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

Hi Jordan, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Taking risks has been one of the difficult yet rewarding skills I have cultivated in my career. I take risks every time I go on stage to perform–every time I enter the classroom. Because I primarily play jazz and improvised music, much of what I play hasn’t happened before and won’t ever happen again exactly like it does in the moment. I have learned to be adventurous and enjoy the moment–no matter where it goes. From a career standpoint, I think that taking risks is necessary for growth–we don’t grow where we’re comfortable. I’ve learned to lean in to the discomfort that is necessary for growth.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am passionate about telling Asian American stories through music. Through my most recent album, Nomad, I have arranged several Korean folk and children’s songs for a small jazz combo. I had two goals in recording this project. The first is that I hope it helps those who know the repertoire to feel seen — like someone is making music just for them. The second is that I hope those who are unfamiliar with the repertoire will understand that Korea has such a rich history of storytelling through song and will seek other avenues to learn more about Korean culture and art.

It was not easy to get where I am right now, and I still feel like I have so far to go. I overcame the challenges by simply refusing to give up and working as hard as I could at my craft. I have been really fortunate to have some wonderful teachers and mentors to guide me, and I wouldn’t be anywhere without them. However, a lot of making a living as a musician is that there is no cookie-cutter way to do it–everyone has to carve out their own path forward.

One lesson that I have learned is that you have to create your own market. This was some advice that was given to me by my college saxophone professor, John Nichol. To me, this means that if you don’t see something, you have to build It and to be aware that your path may be something that you have to create for yourself.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Ponce City Market — it’s a great all-in-one stop, and there are so many shops, restaurants, etc. to choose from. It is perfectly suited to my style which is that I like a lot of variety and a little bit of everything.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Every musician who I have played with has helped me to grow in some way, shape, or form. Jazz is based on mentorship, and I have learned so much from more seasoned musicians who have performed and recorded with me.

Website: jordanvanhemert.com

Instagram: @jvanhemusic

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jvanhemusic

Facebook: Facebook.com/jvanhemusic

Youtube: YouTube.com/c/jordanvanhemert

Image Credits
Jamie Pratt Photos Jeff Dunn

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