We were lucky to catch up with Jacqueline Constance recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Jacqueline thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?
The way that I learned what I know about music and creativity was through some traditional and non traditional routes. I went to the High School for the Creative and Performing arts in Philadelphia and I went to Wilberforce University where I earned a bachelor’s in music degree. I’ve always had a love for music, but those two locations allowed me to grow into the level of musicality that I cherish til this day. I learned how to put music together, music theory and how to read and dictate music. The craft of creativity and expanding my creative mind is something that I am still learning. The allowance in letting myself achieve full and unadulterated freedom through art is a skill that I wish I learned sooner but growing into that takes maturity and self confidence. Things that took me a long time to gain and hold on to. A lot of my obstacles came from my mind but once I was able to break through my own self doubt, I realized that the sky is truly the limit.
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?
For those who don’t know who I am, my name is Jacqueline Constance and I am singer and songwriter from Philadelphia. I first got my introduction to music through the soul and funk music that my parents would play around the house and a last minute decision from my mother that would ultimately put me on the path I am now. At around nine years old, my mother (without me knowing lol) entered me in a talent show to sing. At that point, I was only accustomed to singing little melodies around the house and to my sisters if they wanted to listen. I protested against it but my mother was steadfast and clearly knew something I didn’t. I sang on a stage for the first time at that age and I’ve been performing ever since. My brand of music and performance is raw and emotional, intentional and soulful. My hope is that whoever decides to listen to my music or sees me perform, leaves those spaces, filled.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is being able to share my art, my own way. It’s always been important for me to share my story and share it in a way that’s authentic to me and my lived experience. I am lucky enough to be able to do that in the fullness of my identity. I love it… truly.
Have you ever had to pivot?
A time I’ve had to pivot is currently right now! A year ago, I left my full time job to pursue music full time. I experienced a lot of learning and growing but didn’t build as financially as I needed to, to survive. I am now going back to working full time until I am able to truly profit from my art in a way that is sustainable. This used to feel like a set back. But I now believe it just a little detour. A little more time to plan for the music career that I truly want. Everything is a learning experience. Failure is only a chosen perception.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacqconmusic/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jacqconmusic
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/JacqConMusic
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Jacqconmusic
Image Credits
Credit: Wave Lane @shotbywave