Intro by King Musa
"Yo, you know what it is! It’s your man, King Musa, and welcome to The Cheat Sheet, where we break down the journeys of creators, educators, and innovators shaping their fields.
Today, I’m joined by Herbert Midgley—a multi-talented musician, filmmaker, teacher, and creator who has been inspiring students and audiences for decades. We’ll dive into his career, his passion for teaching, and how he continues to blend music, film, and education into a creative lifestyle. Let’s get started!"
Getting to Know Herbert Midgley
King Musa: "Welcome, Herbert! For those who don’t know, can you share a bit about yourself and what you do?"
Herbert Midgley: "Thanks for having me! I’ve been teaching at SFA for 24 years, soon to be 25. My focus is music and film—I teach classes like music theory, history of rock and roll, jazz appreciation, and even electronic music. Beyond teaching, I compose music, make films, and write. Creativity drives everything I do."
KM: "What’s your hometown, and how did your upbringing shape your passion for music and teaching?"
HM: "I was born in Lufkin, Texas, but I lived all over because my dad was in the Air Force. Music was always a part of my family—my dad loved Buddy Holly, and my mom encouraged my interests. I grew up learning about the greats and experimenting with music. That foundation sparked my passion for teaching and creating."
The Evolution of Creativity
KM: "You’ve been involved in music and film for years. How has technology changed the way you create?"
HM: "I’ve been around since the early days of electronic music, working with MIDI and looping. Now, technology makes it easier to create and share music. I still use GarageBand, even on older computers—it’s not about the tools but what you do with them. For me, staying adaptable and embracing new tech keeps things exciting."
KM: "What motivates you to keep creating after all these years?"
HM: "I just love it. Whether it’s teaching, making music, or filming, I see them as interconnected. Each feeds into the other, and that synergy keeps me passionate. It’s not about money or fame—it’s about the joy of creation."
Teaching and Inspiring Others
KM: "What’s your teaching philosophy, and how do you inspire students to take creative risks?"
HM: "Authenticity is key. When you’re genuine, students respond. I encourage them to try new things, embrace failure, and learn from the process. Whether it’s making music, films, or just exploring new ideas, the goal is to foster confidence and curiosity."
KM: "What’s your favorite class to teach, and why?"
HM: "The history of rock and roll and jazz appreciation. These classes connect students with the pioneers of music and help them appreciate what they listen to today. It’s amazing to see students talk to their parents or grandparents about music and find common ground."
Creative Projects and Advice
KM: "You’ve done so much—from scoring films to teaching music. What’s a dream project you’d still love to tackle?"
HM: "I’d love to have a speaking role in a major film or TV show. I’ve done student films and background work, but having a real Hollywood credit is a big goal for me."
KM: "What advice would you give to someone pursuing a creative career?"
HM: "Do it because you love it. If you’re in it for fame or money, you might lose sight of what matters. Focus on creating and sharing your work. If it connects with even a small audience, that’s everything."
Outro by King Musa
"Herbert, thank you for sharing your wisdom and passion with us.
To all our listeners, take a cue from Herbert’s journey—pursue what you love and stay curious. Check out his music on Spotify and his films online. Subscribe to The Cheat Sheet for more inspiring conversations, and stay connected with us on social media. Until next time, keep creating and stay inspired!"
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