Jaedon Alvira is a performance artist who plays the saxophone and does music gigs. He talked about the connection between performance artists in a makeshift band and the amount of general music they need to memorize. Alvira recalled that his interest in the saxophone began in the 4th grade, and he talked about three experiences with music teachers that impacted him. The first positive influence was very passionate about music and  knew music theory like the back of his hand. The second teacher (positive influence) taught the importance of tradition in jazz and how to study it/ use it in practical application. The last teacher was the negative influence who conflicted with Alvira’s moral compass. The teacher was cheap and lied his way to get to certain places despite already being a prominent jazz musician. Alvira also talked about his experience studying music at the conservatory, which he described as a very strict place that made him question his passion for music. The tough time studying there eventually hardened him in the best way possible, and taught him that the world isn’t always fair, but ‘you have to make sure that you harden yourself to what you can handle’. We also got an inside look at record deals and some of the shadier aspects to the music industry. As with the other guest speakers, I enjoyed this week’s visit immensely. Alvira was a very down to earth type of guy and had a good sense of humor. He really is just a positive and charismatic man.