Meet Randy Hoexter | Pianist, Composer and Educator

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

Hi Randy, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
In terms of business, have been a freelance musician, commercial composer, arranger, teacher and a studio owner over the years. As a musician, I never wanted to do anything else. I still make the majority of my income by playing piano. I often tell students that if they can be talked out of a music career, they probably should be. It’s a challenge to survive in the music business, so you need to be “all in.” I don’t believe in “backup plans.” You only live once, so you should pursue your purpose.

I also have a passion to be a composer. I write and record my own original music, compose and arrange for other people’s projects, and for corporate clients. This led me to owning a recording studio to facilitate the production of this music. For a while I tried to make extra income by recording other people. This business became impossible to maintain due to the proliferation of home studios and the collapse of studio rates.

I have also been a teacher for many years, and as I get older, the impulse to share what I have learned. Currently I teach arranging and jazz at Georgia State University, and have a number of private students.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am primarily a composer and jazz pianist. Every time I perform and people are moved, I consider this the peak of success for me. When I play with a group and the music is with us, I feel content. It took a long time for this to happen, and it is not a consistent thing, though I wish it was.

I have made several recordings of my compositions, and this is probably what I am most excited about. They are not particularly profitable, but that is not the point of music for me. Just creating something that adds our unique voice to the world is the purpose. These recordings take years to make, and are a mountain of work, soul-searching, trial-and-error and learning. They also require the passion and generosity of my musical collaborators,

Learning to play and compose music that I am proud of is by far the most difficult, time-consuming and sometimes painful journey of my life, and it never ends. There is always something new to learn and work on, so finding peace with that process is necessary. It requires surrendering our ego and opening our minds.

The biggest lesson I have learned along the way is to do one thing at a time, and do that thing with your full attention. Keep track of your goals and obligations, but once you have decided on what to do, bring all your abilities to that task. Life is complex, and you can get spun around by trying to process everything at once. Be in the moment.

Another lesson is that people will be who they are, and they will do their best work when allowed to manifest their unique identity. With musicians, this means finding people who you appreciate and who understand what you are trying to do. People who you see you as a rival, or who appear to have conflicting values will not change. Find your creative “family” and celebrate them.

For me, my work is driven by curiosity; I want to see where an idea goes. I can hear that same motivation in the music I admire, from Bach to Coltrane and beyond. Exploration is the idea.

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 play every Thursday at the Velvet Note in Alpharetta. We play jazz and have a jam session. Great musicians and a fun environment. I love the Fox Theater. I get to play there in the ballrooms and go to shows in the large theater. To me, it’s at the heart of the Atlanta experience… the architecture, the history, the vibe. Go to a show or take a tour.
Lenox Square is great for people-watching and absorbing ATL atmosphere.
Little 5-Points has lots of great little spots to go and is the heart of the artsy scene.
The Earl Smith Strand on the Marietta Square is a historic theater. We play concerts there with the Georgia Symphony Jazz group a bunch of times each year. The square in general is a wonderful place to visit, with shops and restaurants.
I teach at Georgia State University, and they have an incredible concert hall in downtown Atlanta: The Rialto. Many great artists to see there.
Finally, the High Museum of Art. World-class collections and incredible architecture. Our version of the Guggenheim.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My fellow Atlanta musicians who have encouraged, supported and inspired me for so many years. Sam Skelton, Bill Hart, Gordon Vernick, Trey Wright, John David, Tim Aucoin, Jon Chalden, Joe Reda… so many more.

Website: www.randyhoexter.com

Instagram: @randyhoexter

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randy-hoexter-2b2a975/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/randyhoexter

Youtube: @randyhoexter