NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Elliott McClain is the newest addition at the Nashville Music Academy.
"It's like having a musical conversation," he said.
The 25-year-old Belmont graduate is ready to teach students advanced jazz and commercial piano, including pop and of course -- country.
The Knoxville native says the first artist he remembers recognizing was Garth Brooks.
"Hearing in the energy of the crowd, that got me very interested in a young age. I was probably about 4-years-old at the time," he said.
At that age, McClain thought the piano was a toy. He was drawn to the instrument at such a young age because pianos are fun and loud.
"Blind children love anything that makes noise," he said.
McClain sees lights and shadows.
"I was born with retinopathy of prematurity, which ultimately caused by blindness," he said.
Tatia Rose is the founder of the academy. She saw McClain's resume and was very impressed.
"When I saw him play I was even more impressed. And then just the overall mission that we have here to be inclusive and diverse for our students. It just the icing on the cake," she said.
Now McClain is ready to take on new students and says in music -- enjoyment is key.
If you would like to take lessons from Elliott or for more information about the Nashville Music Academy click here.
