As our community begins to harmonize, the instrumental music program strikes a new tune, welcoming a multi-talented instrumental teacher, Michael Hamm. On top of guitar and electric bass, he also plays the piano.
Growing up in a musical environment, Hamm has a deep passion for it. “I come from a musical family; my mom’s family, they came from Mexico, and they had a Tejano band … so they started me on guitar lessons when I was a little boy,” he says.
Hamm also loves all kinds of music. “I really do like everything. I don’t know if there’s any that I like over any others, but [I] definitely [like] soul music and rhythm and blues. I was raised on that. But my favorite band of all time is the Beatles … My single favorite musician of all time is Stevie Wonder, the great soul artist,” he says.
Hamm is very excited for this job: “My favorite part about this has been [getting] to teach a larger number of kids … [For] decades now, I’ve just taught one on one lessons, and so it’s nice to have a class and to recognize strengths and limits in kids and to try to organize the music and write things where it fits the class, and everybody can come together,” he says.
Even before coming here, Hamm had a strong connection with the Seabury community. “I give lessons to Alice [Pulsinelli] … I teach Aven Handshy, he was a student of mine. But for years, I taught Alexandra Terry lessons, and I have [had] a lot of Seabury students over the years. It’s been really great,” he says.
Regarding personal interests and hobbies, Hamm shares that he “really like[s] cycling and finding a good book to read. I’m trying to read more fiction these days; I usually read nonfiction,” he adds.
Famous for his brownie recipe, Hamm has great interest in food. He shares about his preferred cuisines, saying, “Lately, my favorite food to eat is Thai food or Indian food, and I was raised with authentic Mexican food, tortillas and everything. I love it.”
As for pets, Hamm says, “We have a dog named Cole. He’s a mix, but he’s mainly a cane corso. They’re a kind of Italian mastiff. We rescued him from a shelter in Kansas City. He’s been a big joy for us.”
When asked about how he likes Seabury so far, Hamm answers, “It’s wonderful. Everyone here has been so kind and so inviting. The other faculty have come up and spoken to me themselves, and everybody has been really kind.” On that note, please continue to make him feel welcome during this brand new school year!
