Field Work #3

Jacob Mosqueda has been teaching guitar and bass at Hi-Line Music for over five years. He is dedicated to creating a supportive and effective learning environment, adapting his teaching style to meet the needs of each student. Jacob encourages his students to do their best and helps them overcome challenges. He is also involved in Hi-Line Music’s Student Recitals, motivating students to perform and build their confidence. Jacob’s commitment to helping students grow both musically and personally makes him a valuable teacher.

Mosqueda talks about music's unique ability to serve as an expressive outlet and community builder. He mentions that music enables people to communicate emotions that "don't come out" in words, with genres like the blues particularly effective at conveying deep, complex feelings. Music is portrayed as a flexible tool that can help manage stress and anxiety by allowing people to channel their emotions through whether they're experiencing joy or sorrow and by providing a space where shared musical experiences foster social connections and support. Mosqueda also goes over practical challenges, such as access to instruments and music education, emphasizing that affordability and limited programming can hinder participation, though alternatives like digital music creation and music clubs offer viable solutions. Overall, the interview talks about making music more accessible and integrated into community and educational settings, which can play an important role in reducing the stigma around mental health and in nurturing emotional resilience.