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In a recent review, published in a daily newspaper, Dr Richard Tang Yuk, said “choral conducting is a very specialised field within the already specialised classical music field and it is encouraging to see a young conductor following his dream. I expect we will hear a lot about Hudlin in the decades to come. “ That young conductor is 23-year-old Michael Hudlin.  While some may be familiar with names like Tang Yuk, Jessel Murray, Kwame Ryan or Dr Roger Henry, there aren’t many male classical music conductors in our country. In fact, few boys in this generation dream of a career in classical music whether conductor or composer. Michael Hudlin, however, wanted both. Here is his MENtions story:

I lived in Gasparillo for a short while with my two older sisters and my younger brother, then we moved to Vistabella just before my little sister was born. Growing up, my parents always reminded us that nothing happens without effort and hard work. We were taught how to sacrifice our wants to ensure that our primary needs were fulfilled. My mother always had a pragmatic view of the world and this is an approach that I have inherited. I truly believe that actions effect change.

My mother always knew I would be involved in performing. She loves telling the story that during my elder sister’s preschool graduation ceremony, when the class teacher was preparing them for their performance, then three-year-old Michael boldly went on the stage and belted his heart out singing the graduation song. My mother was amazed how comfortably I looked and how unapologetic my demeanour was while I performed.

When I tell my friends that I used to have terrible stage fright, they are always shocked. I always remember back in 2007. I was in primary school. I entered the Eastern Credit Union’s calypso competition. I walked out and saw the black void of the audience, froze, then bolted (similar to that image of Julia Roberts in Runaway Bride). My teacher, Mr Ramkissoon, sent me right back on to the stage. I sang so timidly but that occasion marked the end of my stage fright. That same year, I won the junior calypso competition held at the San Fernando City Hall. Each activity after that helped me with this challenge until I no longer experienced it.

The music was full of pathos and coaxed emotions that I didn’t know I had

In Secondary school I transitioned from calypso to classical. I was completely smitten after hearing Presentation College and St Joseph’s Convent, San Fernando choir (PresCon) perform Bruckner’s Virga Jesse at the 2010 Music Festival. The music was full of pathos and coaxed emotions that I didn’t know I had. Soon after, I joined the Presentation College Mixed Choir (PresMixed), landed a lead role in their production of The Wiz and started performing in the festival.

In my later teenage years, I started composing as part of the CSEC Music syllabus. Because of my exposure to singing complicated choral music with PresMixed, I composed a piece that I thought explored all the musical elements I saw in our repertoire. Thus, Gloria, was born. This piece then led to a motet Be Still and Know which won the 2016 Music Festival award for Best Composition. This piece, and an extended revision of the Gloria formed the base of my 2016 recital programme A Breath of Fresh Air, produced by Chandelier Productions.

I decided to focus on helping others become better performers as an educator and director

Although I discovered my love of composing, believe it or not, I didn’t always dream of being a classical music conductor. In fact, I wanted to be an architect. In Form Four however, I settled on being a musician. Since I did not believe performance was my calling, I decided to focus on helping others become better performers as an educator and director. I am grateful to all those who supported me throughout my musical career. I have been taught by many musicians who facilitated meaningful discussions about my vision for my future. However, I was never fully attached to one person. My family and close friends were also very supportive. At every point on my journey, people were willing to give me a boost to the next level: whether they were my parents who supported my decision to forgo Sixth Form and attend The UWI or my academic advisor at SUNY Plattsburg, who encouraged me to do my Master’s degree in Music Conducting.

Locally, I have had most interaction with Jessel Murray and Peter Lockhart. They have inspired me and encouraged me. But while their careers may have positively impacted me, I did not want to be like anyone else. I wanted to forge a path that no one had walked; a path that will provide a new way for others to follow.

Criticism is your most powerful tool

As enjoyable as the field is, it also quite tough. As a musician, my voice, piano skills, compositions and conducting techniques are always under scrutiny. But, this is the nature of the arts. Criticism is your most powerful tool. It is the foundation for your growth. I may not have heeded all the advice I was given but the feedback gave me a sharper lens for self-evaluation.

Over the years, I have developed two mantras which guide me. Stress is a choice and In all things, excellence. While the former may seem simple, it truly helps me to temper my reactions to my environment. As a creative, it is the nature of our jobs to interact with other people and yes, things will stress us out. However, we must always remember that we control our reactions to stimuli. Do not concern yourself with things you cannot control. I do not vocalise my second mantra as much, but it is my modus operandi. If as a consumer, I expect nothing less than excellence, then I must provide a product that satisfies the customer. This is why I always strive to be the best version of myself and I expect the same from my colleagues and team.

If you are still searching for a career, I will like to humbly offer this three-step guide:

1. Find what excites you. This may seem simple enough, but your initial thought may not be the true answer.
2. Do a gap analysis. Determine what is required to begin your chosen career and evaluate whether you meet those requirements or not.
3. Begin taking the steps by either closing the gap or starting your career. Sometimes it’s as simple as asking a question or submitting an application. The biggest help in my career was surrounding myself with professionals in the field by participating in festivals and joining ensembles. Find the people who do what you want to do and get involved.

I think we do not realise how much power we have over our fates. Fears, insecurities, and lack of support can keep us where we are but if we find that one person who believes in us and begin the journey with one small step, we will muster the courage to take another.

Michael held a concert in March 2021 entitled, “For Faith and Music: A Mass for the People.” It featured a combination of classical music with a pre-show of traditional Caribbean Folk songs and a line-up of seasoned performers with musical accompaniment by pianist Andrew Samlal and The Lydian Steel. The evening was a special one for the conductor as it represented his final recital concert which was required to complete his Master of Music in Conducting – Choral from the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York. Congrats Michael!