MCC alumnus Dan Confait: Making music daily
A familiar phrase goes, "make your own music." Not only has Meridian Community College alumnus Dan Confait applied that saying to his life and business, but now he's spreading the message to countless others.
The owner of DC Guitar Studio, Confait, offers musical instruction and instruments in two locations – in Central and East Central Mississippi. He opened his first studio in Madison in March 2014 with 15 students, and in six months, the student count climbed to 70. After expanding the studio and the number of students, he returned to his Meridian roots opening DC Guitar Studio with seven lesson rooms.
"We sell mandolins, banjos, ukuleles, drums, guitars, and amps and offer lessons on every instrument we sell as well as vocal and piano lessons," Confait said.
Starting his college education at MCC in 2005, Confait performed in the College's musical groups, including Dimensions, the Jazz Band, and Classical Guitar Ensemble. When he graduated, he received the prestigious H.M. Ivy Award, given to an outstanding sophomore to continue his academic studies. "I continued my education at the University of Southern Mississippi, where I was a music performance and theory major with an emphasis in guitar and vocals," he said.
Confait would tour with the rock band Sypher, get solo gigs, and share the stage with fellow musicians Wes Lee, Saliva, Pop Evil, Evan's Blue, Taproot, and Duff McKagan.
"I love music and had to take a career path where I could have music daily as a part of my job," he said.
Still, a favorite memory of being at MCC includes performing with the Dimensions and being in College musicals.
What advice would he give others considering college? "Go for it. You can make your own future. Always pursue your dreams and stay motivated to achieve them," he said.
Confait added, "MCC can be a great stepping stone to help you in the right direction.