We were lucky to catch up with Michele Van Leeuwen recently and have shared our conversation below.
Michele, 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 consider myself to be a self-taught musician. For the first several years of my musical journey, I just played what I heard. Eventually, I started using method books and online resources to gain a deeper understanding of music. Everything I learned was absolutely fascinating. My love for music grew exponentially.
Since then, I have been taking any opportunity I can find to learn more. I’ve attended workshops, camps, private lessons, and even a handful of college classes. These are all things I wish I could have done sooner, of course. It just wasn’t a financial possibility at the time. Certain skills such as sight-reading and walking bass lines
have immensely improved my musicianship. Therefore, it’s easy to wonder about where my playing would be today if I learned these concepts earlier.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Hey! My name is Michele. I am a musician with 13 years experience in performing, writing, and recording. My primary instrument is the electric bass. I play in multiple groups here in the Chicagoland area, ranging from Pop/Rock to Jazz to R&B.
Most recently, I have taken on the challenge of teaching bass and co-owning a music school.
Our school, Phil Circle Music, provides private music lessons and workshops for adults. We run our school on the belief that everyone has unlimited potential. Whether you’re a hobbyist or seeking a music career, you will receive a quality lesson experience. We also don’t shy away from the realities of learning music, it takes work!
I never saw myself teaching, but I’m so glad I took the chance. I get to experience the magic of music in a whole new form.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?
Yes, I think it’s quite common for non-creatives to misunderstand how much work is involved with being an artist. It’s easy for them to assume that we’re just having fun all the time. In reality, music is the most challenging thing I’ve ever done. I’ve spent countless hours practicing my instrument, often causing my fingers to bleed. I’ve shed tears over frustration with my own playing. Plus, the learning experience is endless. You have to constantly push yourself. It’s exhausting, but worth it.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
At this point, I’m just doing what I love and seeing where it takes me. I’m no longer fixating on specific career goals when it comes to music. Instead, I’m simply focusing on my craft. I feel like this mindset has actually welcomed more opportunities into my life.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.philcirclemusic.com
- Instagram: @micheleplaysbass
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michele.vanleeuwen
- Other: [email protected]