We interviewed Eamonn Hubert [1] for our Fall 2019 Magazine [2] when he was on tour with the Broadway musical “School of Rock.” We caught up with Eamonn once again to learn about how things are going, and what new projects he has been working on since we last connected.

When we last met you, you were performing in a Broadway show on tour - how is that going/how did it go - and any major milestones since we last interviewed you?

The tour was incredible! I am beyond grateful to have had the time I did with the cast and crew of “School of Rock” and learned a lot about myself.  Being on stage was amazing, but learning all my tracks was very challenging.  Being away from home for so long was also really hard, but I’m so glad I had such a great opportunity. Since then, my regular life has “taken over,” so to speak. I am now a junior in high school, the principal cellist of the Binghamton Youth Symphony Orchestra, a section leader in my school marching band, was selected as the guitarist for New York State School Music Association All State Vocal Jazz Ensemble and also earned a spot with the All State Mixed Chorus, and released the first two singles from my first album to all the major streaming platforms. My voice has changed a lot, so I’ve had to spend a fair amount of time growing into the new one and learning good vocal technique. Recording and writing music has also been a major step forward in the last few years. I’d been writing music since I was 11, but I hadn’t really bothered with lyrics until I was about 14 when I wrote my first song. In terms of performance-related accomplishments, since returning from tour I’ve performed twice at the NYS Blues Festival and won their KJ James Memorial Scholarship, my band and I opened for blues guitarist Eric Gales, I’ve attended several concerts, and continued to perform 40-50 shows a year which is one of my most favorite things to do. In the last 6 years, so many amazing things have happened that sometimes I can’t believe it all happened to me.

What new projects have you been working on since we last spoke of special interest to the stuttering community?

I’m really proud of my new EP, “Can’t Get The Words Out.” It’s a deeply personal title that had been in my brain for a while, and I really wanted to use it to send a positive message to others who stutter or have a speech impediment. The title track specifically deals with my own journey from frustration related to my stutter to acceptance.

What should other people who stutter take away from your new project?

Well, I essentially wanted the EP and the title track to signify that you can do anything you put your mind to, regardless of how different or challenging your voice may be. I know many young people in the stuttering community struggle with feeling different or anxious about speaking.  One program I recently learned about is Camp SAY, a two-week summer camp with activities and programs to help build speech confidence and form friendships. I’m doing this because I want to help other kids have an amazing experience like that and find confidence in who they are.

Have you spoken with other people who stutter about your work and what it means to them?

It’s unfortunate that since I stopped stuttering therapy many years ago, I haven’t met anyone else in my area who stutters. I would certainly enjoy talking about my experience with someone who also stutters and really hearing from them what they take away from the work I do, but I haven’t had the opportunity yet.

How can we find out more information about your latest project?

You can listen to my first two singles on YouTube, Spotify, iTunes, Amazon Music, Pandora, and all the major streaming platforms. The full EP will be released on 11/2/24. You can also check me out on Instagram and see what my band “Hot Dogs & Gin” is up to on Facebook.

Anything new, fun, or interesting to report in your personal or professional life since we last spoke?

I’ve definitely changed quite a bit since I was 10! Transitioning from elementary school to middle school to hybrid learning because of COVID and then moving up to the high school have all been both challenging and exciting. Acting in many of my school’s musicals and playing instruments in several of my school’s musical ensembles has been really enjoyable, but it’s also a lot of work and requires hours of practice, rehearsals, and lessons to be able to give them all my best efforts. I’d say the biggest new thing in my life since we last spoke is that I’m finally figuring out who I am. I think that starts to happen for a lot of people in high school, and it can take a long time. For me personally, the last couple of years have been a real eye opener to the person I’m becoming and the potential for who I can be. I’ve discovered this through a few painful experiences, personal growth, and really a lot of analyzing those experiences and self-reflection. It’s been quite interesting.

You gave children and parents some advice during your last interview—anything you might change or add now?

I do remember mentioning creativity as a coping mechanism, and I stand by that to this day. People sometimes create the most wonderful things when their minds are in dark or difficult spaces, and I’ve experienced this firsthand as a composer. And as far as determination goes, just be who you are and don’t let life get in your way. I like to think the universe, fate, or whatever you want to call it does throw little lessons at you in one form or another, and you have to watch for them and be open to them. And for those who stutter, try to learn to coexist with it. I returned to stuttering therapy for a short time a couple of years ago, and during that time I read something that compared a stutter to a lion. You can keep it in a locked closet until it breaks the thing down, or you can let it out and accept it for what it is. You can’t hide who you are, so show it to the world. Doing that has made a huge and positive difference in my life. I still sometimes use word substitutions and get nervous when I have to order food in front of people other than my friends and family, but I realize now that even if I do stutter in those situations, it’s not the end of the world. 

From the Winter 2025 Magazine [3]