Blog

Anthony Woodroffe, also known as “Tony Paul” is part of a music dynasty. A talented musician who can play almost every woodwind instrument, he’s also directed his talents to music education.  After studying ACCA (accounting) for some years, he finally decided to pursue an undergraduate degree in Jazz Studies and a Master’s degree in Music Education. Here is what he told MENtions about finding his path and pursuing his passion.  

The foundation years

For as long as I can remember, my parents have been divorced.  The back and Forth and some of the issues that come with broken relationships have impacted the way I view the world, both good and bad. A large part of my childhood was spent with my paternal grandparents who believed deeply in education and structure. When not with them,  I spent time with my maternal grandmother and that extended household where there was a little less structure and a lot of cousins to play with.

The desire  to please my parents affected my ability to identify my own desires and wants. It wasn’t until my early twenties, however,  that I started thinking about what path I wanted to follow and what I would need to be happy. I believe that finding that path is still an active ongoing process. 

Because my father attended the School of Music in Jamaica, he also gigged there. I got the first hand opportunity to experience some of that “musician  life” when I visited him there. Very early on, I started coaching younger students so music education has always been parallel to my performance career. I also participated in the Trinidad and Tobago Music Festival in my younger years, playing the recorder, flute, clarinet and saxophone.   When it was time to choose an instrument, I initially wanted to play the trumpet like my father, but having the same name already led to confusion so he recommended that I play the saxophone instead. I haven’t looked back since.

The value in what we do

I actually pursued business subjects at secondary school because 1) Music wasn’t yet available when I did CXC  and 2) my grandmother advised that having a solid career first before transitioning into music would be the “most sensible thing.” I couldn’t fault the logic at the time. However, as much as these particular academic paths informed who I was as a person (as all experiences do), I do believe that it was an unnecessary step. After a few years pursuing ACCA (accounting) I finally made the decision to leave accounting and pursue music full time. 

My grandmother’s view was not unique. Many people believe that musicians should have primary jobs, while pursuing music at the side. Perhaps, it may have to do with the fact that a lot of people in our society do not see the value in what we do beyond the obvious. They don’t see the individual that has spent years perfecting their craft. They don’t see the emotional risk we take every time we put our craft on stage for people to see… the judgment that comes with it, that undoubtedly affects our egos. From the average man/woman straight up to the policy makers, a larger discussion needs to be had around valuing creatives.

A fulfilling experience

To this day, one of my greatest moments is performing at Carnegie Hall. The Weill Music institute sponsored a Latin Jazz Traditions workshop that put out a call for applicants from all over the world. We were flown to New York and had masterclasses for four days and on the fifth day, at the culmination of the sessions we performed with one of my saxophone heroes (Paquito D’Rivera). 

I’ve been blessed to be mentored by some of the giants in this field like Dr. Ray Holman and Clive Zanda (deceased). These two gentlemen and Raf Robertson (also deceased) have given me a blueprint on how to be a professional with high standards in our industry.  Every time I step on the stage to perform I accept my part in their legacy and an ongoing legacy of excellence that I strive to maintain everyday.  

As long as I have been doing this, there is still a bit of trepidation or fear (that I term as “excitement”) before I get on the stage. Once I am on stage however, there is an overwhelming feeling of belonging and happiness to be able to share the music that I make with my colleagues and band mates, with the audience. It’s a very fulfilling experience. 

No longer the young blood

It’s hard to accept that I’m now a mentor and am no longer “the young blood” in the game, looking for advice and acceptance. Thankfully, my outlook has remained youthful and I am still inspired by the artists that first piqued my interest as a teenager. Seeing greatness in my students and all the energy they use to give their best, truly inspires me and brings me great happiness.

Seeking out a mentor is a critical part of personal and professional development. Fortunately, there is no shortage of possible mentors for our youth. When it comes to black men in particular, I certainly think there are many role models and mentors for young black men in our country. The issue lies, however, in the insufficient coverage that is given to these men via traditional media. The work being done here, through MENtions, is important in highlighting black men who are doing good work and making positive contributions. The other side of it is documenting the men that have gone before us and can set an example for generations to come. I therefore really hope that the younger generation will continue to read these stories and be inspired in one way or another by the experiences of the men who have been featured.

Believe in your worth!

Looking back on my younger years and my teenage self, I would encourage teenage Anthony to “always believe in your worth and do not be afraid to always demand respect.”

To that teenager on the cusp of adulthood, I want you to know that nothing in life is certain and every career has its challenges. If you want to pursue a passion that may not be mainstream, try to do as much research and find people that do what you want to pursue. Seek them out and have frank discussions with them about their experiences.  Prepare yourself mentally and financially before you make the first step.

Remember,

Having positive people around you who can lift you up when you’re unable to handle things on your own and people who you genuinely enjoy working with, make any endeavor easier to manage. 

–

Anthony is a former student of Western Boys’ RC (now Sacred Heart Boys’ RC, Trinidad), Fatima College (PoS, Trinidad), Leeds College of Music (UK) and Boston University (USA). He is a Senior Instructor (Woodwinds) at The University of Trinidad and Tobago’s Academy for the Performing Arts.