By Dominique Faison

Videographer

Could you imagine going live on stage in front of 9,000 people? What would your next move be if you made a mistake? Take a trip inside the mind of a musician and learn what to do when the pressure is on.

For some people, public speaking is one of the most difficult things to overcome. For musicians and other performers alike, this is an obstacle that must be overcome in order to be successful. I was able to catch up with North Carolina A&T student, Tobias Hill, who has overcame this obstacle that musicians must face.

The Senior Music student has a music gene that runs throughout the family. Both parents sing as well as a cousin and an aunt. Hill’s grandfather also sings and plays guitar. Talented on both the drums and piano, the Aggie can also hold a pretty nice note.  

“I started singing at the age of two or three. Just [to be] on the safe side, we will say three. My Grandmother taught me my first song in the car on the way to the grocery store.” His Grandfather taught him how to play the drums as a kid. Keeping the lessons in the family, Tobias has taught his little cousin Mya to play piano and drums. “To see her grow in her gift is amazing,” said Hill.

Hailing all the way from Como, North Carolina, the dynamic musician has been focused ever since he stepped foot onto campus.

“My biggest challenge was coming to A&T ignorant to reading music and understanding the theory and history of music. You have to put in work in order to be successful. My advice for incoming freshmen is go see your advisor immediately and build relationships.”

Practicing for about three or four hours per night is a ritual for Hill. “You have to know when, what, and how to do something.” No matter what the circumstances may be, he makes sure that he spends time either singing or working with an instrument.

At the early age of five, Hill started performing in front of crowds. Performing in-front of a crowd of 9,000 has been his largest thus far. With nerves running ramped, there is one thing he engages in before each and every performance, and that is prayer. “I keep a focused mind and say a prayer before every performance, which puts me in the zone.”

Having the opportunity to sing for The Walls Group as well singing background for Tye Tribbett are the two most memorable moments for Hill. If it were possible for him to make a song with two music artists – dead or alive – Hill chose artists Brian McKnight and Michael Jackson, based on musicality.