Interview with Pianist Micah McKinnis

Credit to McKinnis Family Alaska

Micah McKinnis is a great pianist from Alaska with an amazing story to tell. Last year, while practicing his music for the MTNA State Competition, a tragic fire burned down his family home. Now with a story of strength, courage and a love for music, Micah has taken the time to talk with me about his piano playing and how, with his story, he wants to encourage others. I think anyone reading this will find great wisdom and inspiration in these answers. 

1. When did you start playing the piano?
I started playing piano at the age of 7. My mom was my first teacher, but after a short time, I started taking from a local musician who played nearly every instrument imaginable, but whose forte was in flute. Regardless, he gave me a vital foundation: the
                                                                                      love of music. This has stuck with me throughout my
                                                                                      life.
2. What made you choose the piano?
When I was very young, my grandparents actually gave my family an old upright piano. As I grew older, I would be found sitting on the bench, playing, and evidently enjoying it greatly. I seemed to have a desire to play music, and I expressed that by using the only instrument available to me. However, there are many times where I could have switched instruments, but I have come to appreciate the unique qualities of the piano. There's just so much emotion and depth of colors that are distinct to the instrument.

3. Last year you were preparing to participate in a competition for the MTNA (Music Teacher's National Association) State Competition, when a tragic fire took place and you lost three pianos, among other things. What gave you the courage to move forward and perform in the competition?
The loss of our home truly affected and strained me and my family incredibly. However, there were several things that were indispensable to me during the time: friends and faith. So many people from all different backgrounds provided support through gifts, physical labor and prayer. Through this, I was encouraged to move forward. In retrospect, I would also say that the experience also provided me with an emotional maturity that became evident in my music. Music became a vent, a means of expressing emotions that words could not convey.

4. What are some of your favorite songs to play on the piano? Have you composed any of your own?
I really enjoy playing a lot of pieces, so that is rather difficult to determine. One of my favorites is a piece that is rather obscure: Sonata-Fantasie No. 2 in G sharp minor by Alexander Scriabin. It has so many different colors and musical ideas; it keeps the music fresh and interesting every time that I play it. I also improvise quite a bit, as it really is relaxing for me. I have actually written a couple songs as well, but they haven't made it onto paper at this point. I'm hoping I'll get around to it someday!

5. When you're not playing the piano, what else do you like to do?
Perhaps uncharacteristically for a pianist, I am active in various sports and activities. I also coach gymnastics and teach piano lessons. Living in Alaska, the outdoors are easily accessible. This is something I have really come to appreciate, especially during the long winter... Downhill skiing, whether at a resort or in the backcountry, is the best. It always is a welcome break at the end of the day to get up and do something away from the incessant call of school and homework.

6. Does music run in your family?
Not really! My parents both played an instrument when they were younger, but never kept it up. Humorously, my grandfather always wanted my mom to play piano, but for various reasons, she never did. So... my family says that his wish was just granted a generation late.

7. What's been the best advice ever given to you?
Some of the best advice I have received actually arrived in a high school graduation card that I received from a good friend in medical school. Among the bits of wisdom that he included were two statements that specifically caught my attention. "Mentor others with your knowledge - pass it on freely to them," "Be humble or you will end up being humbled." I have found that both these statements contain exceptional goals for me to have, regardless in what area of my life they are applied.

8. In what ways have you used your story to encourage others to overcome adversity?
I have been blessed with many opportunities to share my story with others, through my episode on The Real Winning Edge, speaking events with TeenPact Leadership Schools and personal interaction with many individuals that I have come in contact with. I trust that those who hear my story are encouraged in the fact, that though hardships do come, in all sorts of ways and at unexpected times, they do not have to feel overwhelmed, but through faith and friends, every troubling time can be an important learning experience.

9. How would you define the word success?
That's a deep one there, considering all the different aspects the term can be applied. Specifically in music, I would define a successful performance as a performance which relates to the audience in a way that leaves them emotionally impacted. There is something in certain performers that allows them to present music which has a unique ability to speak to those listening. Some famous pianists, such as Sviatoslav Richter and others, possessed this ability, and this is what I strive for in my playing: to express my emotions through music, so that listeners will come away affected. However, in a larger sense, I think that success is best exemplified when one develops and uses their talents to the best of their ability, and shares it with others.

10. What do you have to say to musicians, or anyone, who faces a challenge and might think of giving up?
Around the world, there are many different challenges that can rise up and pressure anyone to give up a particular goal or dream. My advice is this: if God has given you a talent and a means by which to develop it, don't give up because of difficult circumstances. You will always regret it. Keep pressing on. Whether you're heartbroken, hurting, or experiencing other difficulties, don't isolate yourself, but instead use the emotions and feelings that you are experiencing and channel them into your talent. People are looking for and appreciate reality in art; things that they can identify with in their everyday lives. Express the reality of your life through your lyrics or music, and you will begin to see that every challenge brings a new lesson and fresh inspiration.

Thanks again to Micah for doing this great interview and sharing your story and deep insight on music and challenges, and I see a bright and musical future for you! 

Go HERE to watch Micah tell his story on FOX's The Real Winning Edge.