TAMPA, Fla. — It’s Day one of a Jazz Intensive Workshop at the Patel Conservatory. There are trombones, a piano player named Zion, trumpets and laughter.

By week’s end, this group of teens plan to perform at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts, under the ear of Matthew Weihmuller.

“Evan, don’t be afraid to play out, man,” said Weihmuller to one student. “You sound great on the keys, man,” to another.

The professional saxophone player has been teaching students at the Pate about a decade.

“It’s really always been my passion that I think the way to really continue the art of playing jazz is through the youth of today and student,” said Weihmuller.

Blind from birth, it’s Weihmuller’s literacy in Braille Music that connects his world and his pupils.

“I’ve had to teach how to read music to sighted individuals, which would be impossible without the Braille Music,” said Weihmuller.

It basically levels the playing field for Weihmuller as an instructor. When he himself is performing—it’s not the same.

“The only difference is I have to memorize everything,” said Weihmuller. Something he’s been doing since middle school.

“Well, I have to say, where there’s a will, there’s a way,” said Weihmuller about his advice for others dreaming of life as a musician.

Weihmuller encourages the next generation to surround themselves with the professionals of the trade.