GENERATION Z: Elias and Zion Phoenix – The Samsons of Piano

September 22, 2017     Fall Issue 2017. Vol 7, Generation Z     , , ,     0

Interview by Trisha Neubauer (MGBH)

Passion, raw excitement about the craft, and a surprising sense of humor is something we rarely encounter and expect from adult pianists.  In fact, as we grow up, usually, the more excitement we display about something the more immature and childish we are perceived.  Such display of emotion is usually frowned upon in society.  But coming from children, however, it is welcomed and appreciated. Why is this so? Perhaps, watching display of excitement in children reminds us of something that we’ve lost – an innate appreciation of everything around us and pure enjoyment from doing what we love. Elias and Zion Phoenix -the long-haired twins from Florida – are sources of such inspiration for us, the grown up pianists.  Here is a snapshot of their unusual story.

 

PPM: Does anyone in your family besides you and your brother play piano?
Elias&Zion: Yes, our mother plays piano although she never had any formal training in piano.  She taught herself!  She has a background in music as a french horn player. 

PPM: Who was your first piano teacher? And whom do you study with at the moment?
Elias: My first piano teacher was my mother. She’s amazing and I still study with her. I’ve had a couple other piano mentors and teachers. I currently study with Dr. Grigorios Zamparas (MGBH).
Zion: My mom taught me how to play.  She’s the one that got me interested in playing, she always played music around the house.

PPM: When did you first start playing piano? 
Elias&Zion: We started playing piano when we were first exposed to one at around 3 years old. We started playing by ear and figuring out complex songs we had heard.  Our mom noticed the songs we played were always in the correct pitch, and she realized we had a perfect pitch.  She also noticed we really loved playing and performing.  She then bought us each a baby grand piano and started giving us lessons around the age of 5.
PPM: Who are your favorite composers and why? What music do you like listening to?
Elias: Beethoven is one of my favorites because I feel like I can relate to him. Rachmaninoff has created some amazing pieces of work. I also like listening to people who, I think, interpret songs the way the composer intended. There is actually a sound recording of Rachmaninoff playing Piano Concerto No. 3, which is truly a work of art. Beethoven is amazing. I wish there were sound recordings of him playing some of his amazing concertos and sonatas. I also like classic rock and alternative artists such as Elton John (MGBH), Queen, Tori Amos (MGBH), and Beck (MGBH). I listen to a wide range of music.
 Zion: Tchaikovsky (OBM), Beethoven (OBM), Rachmaninoff (OBM), Albert Ammons (OBM), Tori Amos (MGBH), Cat Stevens (MGBH), and Elton John (MGBH), to name a few.   Currently, I’m really enjoying Jethro Tull (MGBH)’s music.
PPM: Do you compose your own music?
Elias: Yes.   
Zion: Yes, I’ve been composing all kinds of music since I was very young.   I write Alternative, Classical, and all different types of music.  I write songs all the time.
PPM: Have you done any recordings so far and are you working on any?
Elias: No, but I am planning on recording a piano album.
Zion:  Not on piano yet, but I put together a compilation of my original songs in an album called “My World At 9 Years”, where I sing and play all the instruments. I recorded it all by myself.  I was young and had no experience recording so it sounded pretty amateur as I had a lot to learn then.  Now, I’m working on recording my next album of original songs called “My World at 10 Years.”   You can look for it soon on iTunes, Google Play, Spotify, etc. 
People can mess with your brain, and it can drive you insane
You think that you know all the answers but it just doesn’t pay
Just think for yourself, you don’t need any help
The inside of you knows exactly what to do
Keep away the monster, imposter, he’ll exhaust you, he’ll cost you
He’ll drown you, he’ll hound you, bind you, bound you,
Break free of the chains, it’ll renew your brain, and your spirit flies high like a bird in the sky!
– Lyrics from Zion Phoenix’ Song “The Know-It-All” 

PPM: Do you play piano every day? If so, how much?
Elias&Zion: We don’t have a schedule, but I play every day.

 

Elias: The first time I performed at Carnegie Hall was really special, because it was my first big venue.  I was so proud and excited that when I was done, I went in the streets of New York City telling everyone I saw that I had just played at Carnegie Hall!!!

 

PPM: What have been your favorite recital venues so far? Do you have any interesting stories to share about them?
Elias:  There was something amazing about every venue I have performed at.  Every time I’ve performed at Carnegie Hall was great. The first time I performed at Carnegie Hall was really special, because it was my first big venue.  I was so proud and excited that when I was done, I went in the streets of New York City telling everyone I saw that I had just played at Carnegie Hall!!!  I happened to bump right into Brandon Stanton (MGBH) from the Humans of New York blog, and he asked if he could take my picture.  We didn’t even know who he was and had never heard of the blog, but my Mom said yes.  It turned out the picture he took of me right after performing at Carnegie Hall was popular on his blog, and he put it in his NY Times #1 bestselling book last year, Humans Of New York: Stories, page 363.   So, that amazing night is sort of encapsulated in that one picture that is now in a bestselling book, and that’s really special to me.  The Segerstrom Center was great because it was a sold-out concert, and I received a standing ovation.  At the historic Balboa Theater, I also received a standing ovation, and it was sold-out, but I loved the Balboa Theatre because I got to see my name in lights. The Pasadena Civic Auditorium, where we filmed the audition for America’s Got Talent, was really special,  it felt great to perform for the judges and felt amazing when the audience leapt to their feet.  All of the venues I’ve played are great, and I feel honored to have performed in 11 different countries.
Zion: Carnegie Hall, America’ s Got Talent, and the Ellen Show’s Studio were all really special to me.  I love performing at nursing homes.   We’ve had some great experiences with the patients who have gotten up to dance or taken part in making music, and those are really special memories.   I also love street performing.  My brother and I spent hours performing on a street piano across from the Eiffel Tower entertaining people. I love impromptu performing.

 

Zion: I also love street performing.  My brother and I spent hours performing on a street piano across from the Eiffel Tower entertaining people. I love impromptu performing.

 

PPM: When was your first TV interview?
Elias: My first interview was on ABC Action News.
Zion: My first interview was when I was 7 years old on a news station. It was so fun. It was my first experience seeing a professional film crew and how interviews are done and seeing myself on TV later!

PPM: What makes you more nervous:  performing on stage or giving live interviews, if at all?
Elias: I never get nervous. I pride myself on that.
Zion: None really, but if I had to pick one, probably live interviews, because you never know what they might ask you!

PPM: Why did you decide to apply to America’s Got Talent and what was the process like for you? I have read that you withdrew from the Judge Cut competition. Why?
Elias: We just saw the show and thought it would be cool if we auditioned.  So, we auditioned, and it was so exciting when we got to go before the judges and got 4 yes’s! It was a great experience, and I wish we had been able to participate in the Judges’ Cuts, but we had a prior commitment in Germany during that time. I still regret it.
Zion: We just thought it would be fun to audition, so we went to Orlando to try out. There were thousands and thousands of people there, and it took all day, but it was worth it.  It was a long, but fun experience!

PPM: What have been your favorite places to travel so far and why?
Elias: Taiwan is great, because everybody is so kind.  England was great, too, and their tea was great. There was also this thing in English convenience stores called Fry’s Turkish delight, and it’s a rose-flavored Turkish delight covered in milk chocolate. I’m not a big fan of chocolate, but that Turkish delight was so good that it made me change my opinion. France is probably the best country I’ve ever been to. If I could buy a house anywhere in the whole entire world, it would be in Paris, France. The people were as sweet as the pastries and crepes they sold.  The Eiffel Tower is awesome, too.  France gave me a great feeling that I will never forget.
Zion: Taiwan, because everyone was so nice there. But I also loved France, mainly because I got to eat my dessert first. London was really nice, I love their lifestyle! I enjoy getting to see cultures other than my own and observe how other people live. You know, I pretty much love any place I go.   I love traveling and feel very lucky to have been able to travel to 11 different countries.

PPM: Do you have pets at home?
Elias: Yes, we have German shepherds.  German Shepherds tend to bond with one person, and a male that bonded with me is my favorite.  He is the son of one of the 2016 world champions in Germany.  His name is Leo, and he is a 3-year-old long-coat German Shepherd. He is like a big giant teddy bear. I sleep with him every night. He is the smartest dog I have ever known.  He loves to play ball, and when he wants me to play with him, he finds a ball and nudges it to me.  He is the best dog ever.  We also have cats. The cat that bonded with me is an orange tabby named Teddy Graham. I have talked about him on Twitter, and many of my fans know about him. He is amazing. Leo and Teddy are the best pets ever.
Zion: Yes, I have beautiful German Shepherds.  The one I am closest to is named Maja. She is an adorable female long-haired German Shepard. I actually cried of happiness when I first got her.  I really love all our pets.

PPM: What are your hobbies other than playing piano?
Elias: I collect coins, and I have every type of coin of the twentieth century in a blue velvet box.  I am also interested in creating visual effects, making videos with special effects and using CGI and creating 3d animation.
Zion: I really like science, especially physics and astronomy.  I also love ballet, art, photography, singing, guitar, dancing, and acting.   As I mentioned earlier, I enjoy writing music and I have also written a science book.

PPM: What is your favorite food?
Elias: Grilled swordfish, pumpkin ravioli, chimichangas, burritos, lamb gyros, knishes, Crème Brûlée, and Fry’s Turkish Delight. One of my favorite holidays is Thanksgiving, because my mom makes the best food ever.
Zion:  My Mom’s vegan macaroni and cheese.  I’ve been a vegan for about 2 years.

 Elias: I really appreciate and love my fans. It’s a great feeling to know you have a group of supporters who are always behind you no matter what.

PPM: Do you like interacting with your audience? Please, give us examples if there are any when you had direct contact with your audience before or after a performance?
Elias: I think music is a universal language.  You can express emotions with music that you can’t express with words. I interact with my audience all the time through music. I also have a Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram account where I interact with my fans as well.  Sometimes, when I’m done doing a big show (like The Ellen Show, Little Big Shots, or something like that), we do something fun afterward to celebrate. For instance, sometimes when we’re done recording a show in Hollywood, we go to Universal Studios Hollywood.  Sometimes, people come up to me and say they were in the audience and they loved my performance or they just saw me on TV.  I really appreciate and love my fans. It’s a great feeling to know you have a group of supporters who are always behind you no matter what.
Zion: Sometimes, after a show people from the audience will give me a thumbs up or they will come up to me and say “Good job!,” or something.   People often recognize me from television and come up and say positive things to me.  It’s really great to have people support and encourage me.

PPM: Do you speak or are you learning any languages other than English?
Elias&Zion: We both know some Spanish.

PPM: What do you usually do on weekends?
Elias: Sometimes we take road trips. Go to concerts, museums, the beach, just whatever we feel like.
Zion: All different things.  Sometimes we just stay home and sometimes we travel. One of my favorite things is when we have a movie night and have popcorn with M&Ms!

 

Zion:I take pride in the things about myself that are “different” from others and try not to let bad things people say affect me.

PPM: You are very active in social media. Does each of you have your own cell phones to post from? Have you ever experienced bullying online and if so, how did you deal with it?  Would you have any suggestions to young kids or teenagers who have to deal with cyber-bullying?
Elias: We don’t have phones or iPads, we post on our mom’s phone. People have called me names and insulted me online. In my opinion, the best thing to do is just ignore and know that whatever people say, it’s their problem and not yours.
Zion: We have had people online call us names, but we don’t let it affect us.   When I was first teased about my hair when I was 4, I was really hurt, and my mom asked if I wanted to cut it, and I thought about it.  But I decided that I wouldn’t cut my hair because someone was teasing or bullying me about it because that didn’t seem like a good reason to me.  Since then I take pride in the things about myself that are “different” from others and try not to let bad things people say affect me.

PPM: What performances do you have planned for the upcoming year?
Elias&Zion: We just performed on the Harry Connick Jr show, and Elias is going to perform again at Carnegie Hall, and some other things are in the works.

PPM: Thank you, Elias and Zion for such an interesting interview! Good luck to you both and, please, continue being the two bright shiny stars that you are.

 

 

 

Enjoyed the interview? Please, consider donating a small amount to the author to express your appreciation.


                                                                               

GENERATION Z: JACOB VELAZQUEZ

December 22, 2016     Generation Z, Winter Issue 2017 Vol 4     , ,     0

Interview by Alex Davydovich (MGBH)

Jacob Velazquez (MGBH) from Miami, FL comes with a special and unique story.  Around the same time his family discovered his talent, they also learned about his autism spectrum.  Instead of feeding the Darkness, they chose to feed the Light.  With many studies indicating that children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) respond well to music, the family decided to use Jacob’s diagnosis as an opportunity to inspire others.  Jacob frequently talks about autism during his performances and interviews, gives concerts dedicated to this charitable cause, and simply embodies the idea of making lemonade out of lemons.  

We interviewed Jacob (in black), his mother Tina (MGBH) (in blue), and his father William (MGBH) (in brown) for the magazine.  And here is what they had to say.

 

Piano Performer Magazine (PPM): Jacob, do you play piano every day? 
Jacob Velazquez (JV): I take lessons two days per week with my teacher and i practice most other days with my dad.

PPM: What are your hobbies?
JV: My hobbies are playing drums, playing outside, watching TV and reading books.

PPM: What are your favorite toys and games do you like to play with?
JV: My favorite toy right now is my Elf on the Shelf. He’s not really a toy because he comes alive at night and moves around the house. My favorite game to play is chess.

PPM: Do you go to a traditional school or are you home schooled?
JV: I go to a traditional public school.

PPM: What music are you currently working on?
JV: I’m working on the Hayden (OBM) Concerto in D Major, Fantaisie-Impromptu by Chopin (OBM), and a Christmas medley I’m doing for a fundraiser for Autism Speaks.

PPM: How did you decide to record your first album?
JV: We met with a music producer Hal Batt (MGBH) when I was six. He came up with a concept and we decided to record it.

PPM: Do you play piano for your schoolmates?
JV: Yes, sometimes.

I would love to work with Taylor Swift (MGBH), Bruno Mars (MGBH), Yanni (MGBH), Joh Katodo (MGBH), a drummer from Australia, and  The Miami Symphony Orchestra.

PPM: What musicians do you dream of working with?
JV: I would love to work with Taylor Swift (MGBH), Bruno Mars (MGBH), Yanni (MGBH), Joh Katodo (MGBH), a drummer from Australia, and  The Miami Symphony Orchestra.  

PPM: How long does it take you to memorize one page of music?
JV: One to a few days depending how difficult the piece is.

PPM: Who and at what age taught you to read music?
JV: My first teacher, Ms. Jaffird (MGBH), taught me to read music when I was 4 years old.

PPM: Do you write your own music?
JV: I’m not writing yet, but I like to improvise.

PPM: What are your biggest challenges when it comes to piano and piano performance and how do you overcome them?
JV: My biggest challenge with piano is mastering my technique. I just have keep practicing and try to remember the things my teacher tells me.

PPM: Have you ever been nervous on stage? If so, how did you handle it?
JV:  I don’t get nervous on stage. It’s not scary, its just fun!

PPM: How do you use your imagination when performing on stage or recording your music?
JV: I use my imagination to be enthusiastic and funny. I like to entertain people.

PPM: Do you have siblings? If so, please, tell the readers a little bit about them.
JV: I have a little sister named Skylar (MGBH).  She’s 4 years old, and she likes to be like me. She just started taking piano lessons. She also likes to dance and sing. I have two older brothers. Brandon (MGBH) is 23, lives in California and works for the Coast Guard. He loves music and dancing and he’s a really great D.J.  Tyler (MGBH) is 21.  He goes to college at Florida State University in Tallahassee, FL.  He plays piano, too, and also loves to dance.

PPM: Tina, we know that for children to be successful, it is important for parents to keep on top of things. What does it take to be a mother of a talented child pianist?
Tina Velazquez (TV): I don’t think what I do is much different than most other parents; scheduling their child’s after school activities, running them here and there, encouraging them to do their best, making sure their lives are balanced between school, play, homework, extra curricular activities etc.

PPM: Who maintains Jacob’s website, takes calls from reporters, manages Jacob’s performance life?
TV: My husband and I have worked on the website together however I am the one who maintains it for the most part.  I’ll typically screen the initial call to find out what they’re looking for. When Jacob was younger, say 5 and 6 years old, he didn’t do much talking it was mostly just about performing.  Now he loves talking to reporters and anyone else who will listen!  I filter all of the initial inquiries through Jacob’s webpage and social media.  My husband and I always make the final decision together based on what we feel is best for Jacob.  Willie and I work with Jacob to manage all aspects of his performances.

PPM: Do you have a job outside being the boss and the nurturer of your household?
TV: I volunteer in my daughter’s preschool classroom, however, my family takes up most of my time.

PPM: Can’t avoid this question: how did you start talking to Jacob about his diagnosis?
TV: I decided to start talking to him about it when he was about 5 years old.  At that time I felt he could understand & wanted him to here it from me. I got some children’s books that explained autism from his counselor at The Center for Autism & Related Disabilities.  We talked about how a person with autism’s brain worked a little differently than someone without autism, and how that made them unique.  I also showed him a quote from Taylor Swift “If you’re lucky enough to be different, don’t ever change.”  I continue talking to him about it whenever I feel it’s necessary.

PPM: What is your message to other families with autistic children?
TV: Millions of families this year will receive the news that their child is on the autism spectrum.  These families have two choices at that point, in my opinion.  1) Let this diagnosis take away your hope for your child’s future; or  2) let this be a driving force and  fight to ensure your child will become anything and everything they deserve to be in this life.  As a member of the autism community, I feel drawn and responsible to encourage my fellow families to put their focus on the things their child can do, rather than the things they cannot.

PPM: And under what circumstances did Jacob decide that he would take on upon himself to represent and inspire the children with autism through his performance?
TV: It’s kind of funny because when you talk with Jacob, you can get the sense that he’s not really listening.  He’s usually jumping on/off the couch or making drum beats on the table.  I wasn’t even sure if he heard or grasped some of the things I discussed with him about autism, until he began talking about it during a performance.  He pretty much reiterated everything I had been telling him.  He got a great response from the crowd and has been talking about it ever since.

PPM: Do you speak with Jacob about fame and success and what it means in the real world?
TV: Jacob and  I often talk about how everyone has their own talents and things that they excel at while, at the same time, we all have things we struggle with.  Jacob happens to be gifted musically which, along with his hard work, has opened the doors for him to travel to a lot of fun places and meet some great people.

PPM: What tools are you equipping him with to handle the potentials flip side of fame?
TV: With each event, my husband, and I always try to prepare Jacob based on what we are expecting him to be presented with.  With that being said, Jacob is blessed with a very humble disposition. He truly cares about others and is the first to notice and celebrate the successes of friends, family and fellow musicians.  Jacob gives sincere words of approval to others when they are practicing.  He loves when people cheer for him, not so much because he is proud of himself, but because he is truly pleased that listening to his music has made them happy. We’ve witnessed him step back to allow fellow performers to get praise.  This is how Jacob sees himself in relation to others with regard to his music.

PPM: How do you manage balancing his professional career at such early age with being a kid?
TV: Being a kid is Jacobs #1 job.  We have turned down events before because he had a friend’s birthday party to attend just needed some down time.  I am Jacob’s mom, his advocate, and his biggest fan.  My husband and I manage all aspects of his life. We wouldn’t give up this control because no one will ever truly consider Jacob’s best interest the way we will.

Being a kid is Jacobs #1 job.  We have turned down events before because he had a friend’s birthday party to attend just needed some down time.

PPM: William, from video interviews we know that you play piano, and Jacob has been hearing you play since he was a little baby. Are you a professional pianist? Where did you get your training?
William Velazquez: I very much enjoy playing the piano, however, I am not a professional pianist.  I began playing when I was 7 years old on an organ we had in the house. Soon after I attended a local piano school, and at 10 years old I attended a conservatory school of music for 2 years. Afterwards, I had private lessons at my parents house for several years.  In high school I played keyboard in a band we named Excelle. We played local gigs in the New York area.

PPM: When your family discovered Jacob’s talent, did he ask for lessons? How did things progress from that moment on?
WV: At the time we noticed Jacob’s ability he was very speech delayed, but we felt he would benefit from piano lessons.  At first, it was difficult finding someone willing to teach a 4 year old, but, fortunately, we found someone, and Jacob began training with her.  I have also taught Jacob a few short pieces.

PPM: Do you participate in your son’s “piano life” (recordings, practice, performances) or if it mostly a responsibility of your wife?
WV: I enjoy practicing with Jacob and playing for him as well. He and I have worked on a few medleys together. I recently worked with him on the National Anthem, which he performed at the American Airlines Arena for the Miami Heat game.  I was also very involved with his album and his concerts.

Being on the autism spectrum, Jacob has struggled with his emotions.  I think music is helping him express his own emotions as well as better understanding others.

PPM: How do you think Jacob’s piano life helps in building his character?
WV: Being on the autism spectrum, Jacob has struggled with his emotions.  I think music is helping him express his own emotions as well as better understanding others.

PPM: What is the most surprising thing you learned about your son through the piano discovering  journey?
WV: I am amazed of how much he has progressed in such a short period of time, and how quickly he is able to memorize a piano piece regardless of the size.  I also recently discovered that Jacob has perfect pitch, which means he can identify notes and chords being played on the piano without looking.

 

Enjoyed the interview? Please, consider donating a small amount to the author to express your appreciation.