“The best things happen out of mistakes.”

That is just one piece of advice that jazz guitarist Monnette Sudler gave when she hosted the most recent Sound Recording & Music Technology (SRT) Women in Music Master Class at Montgomery County Community College. Sudler detailed her career and played some of her music for the audience of MCCC students and community members.

Sudler began her career playing folk music, and though she has transitioned primarily to jazz, she still writes in a variety of styles, which she sampled for the audience. She takes inspiration from guitarists like Wes Montgomery and James Taylor and implements basic musical techniques such as arpeggios and scales to create melodies within the structure of her songs.  

Between giving advice and exploring her career, Sudler played two original pieces that she had written, “Polka Dots and Moonbeams” and “Triste.” She then told students her reason for continuing in the music business.

“I play music because it makes me happy, and I forgot that at one point, and I’m getting back to that,” she said. “Don’t make choices that aren’t going to support happiness.”

Sudler is excited to create opportunities for the next generation, including student of MCCC’s Jazz Band. MCCC students Damani Okuri, Maurice Weeks and Alex Custus accompanied Sudler on bass guitar, keyboard and drums respectively. They were grateful for the opportunity to work with someone as renowned as Sudler.

“Playing with Monnette felt like home,” Okuri said. “I’ve actually played with Monnette before and some other bands, but I’ve never had the opportunity to pick her brain and learn.”

“It was awesome, a wonderful new experience,” Weeks said. “If a musician isn’t learning they’re not doing their job.”

Hosted by the Sound Recording and Music Technology Program, Master Classes are free and provide Montco students and community members with the opportunity to meet with and learn from professionals in the music industry.­­­