We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kiev Morales a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Kiev, looking forward to hearing all of your stories 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?

I learned what I do now by watching others around me both for techniques and performance. Whether it’s other performers, or even YouTube videos, access to other styles was always within reach for me to observe and apply to my craft. Knowing what I know now, I would have definitely street performed at an earlier age than I originally started. It would have been a perfect playground to start putting my new abilities to the test. I believe the skills that were most important to me were the ability to include my audience in my performance rather than just perform for myself in my own head space. The obstacles that stood in the way of me learning more was merely the management of my time. I wish I would have put as much time into my music as I did into my academic education. I might have spent more time on other things that not benefit either so that would be something I would do differently.

Kiev, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

The way I was introduced into my craft was unexpected. Like all kids in my area, I would often go out with my parents to our local outdoor mall. We came across a hip-hop violinist who would busk (street perform) and would proceed to visit every weekend to see him play. I was inspired by the new style that everyone seemed to enjoy so I began to venture down that path too. I began to learn music by ear utilizing my perfect-pitch. I continued to develop my skills and eventually got the courage to begin busking myself. From there I started getting asked to perform for small parties until eventually, wedding inquiries came into the picture. From word of mouth, exposure through my street performances, social media, etc, I now provide elegant and engaging performances for weddings and events worldwide. I pride myself for being able to perform and walk around freely at the same time to give guests an even more enhanced experience. What sets me apart from others in my field, is that while I love to prioritize a good performance, I have never lost the soul in my playing. It’s not just about the movement or visuals for me. I genuinely love the sound of the violin so I try and share as much of that through my playing as possible.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

In early 2020, I wasn’t as booked with events at this point in time, so my main focus was on busking as my only source of income. With the events that I did have booked, I was very much looking forward to servicing those. However, when the Covid-19 pandemic first hit, all of that would go out the window. Everything would be canceled: my events, weddings, studio sessions, even the usual busking spots were shut down. Now with nowhere to perform, I eventually turned to a new way to connect and perform for the audience I didn’t know I had: online. I would set up dates and times each week to perform via livestream on Instagram and Facebook. I survived off of the tips that I made through those platforms for the entire year. This was the only time in my career where the fear of ‘loving what I do may not being enough’ came into my mind. However, through all that I never thought of quitting. I knew that with hard work through a time where live entertainment was not even possible, I would get right back on track.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of this path that I’m on would have to be connecting and working with my peers. I wouldn’t have met the people I have met if it weren’t for being in this field. From other event vendors to live performers, I came to join a wonderfully talented group of people and I am excited to get to learn from them all as the years go by.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kievmoralesviolin?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
• Other: https://linktr.ee/kievmoralesviolin

Image Credits

Zoom Theory Photography
Ballerina Films
Daniel Kondratiuk Photography
MaluX Photography
Roy Kim Photography
Michelle Flores Photography
Emily Magers Photography
Nathan Lau Photography
Canned Close Up