By sarah Likins
Review Correspondent
Published: May 8, 2008

At the Montpelier Wine Festival, many people were entertained by the music of the John Keifer Band. Playing blues, jazz, and rock music, the band consisted of John Keifer on lead guitar, Peter Amos on rhythm guitar, Aaron on bass, and Bo Bobick on drum set. The band played an hour-long set including tunes from Jimi Hendrix and The Beatles. The band was a great addition to the relaxing event held on a beautiful Sunday at James Madison’s Montpelier.
But, John Keifer is much more than just a member of the John Keifer Band: he is a musician living his dream and helping the young people of Orange to realize their dreams as well. Mr. Keifer began his musical career playing in his school band. He was influenced by the lyrics and messages of songs of the late 60s. He realized on a road trip after high school that there was nothing more he wanted than to be a musician. With the help of Herb Smith, a jazz improvisation professor at Northern Virginia Community College, Keifer realized that there are not a lot of rich musicians, but there are many happy ones. He knew that this was exactly the kind of life he wanted to live. Since then, Keifer has recorded four LPs and written over 100 original songs. Following his dream has allowed Keifer to do this.
Mr. Keifer moved to Orange seven years ago and taught lessons at his home. It was at this time that there were no music stores to be found in Orange. It was difficult to be a musician or to take lessons because it required going to a surrounding county to get supplies rather than just picking them up in Orange. This, and his growing number of students, inspired Keifer to open Orange Music Instruction. Mr. Keifer, a certified music educator, now teaches close to 50 students per week. He states that he loves to teach his students because they can learn about themselves through music. They learn what they are willing to do to be a musician; how much time they are willing to put in to achieve their dream. He also teaches that music is not just about performing professionally: playing with a group of friends like the young people who attend Orange jam every week or just continuing on your instrument in addition to a job, can be just as rewarding. Music is an essential part of life; it is no wonder that most musicians find happiness through their music regardless of their possessions.
For more information about Music Notes, visit http://music-notes-column.blogspot.com. To contact Sarah, please send emails to sarah¬-likins@yahoo.com