“My parents sparked my love for music at a young age being music lovers themselves.”
Most college students in today’s world may have to give up their dream job to pursue a career they aren’t that interested in. They may have to give up music, sports or theater to prepare for the rest of their lives.
As 21-year-old Cinnaminson native Evan Fleming continues to go through his college career, the musician and songwriter has chosen his passion as his major. The rising senior at Montclair State University is studying for a bachelor’s degree in music production, and has been able to get his feet wet since a young age.
“Music has always been around in my house,” Fleming said. “My dad plays guitar and has played concerts, my mom sings pretty well, and my brother is a graduate assistant at Penn State University also studying music.”
Fleming started singing at a young age, performing in the elementary school’s choir, before joining the drama and theater club at Cinnaminson High School. He plays the guitar and piano during a lot of his performances today, but is also learning some other instruments in hopes of mastering them as well.
“I can also play drums, bass, ukulele and mandolin, very minimally, but I’m still learning to master those as well,” Fleming said. “While taking part in plays during high school, I practiced with instruments, and my love for music took off from there.”
Luckily for Fleming, he didn’t have much of a job during his time at CHS so he was able to practice his craft and teach himself more about music.
Fleming participates in local concert series in the summer such as Cinnaminson and Palmyra, and performs at local restaurants and farmers markets, too.
“Due to my college schedule, I really have had to keep my performances local,” Fleming said. “Luckily, I know a lot of people in this area and have been able to pick up gigs in several South Jersey towns.”
When asked about his inspiration and musical influences, Fleming named a list of artists who come from a wide range of genres.
“Jason Robert Brown and Sara Bareilles have been two huge artists that I have learned from,” Fleming said. “My parents sparked my interest at a young age, being music lovers themselves, but I have taken inspiration wherever I can get it really.”
Fleming is in the final year of a five-year undergraduate program at Montclair State, and will look to continue his love for music in the field following graduation.
“It’s weird to hear about a five-year undergrad program, but I am enjoying every minute of my education,” Fleming said. “I feel like every class has helped me in some shape or form, and I hope to take my career to the next level following the completion of my degree.”
For more information regarding Fleming and his upcoming shows, visit his Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/therealef.
