The Musical Life of Julien Prevost

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Enter Episcopal French teacher Julien Prevost’s classroom and you’ll find what you might expect in a French language classroom – flags, photos from visits to France and French mementos. Prevost earned a master’s degree in teaching French from the University of Lorraine in France and completed additional training in London earning a post-graduate certificate in education in French and German from the University of Cumbria. As you might expect, Prevost speaks with a French flair and has a passion for his culture. What you might not expect is his passion and commitment to music.
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Prevost has had a passion for music since he was seven years old and first picked up the cello. He has cultivated his cello talent over the years and even earned a bachelor’s degree in teaching the instrument. Prevost has performed in amateur orchestras in France, London and the United States. He even enjoyed a five year stint in a rock band called “The Spangles.” At Episcopal, Prevost has performed with Knight Train and played cello for the productions of Les Misérables and Evangeline. Once a month he also performs for Upper School students in Chapel.

​Music is truly a part of Prevost’s life and he actively seeks opportunities to play. Recently, he joined the Civic Orchestra of Baton Rouge, which is a group of amateur musicians who perform throughout the area for people who may not readily have access to classical music. The musicians have performed at local festivals including the Ebb and Flow Fest and at area libraries. Their performances are part instruction and part entertainment. For Prevost the orchestra is ideal because it provides a structured opportunity to play while offering flexibility that works with his career and personal life. He is also happy to have a goal to practice toward when the group has upcoming performances.

Music is about so much more than playing notes for Prevost. “It’s like playing a sport or learning a language,” he says. “It requires practice every day, hard work and discipline.” Prevost says numerous life skills can be acquired through the musical experience including patience, perseverance and time management. He says musicians also develop the confidence needed to perform and a sense of commitment to being part of an ensemble. Prevost began his teaching career as a cello teacher in France and he enjoyed the opportunity to impart these lessons to his students. However, he eventually felt the need for a new adventure and thus began his French language teaching career.
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As a French teacher Prevost thought he would have more opportunities for travel. He gained the opportunity to travel and so much more. While in London Prevost met Allison, an American originally from the Lafayette area. Louisiana’s French influence made it easy for Prevost to relocate to the Bayou State to join her. Now years later, Prevost and Allison have made a life together and are raising their son, Charles, in a bilingual home. Prevost says young Charles already loves music and he enjoys sharing it with him.

What music does Prevost listen to in his own car? “Classical,” he says. After pausing he adds that he also listens to rock, rap and a variety of French and American artists. He is even familiar with Louisiana’s Cajun music. Prevost says he doesn’t like to put barriers on the music he enjoys and is open to a range of genres. This classical performer says he’s also open to playing a variety of music from jazz to rock.

Being open to new adventures and new experiences has helped Prevost create a life he couldn’t imagine when he first began playing cello all those years ago in Nancy, France. He has followed his passion and continues to make beautiful music in the process.

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