Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandon Hamilton.
Hi Brandon, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I grew up in Plano, TX and lived with my parents and younger brother. I guess my musical journey sort of started when I was around 8; that was when Alicia Keys dropped her debut album Songs In A Minor. That album was and still is such an incredible work of art to me. Although it wasn’t until about two years later when I was 10 that I started to play piano. I immediately fell in love with the instrument. At 14 I began studying at the Brandeis Conservatory with Dr. Annie Lin and Dr. Steven Hall. While there, I competed in local competitions and continued honing my craft. It took many hours of hard practice to reach the level I wanted to be at. I went to Baylor University where I majored in Piano Performance and then University of Hawai`i at Manoa where I got my Master of Music in Piano Performance. I still call it my best decision and favorite adventure, haha. After moving back to Texas, I spent the pandemic competing in international competitions such as the Gloria Artis and American Prize Competitions. My next goal is the 2023 New Orleans International Piano Competition.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
For the most part, it has been a smooth road. I have a strong support system behind me, and I think that makes all the difference. If a person doesn’t have good people to back them up and support them, it can make even the smallest of challenges seem like mountains. I’m very blessed in that regard.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
By day I work as a Quality Assurance Analyst. My job consists of testing mobile and web apps to make sure they are working to the high standards of my company and the client’s vision. I wouldn’t say there’s an area here I specialize in, but I’m known across the company for my keen attention to detail and all-around good nature. Getting this position in the first place is something I’m very proud of considering most of my background has been in music. It was something I never dreamed I could do or fall in love with, but it happened. I’m so thankful that it did.
But when 5 pm hits, the mobile devices turn off and the laptop closes. The piano opens and I’m working on carving my path as a concert pianist. I haven’t been able to perform much since I’ve been back in Texas, but that should be changing soon! Musically, I specialize in performing Romantic period music and video game music, specifically music from the game series Kingdom Hearts. Pieces in those realms just come naturally to me. I’m most proud of my master’s degree recital when I performed Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue. The adrenaline for that 20 minutes was absolutely incredible. I still feel like it is one of my best performances to date.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Personally, I’ve never been much of a risk-taker. I always played things safe. The most major risk I ever took was probably going to Hawaii. I didn’t know anyone except one of the piano professors and even that was only through email. I hadn’t even secured a place to live yet when I got on that plane! But it proved to be worth it. I received a fantastic education and made many lifelong friends. It was an experience that showed me it’s okay to take those risks if you are following your heart. That’s advice I always give if someone asks me if they should take the chance. Because that chance could turn out to be life-changing.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebrandonkham/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ2DG-14jCiLVzyKGn6Iavg
Image Credits
Rebekah Hedges
Rommel Angelia
