Teacher Profile: Nathan Humphries

About Nathan Humphries

Nathan Humphries is originally from Decatur, AL. He started playing piano and singing when he was 7 years old, and euphonium at age 15. He received his bachelor’s degree in music education from Auburn University. At Auburn, he studied low brass with Dr. Matthew Wood, and conducting with Dr. Richard Good. In college he was selected as a featured soloist for the Auburn University Symphonic Winds, as well as a member of the National Intercollegiate Band (2013). He also played a concert band tour in China with the Auburn Symphonic Winds. In Central Florida, he has performed with groups such as the Brass Band of Central Florida as well as the Orlando Concert Band.

Since then he has been an active music teacher in both Orange and Osceola counties. He has taught grades K-12 at multiple schools and ensembles across central Florida including Pine Hills Elementary, Gateway High School, and Osceola Science Charter School. At these schools he has taught and directed choirs, bands, orchestras, steel drum bands, and jazz bands. He is also currently the assistant director for the Central Florida Community Arts Young Artists Orchestra. He was a cast member with Disney Performing Arts, and has worked events such as Festival Disney and Epcot’s Candlelight Processional.

Nathan's philosophy on teaching and learning music is a very personal one. He prides himself on meeting students where they are and then building them up from there. He always collaborates with students when setting goals. This allows them to understand the importance of what should be practiced regularly. He encourages his students in a way that uplifts them. He prefers the phrase "practice makes progress", because learning music is about growth, not perfection. There is no such thing as a perfect musician! Students achieve more in a no pressure environment, and the joy of making music should always come first! He makes sure all of his students have at least three pieces of music that they can play at any time. Playing and performing with joy is at the heart of what we do!