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Grand Rapids graphic designer turns musician at age 50

DANA NYSON / BANDCAMP

After a life of loving music, Grand Rapids graphic designer Dana Nyson has released his very first EP. It’s called “So Far.”

Nyson decided to pursue his passion at 50 years old, when he signed up for music lessons with teacher James Hughes, one of the owners at Triumph Music Academy in Grand Rapids.

But he had one big problem to overcome: Playing in front of his teacher, James.

“As much as my wife and everyone knew that I liked music, I never sang. They probably only heard me sing three or four times,” he said. “It scares me to death.”

And yet, he learned to overcome his fear, to play for his teacher and now, to allow a much wider audience access to his music.

Teacher James Hughes said Nyson stood out amongst other students because he was open to working collaboratively and to moving forward with his music.

“He seemed to have all of the semblances of a true artist,” Hughes said.

To hear Nyson talk about his approach to song writing and more, listen above. You’ll also hear some of his music.

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