We were lucky to catch up with Chaance Barnes recently and have shared our conversation below.

Chaance, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s jump back to the first dollar you earned as a creative? What can you share with us about how it happened?

When I first became a singer, I was in school as a student. I loved singing in choir and doing musical theatre. I excelled at singing and it was all that I ever wanted to do. When I was in my early 20’s, I had a boyfriend who was a pianist. He did lots of gigs with different musicians and singers, something I had no idea about how to do. He referred to this musician named “Mr. Reed”, a NYC drummer who booked shows at the Ella Lounge in SoHo. Suddenly, I had my first gig! My boyfriend helped me put together a band and soon I was performing on my first NYC stage! The gig paid very little, but I was elated. I felt that my dreams had come true. My set included songs from all my favorite artists including Jill Scott and Erykah Badu. I’ve been gigging ever since!

Chaance, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am a professional vocalist and music educator. I provide live music entertainment for all types of events and I teach vocal music both publicly and privately. I have been singing since I was in middle school, so it’s been about 25+ years. My vocal skills have improved exponentially, as I became a teacher and learned even more myself. What sets me apart from other vocalists is my sweet soprano tone and soft approach to music. As a teacher, I also exhibit a soft approach, I meet my students where they are and build upon their natural talents and skills. I am most proud of being an award-winning choir director. My middle school choir has won 1st Place with Superior Rating for the past 3 years consecutively at the Music In The Parks competition. As a performer, I am very proud of my recent performance at the Under Cover Music Fest, my first outdoor festival performance, and I am proud of the popularity that I have been gaining recently.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is that we are ever-evolving. I don’t sing the way that I sang a year ago, or even a month ago. I am constantly learning, adjusting, discovering and accomplishing new goals. It’s amazing to know that sky is the limit and there is not right or wrong answer.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Once I had my first daughter, my life took a serious pivot. I had to go back to school to finish my Bachelor’s degree so that I could begin a career and make a salary. I became a teacher so that I had a work schedule that aligned with my daughter. I spent most of my time being Mommy and teacher, and my time for artistry minimized to being barely there.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.naturalgiftsmusicschool.com
• Instagram: @chaancetiaana
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChaanceBarnes
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChaanceBarnes

Image Credits

Tehsuan Glover, Makayla Halley, Rodney Jones II