Hi, there! My name is Justus Mitchell.

Originally from Franklin, TN, I spent most of my youth in Shreveport, LA. While there, I found a deep passion for the performing arts. Beginning with piano, I developed a strong foundation in music theory, composition and performance. Using my knowledge of theory, I would later pick up guitar, bass, violin and vocals.

During my time at Centenary College of LA, I studied music composition & piano performance, performing with a variety of wind/string ensembles and professional choirs. On my own time, I would invest heavily into the art of production and the recording arts. I familiarized myself with all forms of music notation (i.e. guitar tablature and notation software such as dorico) to better aid in my own compositions as well as the instruction of my students.

I was lucky enough to have some great mentors over the years, many of which inspired me to begin teaching myself. I started a career in music instruction during my teenage years and found great joy in helping others learn the joy that is music. This art form has has deeply and profoundly impacted my life for the better and if I can help it do the same for others, I think that would be mighty swell!

Justus’ Teaching Philosophy: “My teaching philosophy focuses on adaptability. I’ve encountered students of all ages and backgrounds, and not a single one learns the same way as the last. That’s why I believe it to be important to be flexible and understanding, creating a warm and healthy atmosphere that will inspire the student to not only enjoy the lesson, but to also enjoy practicing on their own time.

I will always take into account the preferred genres/styles of the student while also introducing a healthy amount of new material to expand their musical horizons. I will usually have different approaches to teaching depending on the instrument, all of which are aimed towards the personal success of the student.

Given that I am classically trained, I will try to promote a fundamental understanding of music theory that will help the students better understand their favorite music and why they love it.”

What’s been the highlight of your professional career — like your biggest spotlight moment to date?
“In my teaching career, one moment comes to mind. I was teaching a young and incredibly bright student named Clementine. She was incredibly shy but a bundle of joy. After a lot of encouragement, we performed “Remember me” from the movie Coco for her first recital. After a great performance, seeing how excited and happy she was melted my heart. I was elated to be able to provide her with such a positive experience of music and I’m confident she’ll be playing for the rest of her life.”

What does being a “Mentor” mean to you and why are you excited to step into this role?
“Being a mentor to me is providing the student with a foundation that they can build upon in ways personal and unique to them. Everyone forms a distinct musical interest based on what they listened to growing up, so what works for me might not work for my student. That’s why it’s important to me to help the student find a love for music themselves, allowing their passion to grow independently even long after we part ways.”

What type of music did you grow up listening to? How did it influence your artistry?
“All kinds! The ones that stick out the most would be the 2010s rock scene like Coldplay, Paramore, Green Day, Panic at the Disco, MCR, RHCP, etc. At the same time, I was in love with artists like Daft Punk, Stevie Ray Vaughn and older music like Elvis, Dion, Paul Anca, Sinatra and the like. I also fell in love with soundtracks like those from The Legend of Zelda and the Studio Ghibli films, many of which first encouraged me to play the piano as well as begin to compose my own music. During my teenage years, I learned to deeply appreciate classical/romantic music such as that of Beethoven and Chopin, which greatly excelled my technical skill as a musician.”

Where is your favorite local spot? 
“Probably the Franklin Factory! Lots of great memories there growing up. Besides that, I’d say the Parthenon! Great picnic spot plus they used it to film the Percy Jackson movies which I find pretty cool.”

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
“Well, after my babysitter set a sandwich on fire and I got to see a bunch of firetrucks pull up, a firefighter was pretty far up on the list! Not long after, I fell in love with the concept of music therapy and then finally landed on being a film/video game composer!”