Devil’s Music

After resolving the New York Metropolitan Museum assignment, Geon Kim arrived at Sharon Isbin's office, gearing up for his first major professor's lesson.

Nervously, he knocked on the door, having received a text from Professor Sharon Isbin the previous night, summoning him to her office instead of the practice room.

"Knock, knock."

"Come in."

As Geon entered, he found Professor Sharon Isbin's office markedly different from the typical stern atmosphere of other faculty rooms. The warm orange lighting and antique furnishings created an overall cozy ambiance. Professor Isbin sat at her desk, noticing Geon's arrival, she rose from her seat and gestured him to the couch.

Seated, Geon was met with a smiling Professor Sharon Isbin.

"I've heard about the museum incident. Seems Daniel Weiss made quite an impression on you," she said with a chuckle.

Geon, slightly embarrassed, replied, "I suppose luck was on my side, Professor."

Tapping her index finger thoughtfully, Professor Sharon Isbin continued, "If success were purely luck, neither Corigliano nor I would ever fail. It's not about false modesty. I understand it's customary in Eastern cultures to speak this way in such situations. However, as someone aspiring to be a musician, you should refrain from such statements. Understood?"

Geon, a bit tense, nodded. "Yes, Professor. I understand. But it's just that... I was so caught up in the moment..."

Smiling, Professor Sharon Isbin interjected, "A little humility is a virtue. But let that virtue not result in belittling oneself or others. Simply attributing success to luck implies that Corigliano and I failed due to our lack of luck."

As Geon hesitated, gauging Professor Sharon Isbin's response, she smiled and continued, "No need to worry or feel scrutinized. What I hoped for was for you to take pride in your skill fittingly. It's a common trait among most Eastern students. Let me ask again: Coffee or tea?"

Scratching his head, Geon replied tentatively, "Um, anything's fine."

Looking at Geon, Professor Sharon Isbin advised, "During your time here, you'll need to practice expressing your thoughts clearly. That's a characteristic of many Eastern students. So, coffee or tea?"

Geon, scratching the back of his head, said, "Oh, tea, please."

With a warm smile, Professor Sharon Isbin poured tea and set a cup in front of Geon, alongside her coffee and another cup.

"By the way, this incident was quite surprising. Professor Price is also quite curious about you," Geon said, surprised.

"Professor Price? Oh, what an honor," Geon added.

Smiling, Professor Sharon Isbin remarked, "We'll meet Professor Price later. But today, I've invited someone to introduce to you. They'll be here soon."

"Another professor from a different department?" Geon inquired.

Sharon glanced at her watch. "No, they're an active professional musician, commemorating their 48th debut anniversary with a new album, not just a remaster but re-recorded performances."

Geon, amazed, asked, "48th debut anniversary? They must be incredibly famous."

Sharon chuckled. "Interested in getting an autograph?"

"Of course. Autographs and photos make for great memories," Geon replied.

Sharon placed her coffee cup down and said, "I'll make sure you get that chance. It won't be a problem. Today, the request isn't from me, it's from them."

"Request? Are they asking for a performance?" Geon asked.

"Yes, they've requested a classical guitar performance for their 48th-anniversary album," Sharon confirmed.

"With your skills, Professor Isbin, it's more than fitting for them to ask. I'm envious," Geon complimented.

Chuckling, Sharon replied, "Envious after knowing who it is? Hehe."

Geon, slightly taken aback, said, "Oh, I mean, I'm curious! Who is it? A Spanish musician?"

Sharon nodded towards the door. "They're here."

Upon Sharon's gesture, Geon turned and hastily stood up as someone entered through the open door. Professor Sharon Isbin also rose, welcoming the newcomer with a smile.

"Welcome! It's been a while, Juliet. How long has it been? Four years since the European tour? Exactly four years since we last met?"

The man who entered appeared to be around 70, with reddish skin indicating Hispanic descent. Despite his age, he wore a Hawaiian shirt adorned with flowers and birds under a brown coat, donning leather pants and boots that made him look much younger. With a black curly hair cascading down to his neck, he wore a hood comprised of red and white, an ensemble that made him look in his thirties from behind.

Sharon Isbin gently embraced the man extending his arms before leading him by hand to the sofa. Geon stood nearby, adjusting to their assistance. As the man attempted to sit down, he cast a fleeting glance at Geon, then directed a quizzical look at Professor Sharon Isbin.

Pointing at Geon, Professor Sharon Isbin spoke, "This is my student, named Geon Kim."

The man extended his hand toward Geon, saying, "Ah, I see. Nice to meet you, young man. You're lucky to learn from Sharon."

Geon smiled as they shook hands. "Yes, I consider it an honor."

Seating himself with a smile, the man reached for the coffee placed in front of him. "Oh, quite thoughtful. Did I arrive on time? Seeing something warm is nice."

Sharon chuckled, replying, "You've always been punctual like clockwork. Never been late."

Taking a sip of coffee, the man chuckled, holding the cup after speaking, "Have you thought about what I mentioned?"

Sharon nodded with a smile. "Yes, I will. But when is the recording?"

The man initially seemed pleased with Sharon's consent but soon wore a serious expression, lowering the coffee cup. "Hmm... There's a bit of a problem. You know Andy, right? Andy Burgess."

As Sharon nodded, the man continued, "Andy injured his throat. Being older, recovery isn't easy. Seems like we might need a replacement for this album."

Sharon, surprised, asked, "What? Andy? Why?"

Leaning back on the sofa, the man raised his arm on the chair's backrest. "Some time ago, there was a shooting at the BPM Festival in Cancun, you know?"

Startled, Sharon grabbed the man's arm. "Yes? Don't tell me he got hurt there? How bad? Is Andy okay?"

Chuckling lightly, the man said, "He wasn't shot, don't worry. Being an old man, I don't know what he was doing at an EDM DJ festival popular with young ones, but when the shooting happened, he dodged and ended up hitting his chin and neck on the bar edge while rolling on the ground. Probably not easy at his age. Anyway, after rolling, he hit his chin and neck and ended up in the hospital."

Sharon sighed in relief. "Oh, he didn't damage his vocal cords then? Is he okay?"

Nodding, the man replied, "Yeah, saw him before coming here. He's fine. Still, seeing him fuss over nurses' backsides shows he's not fully recovered mentally."

Remembering Andy's character, Sharon chuckled and covered her mouth with her hand. "Haha, that's a relief. So, have you found a vocalist?"

Shaking his head, the man sighed. "No, not yet. There might be many willing, but finding the right one is the issue."

Suddenly noticing Geon listening intently, Sharon glanced at him mischievously. Geon, unsure of Sharon's amusement, felt a bit puzzled.

"Would you like to audition? There are many good students here," the man said, raising his eyebrows and looking at Sharon.

"It's not just for students from Juilliard, for opera or vocal majors," Sharon pointed at Geon, saying, "He's here. He's not that kind of student."

Looking at Geon again, the man ran his gaze up and down. "Hmm, definitely a look that female fans would like... If you're Sharon's student, are you in the guitar department? Can you sing well?"

Putting her arm around the man's, Sharon said, "Try it out. Just give it a shot without feeling burdened. If it doesn't work, then it's fine. Opportunities like this are rare."

After momentarily looking at Sharon, Geon nodded decisively. "Yes, I'll think of it as a challenge and give it a try, Professor."

Smiling, Sharon stood up. "Shall we head to our studio? There should be an empty one at this hour."

As Sharon rose, the man and Geon stood up too. The man, realizing he hadn't properly introduced himself despite hearing the other's name, apologized, "Oh, I forgot my manners. Sorry for not introducing myself. I'm Carlos Santana."

Geon, with widened eyes, shook Carlos Santana's hand. "Really? Carlos Santana? The leader of Santana?"

Carlos smirked and gestured towards the door.

>

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