Taking the time to look back helps you figure out where you're at... today I'm only looking back at the last couple years, cause a lot has changed in that time and hey, it'll help you all get to know me a bit better.
In the Spring of 2010, I was accepted into grad school for Violin Performance in Boston. I was happy, scared, hesitant. I grew up playing classical violin and that had always been the plan, ever since I committed myself to the instrument in 8th grade. It was as intense of a relationship as it sounds. But after I graduated with my Bachelor's from Vanderbilt University, I knew it was time to explore the different avenues and alleyways of music I had been interested in for years. I spent the summer living at home in Minnesota bathing in a pool of denial, wondering how I could turn away from everything I'd been working toward since I was a kid. I had always been so sure of where I was going and what I needed to do to get there. Suddenly, my personal and musical identity changed and I had no idea who I was or what to do... I was scared. My family and friends were so proud of the classical violinist they had encouraged and supported the whole way, and this was how I thanked them: I secretly started applying for jobs in Boston and backed out of grad school, thus "ending" my career plans in the classical music field. I started writing folk/jazz/pop/indie songs and fiddle tunes instead.
The worst was breaking it to my parents. They put so much into my classical violin education based on my affirmations over the years that that was what I wanted to do. Telling them I wanted to do something else, to move away, that I didn't have a job yet nor friends in the town I was moving to, and that I had decided it all without their knowledge or permission crushed them. For awhile my decision was known as the "bomb" I dropped on the family. Literally. I understand they were scared for my future... cause I was, too.
So, I moved to Boston from Minnesota with a list of five people I knew in the city, a job offer, a couple of suitcases, several instruments and enough cash to get me through a few weeks and make my first month's rent. I started off fresh, excited. I soaked up everything I could of living independently in the "big city", but had no connections to the music scene whatsoever. Turning to craigslist, I saw an ad for a folk-punk band of guys needing a fiddler. I met with them one night to jam and that was it: I was in the band and I automatically had a group of friends as well. Because of them, I met everyone I make music with now and all the amazing people I love so dearly in this town.
I first met Steph Barrak at a house show I played with the band. She put a spell on the entire room with her songs. We were all charmed, but for me, I thought: this woman is my musical soulmate. We soon started hanging out and playing shows together. Through her, I met the guys in My Politic. And through a friend of a friend of Steph's, I met the guys in Hickory Strings. We're aaaaaaaaaaaaaall connected.
I started from scratch and now I'm happily busy working, living, and making music in a town that definitely feels like home to me. I consider myself lucky to have stumbled upon so many wonderful things and wonderful people in such a short time. So, even though I'm feeling happy and comfortable with what I'm up to currently, I am working towards bigger goals and the ideal life: making music full-time.
Well, I can dream, can't I?
In the Spring of 2010, I was accepted into grad school for Violin Performance in Boston. I was happy, scared, hesitant. I grew up playing classical violin and that had always been the plan, ever since I committed myself to the instrument in 8th grade. It was as intense of a relationship as it sounds. But after I graduated with my Bachelor's from Vanderbilt University, I knew it was time to explore the different avenues and alleyways of music I had been interested in for years. I spent the summer living at home in Minnesota bathing in a pool of denial, wondering how I could turn away from everything I'd been working toward since I was a kid. I had always been so sure of where I was going and what I needed to do to get there. Suddenly, my personal and musical identity changed and I had no idea who I was or what to do... I was scared. My family and friends were so proud of the classical violinist they had encouraged and supported the whole way, and this was how I thanked them: I secretly started applying for jobs in Boston and backed out of grad school, thus "ending" my career plans in the classical music field. I started writing folk/jazz/pop/indie songs and fiddle tunes instead.
The worst was breaking it to my parents. They put so much into my classical violin education based on my affirmations over the years that that was what I wanted to do. Telling them I wanted to do something else, to move away, that I didn't have a job yet nor friends in the town I was moving to, and that I had decided it all without their knowledge or permission crushed them. For awhile my decision was known as the "bomb" I dropped on the family. Literally. I understand they were scared for my future... cause I was, too.
So, I moved to Boston from Minnesota with a list of five people I knew in the city, a job offer, a couple of suitcases, several instruments and enough cash to get me through a few weeks and make my first month's rent. I started off fresh, excited. I soaked up everything I could of living independently in the "big city", but had no connections to the music scene whatsoever. Turning to craigslist, I saw an ad for a folk-punk band of guys needing a fiddler. I met with them one night to jam and that was it: I was in the band and I automatically had a group of friends as well. Because of them, I met everyone I make music with now and all the amazing people I love so dearly in this town.
I first met Steph Barrak at a house show I played with the band. She put a spell on the entire room with her songs. We were all charmed, but for me, I thought: this woman is my musical soulmate. We soon started hanging out and playing shows together. Through her, I met the guys in My Politic. And through a friend of a friend of Steph's, I met the guys in Hickory Strings. We're aaaaaaaaaaaaaall connected.
I started from scratch and now I'm happily busy working, living, and making music in a town that definitely feels like home to me. I consider myself lucky to have stumbled upon so many wonderful things and wonderful people in such a short time. So, even though I'm feeling happy and comfortable with what I'm up to currently, I am working towards bigger goals and the ideal life: making music full-time.
Well, I can dream, can't I?