We were lucky to catch up with Jennifer Paulino recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Jennifer thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you recount a story of an unexpected problem you’ve faced along the way?

Where to start! There have been many curve balls: from stage fright to losing my voice before concerts to burn-out, and then, there’s the big one of Covid-19 hitting and shutting down literally all live performances and lessons. I feel like I’m still coming back from that one, and redefining myself in the process. I would say that I often tell myself (and this is something I’ve refined over the years) that I’m an artist who is constantly evolving and choosing who I want to be and what I want to express. That gives me the freedom and permission to not always get it right, and to forgive myself when things aren’t going the way that I had hoped. I believe that humans are here to have experiences and create meaning from those experiences. Every single human has the option to be their own artist in how they create and express their lives.

That means that when my voice is not feeling great, I get to decide to pull out of a performance or push through and find out what happens when I do that. Or if I’m not feeling fulfilled by a certain gig, I tell myself that I can shift my attitude to feel better, or that I’ll make different choices next time. No matter what I choose, I’m learning something about myself and my own limitations or possibilities. It feels good to look at it that way.

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’m a professional singer and voice teacher. I sing many styles of music, but I’m mostly hired to sing classical music, especially music from before 1800 in concert settings. I like to tell people that I’m a reluctant performer. I’ve had stage fright for as long as I can remember, and yet, I kept being drawn to performing. It wasn’t until the end of undergrad that I decided I wanted to pursue performing as a bigger part of my career. And I’m glad that I did, because it’s made me face so many personal challenges, and I’ve learned so much about myself. I also love working with and getting to know my students. Helping people explore and get to know their voices brings me so much joy.

In 2019, I had an unexpected spiritual awakening that was ultimately very positive. When Covid hit in 2020, and I lost ninety percent of my work, I decided to pursue studies in consciousness and spirituality to follow my curiosity. I’m still following my curiosity today by studying sound healing and energy healing. I’m also practicing both vocal improvisation and dance improvisation on a regular basis to get into flow states and foster my intuition. These elements have added so much exploration and experimentation to both my singing and teaching practices.

In 2021 I became a mom for the first time, and, unsurprisingly, it greatly impacted my career. In my 20s, I taught parent/child music classes. And the first time that I brought my baby to such a class, I had tears in my eyes — a full circle moment for me. I knew that I would also be exploring music as a tool and a communication method with my child. And it’s been really beautiful. Now, I sing with my 4yr old regularly, and we make up songs all the time. My husband are even working on an album of children’s songs, which has been so fun and rewarding.

Last year and inline with my new professional and spiritual goals, I co-founded an initiative called Silence & Song. With it, we explore the idea of bringing meditation and live music performance together for a healing community experience. Unlike a concert, audience members have the option to lie down on their yoga mat to experience the music. As an ensemble we explore healing music from many traditions and periods, and we create our own arrangements and compositions as well, which adds even more richness to the experience. We’re excited to offer some online classes soon, as well as additional in-person gatherings.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

I think non-creatives might struggle with understanding my choice to live a somewhat insecure life. I don’t have financial security in the traditional sense, and that can be stressful. However, the tradeoffs for me are worth it, and there are many ways to measure “wealth”. I feel wealthy because I have freedom to make my own schedule, work with whom I want to work with, create projects and explore ideas without anyone else’s permission. I love the creative life, and I wouldn’t change it.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Everyday I make the choice to listen to my inner voice, and try to get in touch with what makes me tick: my curiosities, desires, and inspirations. The more I understand myself, the more I can express myself. The journey of knowing myself and what I want to express in this world, whether as a singer, or a mom, or a teacher, is the most rewarding part of being an artist.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jenniferpaulino.com
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-paulino-97a0503b/

Image Credits

Sara Downing of saradowningphotography.com