We recently connected with Morgan Maassel and have shared our conversation below.

Morgan, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I think I was a unique kid. When I first began playing violin at age 7, I loved it so much. My parents almost never had to ask me to practice. By the time I was 12, I didn’t even really have to think about what I wanted to do professionally. I knew I wanted to be a musician, and I was determined that nothing would stop me. I followed that dream to Nashville, where I attended Belmont University, and I’m still in the area 3 years post-graduation playing violin/fiddle/viola professionally!

Morgan, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My dad wanted to start a family porch band called Plex, so he took me to a music store and had someone play every instrument in the store. I went into the experience wanting to play electric guitar or drums, but someone played Orange Blossom Special on the fiddle, and I just knew that’s what I wanted to play. The family porch band didn’t work out, but I continued pursuing violin, receiving lessons, playing in youth orchestras, going to music school, etc. I now privately teach 30 students in Franklin, TN where my lesson studio is; I play regularly with several orchestras and various artists, and I play on records for various people. I’m most proud of the fact that I have been able to be a successful freelance musician in the Nashville area for the last 2-3 years. I can’t say it’s been all me- I couldn’t have done it without God, the support of my husband, and my parents, and I’m so thankful for the opportunity to do what I love at the level I’m doing it. I hope to continue that trend by working hard, connecting with others, and having fun.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

I had to unlearn “practice makes perfect.” Practice makes progress is a much healthier way to look at that. As a perfectionist, I strove for something I could never obtain with delusions that I could. I had to learn that although I can strive for excellence, that’s not the same as perfection. Practice makes one’s worst playing better as time goes on, increases familiarity and comfortability, and improves technique. I used to get so anxious about performing because I was constantly worried I wasn’t good enough because I wasn’t perfect. It got to a point where I felt trapped inside my head, and I couldn’t really fully enjoy performing because I was so hard on myself. I eventually realized I just wanted to relax and enjoy this activity that I love- whether in front of people or by myself. It took awhile for me to accept this and go with it, but once I did, I began enjoying myself more and my playing improved. I had to practice making mistakes in front of others and recovering from it in real time and silencing that inner critic while performing. The more I’m out of my head, the more I’m just listening and collaborating with others.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

I think the most rewarding thing about being a creative is the exploring of emotions and connecting with others. Music really allow us to search ourselves, learn about ourselves, and feel understood by sounds that aren’t words (or maybe they are). I think creativity in and of itself is rewarding. There are so many ways to be creative. I think people who don’t play an instrument, or paint, or dance, etc are still creative. There’s creativity in cooking, decorating a house, styling outfits, gardening, and so many other day to day tasks. When we do all of these things there is something being made beautiful or being cultivated and often we have to connect to ourselves/others/surroundings to be really enjoy it or be successful at it.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.morganmaasselviolin.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morgannotsobland
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/morgannotsobland/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@morganmaasselviolin https://www.theknot.com/marketplace/morgan-maassel-burns-tn-2070936

Image Credits
Claire Savoie @eclaire._