Greg Takemoto – Music and Mentoring That Transforms Students

The Coasters’ 1958 hit, “Yakety Yak” irrevocably changed Greg Takemoto’s life — through King Curtis‘ saxophone solo. “I listened to that tenor solo nonstop on a record player my grandpa gave me,” Greg recalls. The song inspired him to learn the saxophone. “I practiced, graduated with a degree in music, and made it my career. And it all began with that crazy song!”

Redding Music School fills a void in the community

After starting their careers and family in Rhode Island, Greg and his wife, Shellrose, moved back to his hometown of Redding so their son, William, could grow up near Greg’s parents. By then, Greg had already taught at the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra and Music School and other music schools for 20 years. “My initial intention in Rhode Island was not to make my community better, but then I saw the impact I was making for kids,” Greg explains. “When I moved to Redding, there was no music school like mine, so I identified it could possibly fill a void in this community.” In 2018, Greg established Redding Music School.

Cassie Chatham’s son, Griffin, now 14 years old, was Greg’s first student in Redding. “I was very nervous about signing him up,” Cassie admits. “But it is one of the top three or four decisions I’ve ever made for my child.” Cassie describes the “sense of peace” her son has gained, saying the consistency of the online lessons helped Griffin stay connected to others in music during even the tightest lockdowns.
In addition to teaching through formal lessons, Greg plays in the local band Soul Punch, and his saxophone solos during performances deeply inspire Griffin. “He cannot wait to jump on stage,” Cassie says. “I attribute that confidence to his mentor and friend. Greg has definitely become part of our family forever because of the gifts he’s given our home with music.”

Boosting confidence and mentoring with practical tools and guidance

Dylan Miller, one of Greg’s recent students, similarly identifies taking lessons from Greg as “one of the most important decisions I’ve made.” Dylan now studies music at University of Nevada, Reno, and plans to make music his career – an unthinkable dream at his previous skill level. “Under Greg’s tutelage and teaching, I was able to grow exponentially,” Dylan says. Greg’s undeniable teaching ability and the example of his music career gave Dylan practical tools and guidance. “On a personal level,” Dylan adds, “he really connects and engages with his students. He’s one of the most important mentors I’ve ever had.” Like other art forms, music can be deeply personal, “especially when you’re practicing and you’re not very good yet,” Dylan acknowledges. “It’s coming from you, so it can be a vulnerable thing. But I always felt very safe in the space Greg created.”

From the other side of the country, Dylan Gentile expresses a similar experience. He felt clueless as he entered his first saxophone lesson in Wickford, RI, but Greg’s kindness and delight in teaching immediately put Dylan at ease. When Greg moved back to California, he and Dylan continued long-distance lessons. “When the pandemic hit, we just kept doing the same thing,” Dylan says. “I’ve been his student for nine years now. When we have lessons, we riff and talk about life. He’s so encouraging, a confidence-boost, an all-around mentor.”
Dylan is currently applying to colleges with plans to pursue a career in music production. “If it weren’t for Greg, I would not be on the path I am right now,” he says.

Multiple music teachers offer access to a wide variety of lessons

Back on the West Coast, Dylan Miller says Greg’s own students aren’t the only beneficiaries of this music mentor’s passion. “He does a really good job of building the studio so it’s not just his lessons, but a musical center,” Dylan explains. Greg teaches woodwinds. By recruiting six additional music teachers, Redding Music School offers the North State access to a wide variety of music lessons, enriching the music community.

Greg’s desire to build this kind of community comes from how he has seen music transform students — academically, personally, and socially. “There’s the aspect of achievement, of reaching milestones and gaining confidence,” he says. “Music also holds you accountable for your part like a sports team does. That community aspect is invaluable, especially for kids who don’t like sports, and beautiful because everyone has the same goal – making beautiful music.”

Owning Redding Music School unites most of Greg’s passions in one place. He loves listening to and creating music (especially on vintage horns), he loves teaching students of all ages (one student began at age 87!), and he loves how the business affords him quality family time during and after work. His brother, Jeff, teaches at the school, and his son enjoys weekly saxophone lessons, although Greg supports whatever interests William develops. After all, following his passions led Greg to where he is today: “I did something I love to do, and then afterwards saw the impact it was making. Really, it’s about being part of your community.”

The mission of our be the change column is to feature community members from the North State who are actively making a difference in community life as it relates to youth. If you would like to nominate someone who is making a difference, please write to pn@northstateparent.com.