Dr. Paul Busselberg serves as choir director at the San Jacinto College Central Campus. He holds a musical arts doctorate degree from Rice University.
QUESTION: What is your personal teaching philosophy?
PAUL BUSSELBERG: Teaching, for me, is helping students develop the technical side of music, and at the same time helping them discover how to express profound ideas. Teaching opens worlds of knowledge and experiences for students that they wouldn’t necessarily discover on their own. I especially love teaching in choral ensembles. It is a setting in miniature through which so many life aspects can be explored. A good ensemble has to “resonate” equally together in order to make appealing and cohesive sounds. So a singer has to listen and respond to those around the room as all resonate together, and our sound has to match, and “blend.” All ensemble members have to assert their own sound while observing and responding to sounds from many others at the same time. That’s a great model for many collaborative aspects in life.
Q: You are multi-talented. In addition to your choral skills, you also are a talented pianist, and had a lead role in the College’s production of “Sound of Music.” How did you develop such acting talents?
PB: I’ve always been an “eager” actor. I had roles in most of the shows produced during high school and at the three universities I attended. I also spent five years as a freelance opera singer in between my master’s and doctorate degrees and did a lot of stage performing.
Q: What are some keys to success for young musicians who want to pursue a professional career?
PB: Work harder than everyone else, and then show up on time. Keep your options broad, and develop as many facets of music as you can, since a career in music is not a predictable path. Many doors close, but some doors open that are completely unexpected. You have to be innovative, and not afraid to re-invent yourself. I started out thinking I would be a pianist, then I became a singer, and now I find tremendous fulfillment as a teacher.
– Rob Vanya