In conversation with Dustin McGifford
Kelowna resident Dustin McGifford is a music teacher at Wentworth Music in Kelowna where he teaches guitar, piano, bass and mandolin.
He previously played in the band The Bonsais and is presently working on a solo album. He was the lead in a recent production of “Raft” and will be playing guitar in the band at the forthcoming production of “Tommy.”
He grew up in Penticton, winning “Penticton Teen Idol” when he was 13. He is appearing on stage there in the upcoming production of “Newsies,” produced by Soundstage Productions.
He spoke with Daily Courier editor James Miller about his love of music and the many projects he’s involved with.
COURIER: What do you credit your lifetime love of music to?
McGIFFORD: I think I have always had a deep-rooted love of music. I credit my supportive family, friends, and people in my life who have made it possible for me to pursue a career in what I love.
COURIER: When was the first time you performed on stage as a kid and what did you do?
McGIFFORD: My first real opportunity to perform on stage was at age nine as a square dance caller. While learning how to square dance, I received a record from a traveling caller, I memorized the song and got to perform it for the club.
COURIER: Did you immediately fall in love with performing?
McGIFFORD: I think I did, especially when it came to singing and playing. I enjoy how you can change peoples’ moods with the type of music or theatre you are performing. I think it’s great to see people suddenly in a good mood or walking away with a new perspective.
COURIER: When I last counted, you play seven instruments well. How did you master that? If it like being able to speak five or six different languages?
McGIFFORD: Yes. I tell my students all the time, the language of music is universal and that understanding the theory behind it makes it translatable to almost any instrument. But, the real answer to getting good is to invest the time and practice, practice, practice.
COURIER: Which instrument do you consider yourself to be most proficient on?
McGIFFORD: I think I have a decent grip on guitar and piano. However, every day I spend practicing is a day that I get a little bit better. I think always approaching it like I am a novice keeps me humble and working hard on improving.
COURIER: When you won Penticton Teen Idol, can you recall what it was you sang?
McGIFFORD: Well, since it was 2004, I think I sang “With Arms Wide Open” (Creed), “Welcome To My Life” (Simple Plan), and “American Idiot” (Green Day) in the competition. I’m not sure how well I would fare with the same set list today.
COURIER: What was the first pop or rock album you can remember being obsessed with as a kid?
McGIFFORD: I can think of hundreds of albums I obsessed over as a kid. Some major ones for me would be the first album I purchased myself, which was “Enema Of The State” by Blink-182. Some other heavy hitters for me growing up include Fleetwood Mac’s “Rumours” and System of a Down’s “Mezmerize.”
COURIER: How did you enjoy playing the lead in “Raft” given that it was brand new and original?
McGIFFORD: Raft was a blast. Randall (Robinson) and Pat (Brown) wrote and directed an incredible show. I have been aware of the show for a number of years and seeing how it grew and changed was super cool to see. From a performance perspective it was really fun bringing a character that no one knew to the stage. I look forward to working with them again on “Tommy.”
COURIER: What do you enjoy about Kelowna’s music scene?
McGIFFORD: I think the greatest strength to Kelowna’s music scene is its community. I think we all really work together and support one another, rather than compete.
COURIER: Tell me about your solo music project that you’re presently working on.
McGIFFORD: Well, this is really a passion project for me that has turned into a couple folk-rock-dance-style albums. I have learned so much from my past experiences that I wanted to channel that into something that really resonates with me. I am looking forward to releasing the albums in the not too distant future.
COURIER: When we read about funding cuts to schools, especially in the United States, music always seems to get hit. Why do you think it’s important to maintaining funding for music and theatre arts in schools?
McGIFFORD: I think art really just reflects life and all the branches of art at their core deal with expression, sometimes complex and sometimes simple. I feel it is important to maintain music and theatre in school so that kids can develop their pallet for emotion, creativity and expression in addition to their academics.
COURIER: OK, ending on a fun note. If you could only take three vinyl albums with you to a desert island, which ones would they be?
McGIFFORD: “Rumours,” “Summer Breeze” by Seals and Croft and “AM” by the Arctic Monkeys
COURIER: And what if you were only allowed to take one musical instrument?
McGIFFORD: Grand piano. I have no idea how I would get a grand piano onto a desert island, but it has always been a dream of mine to own one. So if I’m heading that way, might as well tick something else from the bucket list.