Area Teacher Moonlights as Christian Rock Star

When Jason Eaton isn’t teaching elementary school children the joys of music in the Hartland School District, he’s enjoying it himself. 

Eaton is the front man for the aptly named Jason Eaton Band, which formed four years ago. Thanks to Eaton’s magnetic voice and his bandmates’ flawless fusion, the band has already met much success. The title track of their debut EP, Nothing Back, received national airplay and became a top-20 hit in Europe. A nationwide tour, including radio and television appearances, followed.

But, while some teachers might exploit such acclaim to impress students and boost their effectiveness in the classroom, Eaton is quiet about his fame. Instead, he thinks of his musical career as a continuing education class.

“Performing sharpens my skills, which in turn I believe makes me a better teacher. Having professional experiences outside the classroom is important whether they be higher level classes, which I take, or full out concerts in front of thousands of people,” said Eaton, who teaches at in Brighton Township.

Even though he makes an effort to keep the two separate, music and school have always gone hand-in-hand for Jason. Eaton’s earliest memories involve practicing, performing, creating, or writing music. During elementary and high school, Eaton sang in the choir and performed in school plays. He later studied music in college, which led him back to the elementary school classroom.

Eaton has been a music teacher at Lakes for 13 years. Lakes’ principal, Lindsay Smither, praised Eaton’s teaching skills.

“Jason is a wonderful music teacher. He’s very gifted — both as a musician and a teacher, which allows him to make music enjoyable for the kids. They learn so many skills while having fun,” Smither said.

Even though Eaton doesn’t boast about his rock star status, a few of Eaton’s students have heard his music, whether at church or on the radio.

“Those who have heard it love it and some of them are my biggest, most devoted fans,” Eaton said.

When Eaton first started performing, he was a solo act. Over time, however, he realized he needed a stable band.

“Having your own band allows you to tighten and be more creative,” Eaton said. “Artists are fundamentally more creative when they can play off each other’s ideas and concepts.”   

It didn’t take much effort to build a band. Most of the spots were filled by friends he’d met while playing music over the years.

While Eaton does most of the writing, all of the band members bring ideas to the table. United by their faith in God, the members of Jason Eaton Band understand and can play off of one another’s inspiration.     

“Songs can take as long as months to write or as short as 10 minutes. Usually the 10-minute ones are the most inspired and the biggest hits.” Eaton said.

The band’s latest album, One, was created from Eaton’s pop/rock arrangements of worship tunes.

The Jason Eaton Band will perform at Shepherd of the Lakes Lutheran Church in Brighton Township on Friday. The music begins at 7 p.m. and Chuck Tocco is set to open. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the church’s website.

You can also find more information on the Jason Eaton Band at the band’s website and on Facebook and other social media sites. Their music is available for purchase on Amazon, iTunes, and at most Christian bookstores.