Meet Jason Hirth | Musician & Teacher

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jason Hirth and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jason, how does your business help the community?
The benefits of music on an individual and societal level can be remarkable. I’m grateful to share the gift of music one student at a time and hopefully this will create a ripple effect throughout the community. I’ve witnessed students improve: focus, discipline, confidence, memory, coordination, mood and reduction in stress all from learning an instrument. I think that music and the arts have a much larger impact on our lives than we often realize. Music can create happier, healthier people with more empathy and give them a great outlet to manage stress or difficult times in their lives. I also think that music is important in forming a connection with others on a deeper level. People from different parts of the world with little in common can form a strong bond over a piece of music or a shared musical experience. In that way I think teaching students to play and appreciate music can have a broader effect on humanity.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
Jason Hirth Music was created with the primary goal of sharing my love of music with others. The focus is on individual music lessons, while also providing recording opportunities and facilitating performances for students.

I’ve always found that the best teachers can adapt their approach to fit the individual needs and goals of their students. This is a vital part of my teaching style and I believe it’s been a big part of the company’s success. When a teacher can adjust to your learning style/goals, lessons are more enjoyable and you progress faster.

Getting started in Los Angeles was difficult at first because it takes time to establish connections and become a part of the local community. I was fortunate enough to work with several other music lesson companies while growing my business. The most difficult part was getting my first group of clients. Once I started working with a few great clients, I put all my energy into giving them the best lesson experience possible. The business took off quickly soon after by word of mouth and other referrals.

Over the years I’ve learned a lot about the importance of action. You can have all the dreams and goals in the world but progression only happens when you start to take actionable steps towards them. I’ve also learned to embrace change, by persisting and adapting.

One of my favorite parts of teaching is finding out what inspires my students and helping to foster that connection. Sometimes when sharing music, my students and I will both be inspired by new pieces.

The part of my business that makes me the most proud is seeing the joy that music brings to my students’ families. I’ve had several families start playing music together while performing at our recitals, recording, jamming at home or even playing on the LAX piano during a trip. Whenever I get to experience this, it reminds me of why I started my business and why music is such an important part of my life.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love driving the Santa Monica mountains, so one of the days we’d take the PCH up to Topanga and stop at Endless Color. They have outdoor seating, vinyl records and cool music playing. Then we’d cruise up Old Topanga, Mulholland Highway, and back down Malibu Canyon Road to the PCH. There are some great scenic views to stop and take in. Next we’d head to one of my favorite beaches- either Point Dume or El Matador in Malibu.

We would have to see a ton of live music that week. The Lodge Room in Highland Park has amazing artists coming in all the time mostly via the company Jazz Is Dead. Some of my other favorite spots for smaller shows are The Teragram Ballroom, The Echo, Gold Diggers, Permanent Records Roadhouse etc.

One day I’d take them to check out Gold’s in Venice for a workout and spend the day in the Venice/ Ocean Park area. Maybe dinner at Gjelina and beers at Library Alehouse.

I’d also drag my friend on a road trip out to Joshua Tree. It’s one of my favorite places to spend time outside the city and recharge. We could spend the day exploring the National Park including Keys View and then head over to Pappy and Harriet’s in Pioneertown for BBQ, drinks and live music outdoors in the desert air.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to give a shoutout to my parents for all their encouragement and support over the years. Roy and Pam, you’re the best! They’ve always encouraged me to pursue my passion for music and dreams even though sometimes I have my head in the clouds. My parents shared their love of music with me at an early age and i’ll be forever grateful for it.

I’d also like to shoutout one of my long time mentors, Sal Grillo! He gave me an incredible music foundation and I ended up absorbing so much of his approach into my own teaching style.

Lastly, a quick shoutout to all my creative friends for inspiring and encouraging me every day! Hopefully I can continue to reciprocate.

Website: JasonHirth.com

Instagram: Instagram.com/JasonHirthMusic

Facebook: Facebook.com/JasonHirthMusic

Youtube: youtube.com/JasonHirth

Image Credits
Ryan Burnett, Erin Clendenin, Kathryn Baar