“Teens in Technology”

Jordan Peterson

Interviewed and written by Katie Morrow

 

A 16 year old junior at O’Neill Public High School.  Already destined down a path of success.  A teenager with tremendous talent.  Yet he gives credit for his early success to his family and one software program… Garage Band.

 

When I first heard that Jordan was composing, recording, and producing his music in Garage Band, I thought of him plugging in his midi keyboard and a microphone and playing each song once through.  As a matter of fact, when I interviewed Jordan, he admitted to premature skepticism as to the software program’s capabilities. “I originally thought it (GarageBand) was just a bunch of loops.  Now I know that it can do so much more.” But Jordan’s production skills go far deeper than what initially meets the ear.  Jordan sometimes composes the music first, sometimes the lyrics, but always does it all… himself.  He uses his midi keyboard for the piano music that he has written and the built in instruments to create his background band.  Vocals are recorded with a microphone input into the computer. Background vocals- often in at least 3 part harmony- are also all recorded by Jordan, on separate tracks, and mixed together for the final arrangement.  

 

Success has come fast and early for this rising musical star.  Jordan has entered Apple’s Digies Contest for the past three years and has won all three years.  He won first place in a Holt County talent search, won the Nebraska Association for the Gifted’s Leta Hollingworth Student Award in 2006, has performed in live concerts with the Drew Davis Band around the state, won the Galaxy of the Stars Talent Search last summer, and is currently competing in a songwriting contest called “American Idol Underground.”   Future plans include finishing the recording of his first professional full length album, of which he got a start on with his prize package from the Galaxy competition.  

 

 

Where will you next see or hear Jordan Peterson?  He is considering studying musical theater in college.  His music could be anywhere or everywhere, but two things are for sure.  First his advice to others with similar interests: “Keep working no matter what.  Don’t doubt yourself because you never know what you can achieve with what has been given to you.” And finally, his advice to schools, “I couldn’t do what I do without Garage Band and the Apple laptop. Access to technology is the key.  Provide the kids with the technology they need, and they will do great things.”