Meet Patrick Preston | Producer Music/Professor

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

Hi Patrick, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Honestly, starting my own business came from a place of necessity and purpose. After running a commercial studio for 4 years, I realized early on that I didn’t just want to work in music — I wanted to build something that worked for music. After years of producing, teaching, and collaborating, I saw a real gap between creativity and structure. So many talented people had the passion but not the process — no system to sustain their art long-term.

My thought process was simple: instead of waiting for opportunity, I’d create it. I’ve always believed ownership is key — not just of your music, but of your mindset and mission.

Starting a business forced me to grow. It taught me discipline, balance, and how to treat creativity like a real enterprise. Every studio session, course, and e-book I’ve developed stems from that original idea — helping others build what I wish existed when I started out.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art lives at the crossroads of creativity, technology, and storytelling. I’ve always believed that music is more than sound — it’s communication. Whether I’m producing a record, teaching a class, or composing for a film or stage play, I’m always chasing that moment where emotion meets clarity.

What sets me apart is how I blend my worlds — the musician, the engineer, and the educator. I don’t just make music; I build systems and teach others how to make the process repeatable and sustainable. That’s really what led to creating platforms like Preston University and Preston School of Music. They were born out of a desire to help others understand not just what to create, but how to think like a creative entrepreneur.

I’m most proud of how far this journey has come — from small-town Mississippi to producing full projects, mentoring students, and collaborating with incredible artists across genres. My EP No Words Nostalgia and productions like Lifted High are special to me because they showcase growth — not just sonically, but spiritually and emotionally.

The road here definitely wasn’t easy. There were times when I questioned if I’d ever get a seat at the table — but those challenges pushed me to build my own. I learned how to engineer, produce, teach, and lead by doing it, even when it wasn’t glamorous. Every late night session, every setback, every moment of doubt became part of the foundation for what I’m doing now.

If there’s one lesson I’ve learned, it’s this: Consistency wins. Talent will open doors, but consistency keeps them open.

What I want the world to know about me and my brand is that Patrick Preston Music stands for excellence, education, and authenticity. I’m passionate about empowering the next generation of producers and musicians to dream big but also to prepare — to treat their creativity like the valuable asset it truly is.

At the end of the day, my story is about purpose meeting persistence. I’m still building, still learning, and still excited about what’s next.

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.
There are so many gems in the Atlanta metro area.
Day 1: We’d start off easy with breakfast at Flavor Rich— you can’t go wrong with their menu. Then we’d walk through Centennial Park and hit the National Center for Civil and Human Rights — because I believe creativity and culture start with understanding where we come from.

A creative day — we’d stop by SAE Institute to see the next generation of producers in action, then head to a studio session to vibe out and maybe build something from scratch. Atlanta is full of talent, and you never know who you’ll meet.

Day 2: I’d take them to St. James Live, one of the few spots in the city that still gives you that true live-music energy. I’ve sat in there a few times myself, and the vibe is always right — musicianship, connection, and that raw Atlanta groove.

Day 3: I’d take them to church on Sunday — Elizabeth Baptist Church (Bishop Craig Oliver) – because faith and community have always been big parts of my foundation.

Maybe Ponce City Market, grab something, and walk the BeltLine — music in the headphones, good conversation, and that Atlanta skyline in the background.

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?
Without question, my shoutout goes to my son (Nehemiah). He’s an incredible oboe player who’s starting to gain recognition for his talent and dedication, and I couldn’t be prouder. Watching him develop his craft and step into his own lane as a musician has been both inspiring and humbling.

As a father, there’s nothing more rewarding than seeing your child find their voice and use it to impact others. His commitment to excellence reminds me every day why I do what I do — to help creatives of all ages find clarity, confidence, and purpose in their art.

Seeing him take his platform to new levels pushes me to keep growing, teaching, and creating. He’s proof that when passion meets discipline, incredible things can happen.

So this shoutout is to him — for his work ethic, his sound, and his heart. He’s a reminder that legacy isn’t just about what you achieve; it’s about what you inspire in others, especially in your own family.

Website: https://Www.patrickprestonmusic.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patrickprestonmusic

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-preston-m-mus

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

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@patrickprestonmusic

Image Credits

BJ Jordan Images