Daniel Huston won’t graduate from Belmont University until May, but he’s been a touring professional musician for three years.
“Once I went on my first run, I took to the whole experience and the tour life. I really enjoy traveling the country, playing music and getting paid to hang out with my good buddies,” Huston said.
Huston, a keyboard player, started touring with country musician Austin Burke when he was sophomore at the Nashville, Tenn., college.
Huston, who grew up in Carmel, has been touring with country star William Michael Morgan this year. Morgan has been opening for Country Music Hall of Famer Alan Jackson for several shows since January.
Morgan will open for Jackson at 7 p.m. April 27 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
“We’ll be doing this pretty much all summer, playing different arenas,” Huston said. “It’s been great exposure for William, with the big crowds at the arenas.”
Huston, 22, is majoring in commercial piano performance. Huston graduated from Highlands Latin School in Indianapolis in 2015. His mother, Judie, is the Highlands Latin principal.
Huston connected with Morgan’s group in Columbus, Ohio, approximately 1 1/2 years ago when Burke opened for Morgan.
“I met William’s crew, and through connections of people I worked with, I got recommended through by five or six people,” he said. “I got a call at the beginning of the year (and was asked) if I’d like to be their keyboard player and I said yes,” Huston said. “It’s meant a lot of missed classes, especially on Fridays. A lot of early bus calls. It’s been a lot of communicating with professors and trying to make it all work. It has been a challenge, to say the least.”
Huston said he is trying to make the most of all the opportunities he’s had right now.
“I plan to keep going and looking for the next big thing,” Huston said. “I want to keep touring for the next five or so years. See the country on someone else’s dime and play music.”
