We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Christine Fawson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Christine below.

Christine , appreciate you joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I remember knowing I would do music for a career when I was a sophomore in high school – music picked me, it was like I was on a train I couldn’t get off. I never thought about it, never gave myself a plan B. I learned from my parents how to set goals and achieve them, how to follow my passion. I didn’t know when I was young what it actually meant to make a living in music, I didn’t know too many people doing it, but I went for it and haven’t looked back. I learned to sing and play before I knew what I was doing, which I think is the key to my success. I didn’t think about it or compare myself to anyone, I just focused on the songs I loved and sang almost every day. As the youngest of five, I sang with my family, and in church. From an early age, I had opportunities to perform solos, so I never had stage fright. I was so young and received positive feedback, so I just kept going. In middle school, everyone in my family picked an instrument so I picked the trumpet. I liked the way it looked and the beautiful sound it made. I learned how to play quickly and was first chair through middle school and high school. I played in regional and state honor bands, performed at solo competitions and attended music camps in the summers. I loved playing, in marching bands, concert bands, brass quintets and jazz bands. I was fortunate to come from a good band and choir program in Ukiah, California and made the most of it. The work I did in high school secured my free education in trumpet performance at BYU-Hawaii and Berklee College of Music.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am an old school musician, entertainer and educator. I taught at Berklee College for 14 years and have played in many states and countries as a freelance trumpet player and jazz artist. Because I didn’t have a business plan when I started out, other than to be good enough to play with good musicians and bands, I have been fortunate in that I’ve done a variety of work. For many years I made most of my money performing for other band leaders and also teaching. The culture the music creates is the most important part. It is a tight community which involves teamwork and comradery. I’ve made mistakes along the way but I have learned most from my mentors and band leaders. One of them is Phil Wilson in Boston, MA. I played in Phil’s bands at Berklee and beyond. He’s a great band leader and musician who is never afraid to tell the truth, but focuses on the positive. Always in the moment. I loved playing with him. There are too many mentors to mention: My Dad, my family, Tom Plsek, Anita Connerty, Leslie Havens, John Mattern, Tim Wilson, Shannon LeClaire, Greg Capozzi, Sherrie Maricle, Barbara Laronga and Jami Dauber are some of the mentors I’ve looked up to along the way.

I always have my own bands and creative projects going. When I left Berklee in 2017, I knew it would be tough but I was determined to continue making a good living. I have my own teaching studio and workshop series, and am just launching an online trumpet mastermind program so I can reach more people. And I love to perform concerts and play gigs with my band which is currently a quartet consisting of Mark Shilansky on piano, Mark Poniatowksi on bass and Casey Scheuerell on drums.

I think the thing I am most proud of is I haven’t quit. When I started out I had no idea how difficult it was to make a living in music. I also had no idea how much resistance the average musician faces daily. I discovered along the way even the guys standing next to you might not want you to succeed, and that was a tough pill to swallow. I’ve had to learn how to be involved and “in the arena” without taking rejection or jealousy personally. I’ve also learned there is room for everybody! We all have unique gifts and talents, even if we play the same instrument or style of music. We can support each other better! When I surround myself with musicians of the highest level, I play and sing better. Developing a healthy culture to learn and play is key.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

I read and study spiritual content constantly. Mark Twain, Sam Harris, Napoleon Hill, Jesus, Lao Tzu. I just finished Wayne Dyer’s The Power of Intention on Audible – I like hearing him talk, he reminds me of my dad and it’s so positive. I stay off of social media but I do watch youtube videos of Sonia Choquette and other people who inspire me. I am reading The Art of Communication by Thich Nhat Hanh right now, and a young adult book my daughter recommended. I am studying the Beethoven Symphonies – I love to listen to different versions with different conductors. That music is the truth, having a daily routine which involves Beethoven and other masters brings me back to center. The spiritual work leads to authentic performance and work opportunities.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My goal is to serve the music and play with other musicians. And also to help people feel. When people go out to hear live music, they want to escape from the every day stresses of life, relax, and have a good time, This is my goal when I perform, to help them do that. There have been times in my career when I was too focused on myself, the insecurities that creep in. Then I fell in love with the practice process, the preparation. I’m happiest when I am focused on the music, and the messages in the music. This shows on stage when the other musicians and I forget about what we are doing and create magical energy.

I also have a mission to keep live music alive, which is why my social media presence is not a priority, I spend hours each day practicing, playing, writing, reading and singing. I want the live performances to be magical, not just something you can see on your phone. I don’t care about playing for big audiences, I love playing in small clubs and theaters. And I am finding the more time I spend on the music the more quality people I get to play with.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.christinefawson.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christine.fawson/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@christinefawson3644