With 32 years of music education experience coupled with stints as a composer, performer, and producer, Brian Swetland brings experience to the table. Brian’s aha moment came in a recording studio while making a record with his elementary school choir. He recalls, “I was asked to enter the control booth. I watched as the engineer took a pass from the upper voices. Seeing the console with the knobs and faders, a spark ignited in my soul. Without knowing what I was looking at, I knew that was where I belonged. It was the beginning of my true calling - to be a musician and help others make music.”

 

Brian spent the past 32 years teaching elementary and high school music. His award-winning marching band traveled nationwide, marching in many well-known events. One notable highlight was marching in the 100th National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade in Washington, D.C. He was awarded the Tolenas Elementary Teacher of the Year in 2007 and selected as the Fairfield Suisun Unified School District Teacher of the Year in 2014. 

 

During his elementary school tenure, Brian ran a private drum studio and recorded demos for local bands. He played drums in the alternative rock trio Thorough Fair and co-wrote music and lyrics for the Christian industrial duo Temple of the Times. This year, Brian passed his baton to a former student to run the traditional band program.

 

Brian wrote a course proposal to teach a Modern Band class that was added to the Digital Music Production class he created four years ago. Combining the two courses created a Modern Music Pathway. In addition, Brian is completing a Master of Music Technology—Studio Emphasis at Southern Utah University, where he is a master’s candidate. He starts the Preliminary Administrative Services Credential Program at San Diego State University in Spring 2025. 

 

Producing excellence in music is Brian’s mission. In front of a classroom, during one-on-one lessons, in the studio, or on the stage, he encourages himself, his students, and his clients to become the best musicians possible. This is his true calling.