Some people know what they want to do from an early age. Jamar Jones was one of those people. Jones discovered his passion for music at just 4 years old when his mother bought a piano.

"That piano became part of the fabric of our home," Jones said. "It became a dream of mine to figure out how to go from my mother's living room to actually being on the TV, playing the piano like Bugs Bunny."

Jones spent decades honing his talents and pursuing his love of music. The journey eventually brought him to Arlington in 2014 , where he enrolled in UT Arlington's Masters program, working toward a degree in jazz piano.

"I finished that program and while I was here at UT Arlington, our conversations just continued to grow," Jones said. "And my participation with the organization at large continued to grow."

Jones is now the Director of Music Industry Studies and an Assistant Professor of Music at UTA. 

"I came from the sound of Philadelphia. I want to help birth the sound of Arlington," Jones said. "The American dream for me is being able to help other people live their dreams, while I'm actually actively exercising my dream."

Jones will make his students' dream a reality next month when a new EP is released. "I'll Live" is a student-driven recording with original writing, production, mixing and mastering. According to UTA, the project promotes self-love and self-care, and is an answer to a generation’s struggle with depression and suicidal thoughts. It will be a digital release to all digital music outlets on Feb. 28, 2020.

Click here to learn more about UTA's music program. 

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