Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lyn Koonce. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

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

I was in middle school singing in the chorus. It was one of those situations where I could see myself teaching all the parts to my classmates. Knowing that I could hear all the vocal lines and how I would help students learn them inspired me and gave me the idea that I would like to teach one day. Music was “in my bones” and I felt it during school hours, listening to my favorite records at home, or practicing instruments. I never felt confident pursuing a music career that involved touring – there was no road map I could study. However, I loved the idea of teaching and therefore invested my time and energy moving in the direction of becoming a public music school teacher.

Lyn, 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?

I grew up as a musical kid – playing every instrument I could get my hands on including violin, piano, guitar, saxophone and others. I was the fourth of four kids in my family and listened to a lot of music. From Broadway tunes to James Taylor, Carole King, Tracy Chapman, Bob Dylan and many others. I went on to study music education, voice, and conducting in college. I am the Director of Music at a church and taught music in public schools, however, I longed to be a singer/songwriter – traveling the world performing my original songs. Despite playing semi-regular local gigs, it wasn’t until 2018, years after leaving college, that I decided to pivot my career to seek out “the road”.

I began attending songwriting retreats all over the country to hone my skills and within a year or so, landed some gigs in various parts of the country. I recorded my newest album in Nashville with producer, Amy Speace and began to get a bit of traction with my career, including opening for the Indigo Girls. Then, the pandemic hit. Learning to shift my focus and expectations is something I’m still working on. Getting gigs was never easy, however, the music industry had changed with fewer avenues for musicians like me. However, I love to perform and continue to play house concerts and small venues throughout the southeast.

Something positive that came out of the pandemic was the opportunity to learn more about the creative art of improvising. I studied with Bobby McFerrin, Musico do Circulo in Brazil, and others who helped put me on a path of helping others experience the joy and freedom of improvisation through singing and musical expression.

Currently along with performing, I have a business called CIRCLE SOUNDS which is a practice that uses the power of music to generate connection, unlock creativity, and build community. CIRCLE SOUNDS engages a group (schools, retreat centers, community members, organizations) in a spirit of play using the voice in song and sound. It’s equal parts imagination, improvisation, and musical experimentation and one of the most rewarding things I have ever participated in or facilitated.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

For a long time, I felt my work as a musician was not “going” anywhere. It was as if gigs were too difficult to get and my new CIRCLE SOUNDS business was so conceptual that it was too difficult to market. Through some business and personal coaching, I began to focus on the mantra “It is here, it is now, it is happening”. Rather than believing that opportunities were outside my body, I began to search within, letting go of whatever “great thing” was out there waiting for me. I learned that as I began to walk, course correction would happen automatically – that while I needed to plan and create, I didn’t need to worry about my future and that the law of attraction is real. This is what I think of when I feel a bit “untethered” and don’t know where my next form of resources will flow. Pivoting my focus was key to a higher self-way of thinking – and trusting that I don’t always know what’s coming next became exciting.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

Some of my favorite books lately include: Untamed – Glennon Doyle – life lessons and thoughts to consider
The Untethered Soul – Michael Singer – spirituality
The Music Lesson – Victor Wooten -in regards to allowing music to flow through and getting out of our heads

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lynkooncemusic.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kooncelyn/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lynkoonce
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lyn-koonce-862a91217/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@lynkooncemusic2277

Image Credits
Laura Schneider Photo Nashville, TN