We recently connected with Gina Kronstadt and have shared our conversation below.

Gina, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

I was raised in a household that played constant classical music. It became such a part of me, that as a very young child when it came time to take my afternoon nap, I’d ask my mother to turn the clock radio on to the classical music station. It made me feel…safe, or something…
When I was 10, after taking a music test, my teacher said I’d be very well suited to play the violin or flute. That night, my parents headed out and got my first violin.
In elementary school at the time, the music teacher worked with me privately, and quite soon was offered the concertmaster chair of the orchestra. In retrospect, I feel that teachers saw a natural musical talent in me. All I knew was that it felt RIGHT. By the next year, I was studying with a long time member of the Utah Symphony. She was tough! I remember crying a few times at my lessons. I realized she expected nothing but 100% from me. I didn’t want to disappoint her or myself so I definitely dived in harder, not wanting to do that whole crying thing at my lessons anymore. Around that time, my mother had me practice an hour of both violin and piano after school.
I feel like I realized at a young age that to pursue what felt right (music), that I’d have to work hard. Did I always want to practice 2 hours after getting home from school? No, and at times that caused a bit of rebellion because I wanted to go out and hang with my friends, but I always got back to my undeniable passion, and practiced, and played in as many situations that I could.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’ve been thinking about my journey a bit recently. From first starting out, fast forwarding to my college days (where I continued playing classically), but also seriously fell in LOVE with jazz, writing, arranging and singing. I was at the right place at the right time and surrounded by all the right people which included my professors and other like-minded students. There, we had some of the most highly respected musicians of the era come in as visiting faculty members. During this time is where I became SO focused on my life moving forward as a successful musician. I’m lucky and grateful for the conversations and lessons learned from The Greats, The Legends. The inspiration can not be overemphasized that I received during those years.
There were a couple of visiting faculty members who directly inspired me to move from Salt Lake City to Los Angeles when I had just barely turned 21 to pursue a career in the studios, etc.
What am I most proud of? I’m very proud of the longevity I’ve had in the music business. (especially as a woman). The vast numbers of records, motion pictures, TV shows, jingles, and live shows that I’ve had the opportunity to be part of. I’m proud of my12 piece (sometimes 5 piece) band that I front. We play my songs and arrangements and have been working different LA venues the past few years. I’ve also produced, recorded and released 3 recordings of my songs, and arrangements.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

This question is Everything. When one is an artist/creative, that’s WHO we are, it’s not only what we do. Playing, writing, performing, and listening to music is where my Heart and Soul reside. (and dance too, but that’s for another time!) It’s the way I get to know myself. It’s the way I get to show the world who I am, and most importantly, to give back. That’s pretty rewarding…!…and I don’t take a second of it for granted.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Unfortunately, the music business has really changed. There are fewer sessions for everyone. Many are having to record projects fully at home without the full studio experience of other human interaction. Most artists also have to become their own managers, agents, publicists, etc. We have to find our (cute) business hats, and plop those on too. Since the streaming services began, we now get around 1/3 of a cent per stream. There are fewer clubs to perform in, and when we do, the club is making a larger percentage of the sales. It’s tough out there. But, I still encourage all those who are true creatives to continues on that path. You’ll find your audience, and they you, and it will all be worth it! In closing, I’d just like to suggest that when you find an artist you like, please support them in anyway you can. Purchase their music, go see their shows whether it’s at the smaller dive clubs or the elegant venues. Wherever.
We Need You.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ginakronstadt.com
• Instagram: muzicbelle
• Facebook: gina kronstadt
• Youtube: gina kronstadt

Image Credits

Stefanie Fife Photography
Cat Connor
Bob Barry