We were lucky to catch up with Sheila Del Bosque recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Sheila, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

Regarding meaningful projects, one of my favorites is the launch of my new merchandise: a collection of T-shirts titled “Cuban Music Reimagined.” I aimed to create a slogan that encapsulated the music I perform – music informed by my Cuban roots and global experiences. With this project, my goal was not only to offer something tangible to the audience but also to allocate a portion of the profits from sales to purchase musical instruments and other resources for children in Cuban music schools. In Cuba, there are no available stores to buy instruments or music materials, making it nearly impossible for students to access high-quality tools. Schools often lend instruments that have been donated, passed down through generations, and have endured many years of wear and tear. These T-shirts are available for purchase at all my concerts and can be bought online through my website’s online store: https://www.sheiladelbosque.com/single-service.

‘Wear the T, fund the dream.’

Sheila, 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?

My name is Sheila del Bosque, and I am a Cuban flutist, composer, and orchestra conductor. I started studying music at the age of 10 in elementary school and completed a significant portion of my education in Cuba. There, I absorbed a beautiful culture that seamlessly blended European classical music with African elements like Yoruba chants and drums, as well as influences from the United States such as jazz harmonies. Everything flowed naturally; you could finish playing Bach and then head to a party to dance and enjoy ‘underground music’ with friends. Cuba embodies a captivating and surreal diversity that I truly love.

In 2018, I arrived at Berklee College of Music on a full-tuition scholarship to study Film Scoring, Jazz Performance, and a minor in Orchestral Conducting. Berklee expanded my horizons both professionally and emotionally. I’ve spent five and a half intense years in the United States. I’ve given myself the freedom to explore various musical universes and have experienced incredible artistic liberty. Music has guided me along a journey of rediscovering my past, present, and aspirations for the future.

During my time at Berklee, I also unearthed the social impact and healing power of music. Through performances in psychiatric hospitals, nursing homes, and prisons, I witnessed the profound importance of music to human beings. It triggers memories, evokes sensations, unites people beyond cultural or linguistic barriers, and humanizes individuals in unique circumstances.

I am currently at an exciting turning point. After completing my master’s degree, I am headed to embark on a new chapter in Los Angeles. While I love Boston, I am eager to spend time in the enchanting city of LA after a few years – a city brimming with life, colors, diversity, and a thriving music industry.

Regarding my biz, due to my multifaceted nature, I have several streams of creative income:

-As a performer and flutist with my band, where I interpret original compositions or arrange jazz standards and Cuban, or Latin American music.

-As an orchestra conductor, I established my own orchestra devoted to promoting new music by living composers who represent minorities, including women, Latin Americans, Africans, Asians, and more. Furthermore, admission is entirely free to ensure accessibility to all concerts, and I aspire to perform in unconventional venues situated close to segregated communities.

-As a composer, my influences and branches stem from my background. I enjoy composing for my live band, amalgamating elements of European tradition, African, Cuban, jazz, and electronic music. Additionally, I like pushing the boundaries of the so-called Cuban Music. My most recent project, which constituted my master’s thesis at the Berklee Global Jazz Institute, is “Travesía,” a collection of three pieces that narrate stories and issues of my country through a personal lens. It signifies an endeavor to expand the tradition of the flute in Cuban music while honoring the entire historical legacy preceding me. This project will soon be released, and I can’t wait to share it with you all. It’s an invitation for people to grasp the richness of cultures, their diversity, and the intricate beauty that transcends the stereotypes perpetuated by the media.

What fills me with the most pride is the knowledge that I like taking action over the things that matter to me. I try not to hide behind excuses, what has already been achieved, or formulas that are effective. There are countless remarkable individuals already undertaking that in this world. I feel hopeful to think that I contribute to questioning and expanding the worlds I know, leading a life marked by transformation while striving to remain true to myself.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Society undoubtedly has room to provide better support for the arts, and as musicians, we have also a huge responsibility to help people grasp its significance. Sharing the importance of music stands as a core mission. Think about it—music holds an immense role in society, crossing cultural boundaries and deeply enriching our human experience. Those melodies, rhythms, and lyrics wield incredible power to evoke emotions, narrate stories, and express messages that often defy words. And it’s not just about tunes; music knits us together, cultivating a sense of belonging and shared identity. It’s a channel for expression, letting artists voice their thoughts on social, political, and personal matters. From cultural rituals to our personal playlists, music is a vital part of who we are.

The significance of music goes deeper, influencing not just our hearts but our bodies and minds. Science confirms music’s pivotal role. Neuroscientific studies show that it releases dopamine and gives us that lovely feeling of pleasure and reward. Plus, there’s music therapy—this incredible thing that helps reduce stress, anxiety, and even the perception of pain by tinkering with our brain’s neural pathways. We’ve also got rhythmic music, syncing up our heart rate and breathing, which could potentially boost our cardiovascular health. There are also cognitive perks; listening to music can sharpen memory, attention, and language skills, especially in kids.

Now, how can we better support musicians?
Fair Compensation: Making sure musicians get fair pay through better royalty rates, fair sharing of streaming revenue, and stricter copyright enforcement.
Educational Initiatives: Bringing music education into school curriculums, helping youngsters appreciate music, and nurturing the next wave of musicians and fans.
Performance Opportunities: Setting up more performance spaces—local spots and community events—so musicians can strut their stuff and connect with audiences.
Grants and Funding: Creating grants, scholarships, and funding to support both emerging and established musicians, letting them create without financial worries.
Mental Health Support: Recognizing the unique challenges musicians face and giving them tailored mental health resources and counseling.
Collaborative Platforms: Making online and offline spaces where musicians can collaborate, exchange skills, network, and cook up creative partnerships.
Cultural Recognition: Acknowledging musicians for more than just entertainment—valuing their roles in preserving culture, advocating for social causes, and connecting communities.
Lobbying and Advocacy: Encouraging musicians’ unions and associations to fight for their rights, impacting policies that affect their livelihoods.
Streamlined Music Licensing: Simplifying the process of licensing music for various uses, so businesses and creators can use music legally while giving musicians their due.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The sense of accomplishment from translating my inner thoughts into tangible forms, and the potential to connect with others on a deep level. The incredible power of harboring transformative magic within me springs to life through my voice, my flute, and my compositions. Wake up each day, understanding that life is a marvelous adventure, and through music, I can heal myself and mend the world.

Contact Info:

• Website: sheiladelbosque.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sheiladecuba/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sheiladelbosquemusic
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheila-del-bosque-653803159/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/sheiladelbosque
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwZFsrQHYkOwizIodgRLhCw