About Spoons for the People:
Spoons for the People was created by Vincent Schueren in March 2022. The project arose from an urgent need to make more space in his home, which was overrun with various types of musical spoons he had collected from thrift stores over the preceding two years. He knows in his heart that all people are musical, so he feels comfortable re-homing his spoons to people who will show them love in the form of banging them around and making music. He produces engaging content that teaches viewers how to do this artfully, with the understanding that musical skill and confidence makes you more likely to engage in musical activities.
Spoons for the People outlines the different musical services I offer and provides an online resource for anybody who might want to try playing a new instrument.
About Vincent Schueren:
Singer ✨ Teacher ✨ Folk Instrumentalist ✨ Songwriter ✨ Facilitator ✨ Soundcloud Rapper
Master of Music in Music Education, University of Texas at Austin
Under the care of two incredibly supportive parents, I grew up in Tallahassee, FL. Then, I grew up more in Greensboro, NC; and subsequently even MORE in Portland, OR; Austin, TX; Lafayette, LA; Lovington, NM; and in the woods of northern Wisconsin—where I find my current existence. I am a queer, 29-year-old man.
As a youngster, singing and theater were important to me because they were technical, expressive, and they connected me with a beautiful community of choir kids. To the high school friends and teachers I don’t keep in touch with any more: I miss you!
I attended Guilford College and picked up many Quaker values from the students and professors there. These values of egalitarianism, honesty, and faith in one another still guide me. As a double-major in Mathematics and Vocal Performance, I spent years learning how to think analytically and use my natural instrument as efficiently and precisely as possible. I sifted through my semi-traditional collegiate music education, learning a lot while doubting its underlying assumption that classical music is the highest musical art form.
After college, I became interested in teaching. I became a math tutor, and subsequently held an array of jobs in education including assistant teacher, camp counselor, special education, etc. Through this work, I developed a deep understanding of the relationship between self-confidence and learning, as well as the relationship between relationships and learning. When I hear the words “I’m bad at math” or “I can’t sing”, my brain kicks into teacher mode. It is my goal to gain skill in helping people heal from their musical traumas and allow themselves to be artistic.
I am a reformed vocal purist. For years, I thought instruments (other than the piano) were for squares because I was never introduced to instruments that excited me. These magical objects found me one-by-one and taught me lessons in physics, expression, playfulness, and accessibility. The harmonica, the penny whistle, and the musical spoons were some of the first folk instruments to enter my music practice. Since then, I have truly gone down the rabbit hole with no chance to ever again see the light of day. I invite you to join me.
I earned my Masters in Music Education at the University of Texas at Austin, and bravely entered into the public school system. I worked in Lovington, NM for a time, but had difficulty finding community in this rural desert town in the midst of a pandemic. For that reason (and all the other reasons teachers leave the profession), I left my teaching job and moved in with my partner in Northern Wisconsin. He is the sweetest man in Iron County. I cultivate music community here in the Northwoods and Online through this web site. I am grateful that the universe is throwing me plenty of bones as I begin this work.
I am so grateful to all who have supported and influenced me in my journey. To my family, friends, and teachers: thank you!
<3 <3 <3
Guiding Values:
Musical Inclusivity
Music can be considered a skill that someone might ‘get better at’ by practicing—but that’s not exactly the point. There are many psychological and physical benefits that come with making music, and anyone can access these benefits regardless of skill level.
Queer Visibility
Being authentic as a queer (LGBTQ+) artist allows me to discredit harmful stereotypes, share the beauty of queer culture with others, and do my part to help build community. Queer liberation is intertwined with the social and material liberation of all marginalized groups.
Financial Accessibility
Money should never be a barrier to music-making. I promote the use of relatively inexpensive musical instruments, and I offer the following products and services free of charge in the interest of including people of all financial situations.
Vocal Improvisation Workshops
First lesson is always pay-as-you-feel
If you would like to support this site and the work that I do, please consider making a donation! If you have limited funds but would like to help in other ways, you can share my videos on social media, write a testimonial, and tell your friends about this web site. Thank you!