schooling I received from those various institutions made me the musician I am today. I am proud to be now be the Minister of Music at that same church, Royal Missionary Baptist. I was formerly an Assistant Professor of Music Technology at South Carolina State University and now am the Director of the Charleston Jazz Academy. I would not have been able to do any of these things without that foundation and the help of so many: Charlton Singleton, Rodrick Simmons, Quentin Baxter, Michael Brown, Rev. Dr. Isaac Holt, Jr., and countless others.
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?
There have been many struggles along the way. I am a perfectionist in a creative discipline; this is eternal conflict in itself HAHA! Struggling to embrace mess ups, change, difference of opinion (especially as an only child) is a life process for me. The men on both sides of my family struggle with substance abuse, as well, so navigating this musician lifestyle as a teetotaler is more challenging than many know. And even in our time, living in the south as a rather large (I’m working on it) African-American male presents its own unique set of challenges. I try to use it all as motivation to be better tomorrow than I was today.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Charleston Jazz Academy?
It is my goal that the Charleston Jazz Academy be the premier place to learn music, specifically what we call jazz music, in South Carolina. We are an after-school music learning center where through combo classes, private lessons, and masterclasses, we continue teaching the tradition of Jazz and that of the Lowcountry. We also provide in-school jazz performances to school in the tri-county area. We are the only music teaching institute in our area that teaches jazz and I’m proud that we employ the finest jazz musicians and instructors to guide our students on the path we believe they should go.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
My advice would be to take advantage of the time you have starting out. In most cases, you will NEVER have that much time again. Practice…practice….practice, and when you get tired of that, practice some more. The shed should be your best friend.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Charlestonjazz.com/education
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chsjazzacademy/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/charlestonjazzacademy
