Building Community, One Student at a Time
- Kristine Ensor
- Aug 5
- 2 min read
Cary-Grove Free Press is launching a monthly “Meet Your Neighbor” feature to highlight exceptional members of our community. This month, we’re proud to introduce musician, teacher, and songwriter Jared Olson.
Jared Olson is an accomplished musician, singer, and songwriter, but his most meaningful role is helping students develop their own musical voice and become performers in their own right.
Olson attended Cary-Grove High School from 1997 to 2000, and credits former choir director Dana Floor with recognizing his potential and encouraging him to focus on music. After graduating, Olson went on to major in Music Composition at Columbia College in Chicago.
As a full-time musician and waiter, Olson made a lucrative living as an artist, playing with bands like Elephant Gun and Post Child. But when the COVID-19 pandemic shut down restaurants and music venues closed, Olson was forced to rethink what he wanted to do with his life.
Music remained a priority, but after watching his friends enjoy teaching, he realized that he wanted to make a difference too. After reaching out to the community, he quickly signed up ten students and was off to the races.
Today, Olson teaches about 30 private students each year, offering instruction in guitar, drums, voice, bass, and ukulele. He’s excited to start training a few of his more advanced students in songwriting and music production skills.
Performance is an important part of his students’ learning experience. Every summer, students from Cary, Crystal Lake, Huntley, Lake Zurich, Island Lake, and a few out-of-state students perform live in Cary. Olson has included an online Zoom recital during winter.
“It’s been really nice watching my students build confidence every year,” Olson said.
Although Olson continues to write and perform covers and original music as Thin Swimmer and as one half of the alternative rock and power pop duo, The Pick Me Ups, his students have become one of the greatest sources of inspiration in his life.
“Building community is really important to me. These days it’s extra important,” Olson said. “A big part of what I’m doing is bringing people together. I really want that to be the focus.”
Cary Grove is fortunate to have Olson back home. He is helping the next generation of musicians find their talent and the confidence to share it.
If you have a neighbor or friend you want to nominate for next month’s “Meet Your Neighbor” feature, please contact us as soon as possible.
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