From Rockstar to Classroom: The Jaw-Dropping Career Shift of a Former Son Volt Guitarist

After living the rockstar dream and touring the world with renowned alternative band Son Volt, St. Paul native Dave Boquist has embarked on a second act that's just as fulfilling. The talented musician has traded in his guitar picks for teacher's grade books, and we couldn't be more stoked.

Thirty years ago, Boquist's life was a whirlwind of performances, rehearsals, and endless touring. As the lead guitarist of Son Volt, he had the opportunity to experience the highs and lows of the music industry. But when the band decided to take a hiatus, Boquist found himself at a crossroads. He had always been passionate about music and the arts, so he began to think of ways to stay involved in his community.

That's when the idea struck him - why not share his knowledge and love of music with the next generation? Boquist went back to school, earned a teaching certification, and started working as a music teacher at a local high school.

Fast-forward to the present day, and Boquist couldn't be happier with his decision. Not only does he get to inspire and educate his students, but he also has the chance to witness the 'aha' moment when they finally grasp a new concept. His students adore him, and he loves watching them grow into talented young musicians in their own right.

When he's not grading papers or leading jam sessions, Boquist has another surprising passion project - landscaping. The musician-turned-teacher has a green thumb and loves working outdoors. He finds that being in nature helps him clear his mind and sparks creativity. Whether he's planting gardens or pruning trees, Boquist is always on the lookout for new ideas to bring back to the classroom.

Though he may not be touring the world anymore, Boquist's creative juices are still flowing. He's living proof that you don't have to choose between your passions - you can have multiple ones that bring you joy and fulfillment. As he navigates the ups and downs of teaching and landscaping, Boquist remains an artist at heart, always seeking new ways to express himself and inspire others.

We can't help but wonder what's next for this talented musician-turned-teacher. Will he start a school garden? Write a song about his experiences as an educator? Whatever it may be, we can't wait to see how Boquist continues to make his mark on the world, one student - and garden bed - at a time.