We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Winnie Dahlgren. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Winnie below.
Hi Winnie, thanks for joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
I was a student at the conservatory when I realized that music was the path I would continue to pursue. While I was interested in music, it really was music that choose me. I started playing percussion my first year of high school. My teacher at the time, sat my down after I had studied with her for about 4 weeks. She asked me if I was interested in becoming a musician, and encouraged me to audition for a music program geared towards the audition for the conservatory.
I wasn’t sure that was the path yet, but was interested. Did the audition, got accepted and two years later had to audition for the conservatory, once high school was done.
At the time we were two percussionists auditioning, the other person was a guy who proclaimed that since he was up against a girl, he was sure to be accepted… Well, I got in as the only percussionist…!
This was the first time I was doing music full time, and while I was still looking to maybe going into the medical field, I promised to give it 100%, step by step music showed me that it was the right path I had chosen.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I got into the music field kind of by chance, and huge influence was my first percussion teacher.
I started out studying classical percussion, playing in symphony orchestras, as well as chamber music, all classical or comtemporary classical music. While at the conservatory I also wanted to explore the world of jazz. I got accepted to Berklee College of Music, and this changed everything for me. Long story short – the planned one year at Berklee is still ongoing! I ended up graduating from the college, and then got a teaching position at Berklee. I have been a professor at the college for over 20 years, while also pursuing my own career in music.
I work with people around the world both as an educator, teaching music theory, arranging and composition, as well as a musician and composer/arranger. My clients are either people looking to study music or looking to get music composed and arranged.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
The biggest problem is that people don’t understand that being a good music creator takes skills and a lot of dedication. Years of study to master the craft. People have no problem paying $5 for a cup of coffee, but seem to feel musicians should play for free. While artist enjoy what they’re doing most of the time, it still is a process that takes time, and no person can live off exposure and admiration.
If people think it’s okay for sport athletes to get paid millions, maybe they should also be fine with artists getting paid a fair salary.
How many people would like to live without music, tv with no music etc. etc.?!?
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
One of the most rewarding aspects of being a musician and educator at the same time is being able to pass on the knowledge. It’s not about students necessarily becoming musicians themselves, but being a better human being. Music has shown to help children get better at things like math, problem solving, empathy, social skills, and the list goes on.
Then there’s the aspect of bringing music to the audience, having them come up after a concert telling me how much the music touched them and what it meant to them, always is a joy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://winniedahlgren.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/winniedahlgren/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WinnieDahlgrenMusic
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/TheNeemaProductions
