Check Out Kristin McGinnis’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristin McGinnis.

Hi Kristin, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley and was interested in music from a very early age. On my 4th birthday, I was performing “Sing” by The Carpenters for everyone at my party to hear. My dad introduced classic rock to me by playing The Eagles or The Carpenters CDs during every car ride.

Once I got to middle school, I instantly joined the choral and instrumental program, my first true introduction to classical music. I was jumping around six instrumental ensembles and choir after school, taking every opportunity possible to be surrounded by music. In seventh grade, my choir took a trip to New York where I got the opportunity to perform in Carnegie Hall, and I knew from there that I wanted to perform in venues like this for the rest of my life. Soon I transitioned to high school where I continued being in the choral and instrumental programs, having leadership roles in both. I took trips to England, performing at the Royal Hall Harrogate during the Harrogate International Youth Festival of Music and Performing Arts, and I performed in various venues in Seattle, Washington. My biggest performance opportunity, however, happened during the summer of 2019, when I was accepted into the Honors Performace Series, and performed in the Sydney Opera House, in the High School Honors Choir. That trip was during the summer before my senior year of high school, so it was solidifying for me to audition to become a Vocal Performance Major and I was soon accepted into the Mike Curb College of Arts, Media, and Communication at California State University Northridge. Since then, I have been introduced to the world of Opera! I have now performed in multiple Operas with the CSUN Opera as well as the Independent Opera Company. I have also been given to opportunity to be a part of multiple studio recordings through Studio Ensemble at CSUN.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
While I am early in my journey, there have been a few struggles. Confidence is a big struggle for the majority of artists. It takes a lot of courage to put yourself out there for auditions and performances. It has been a journey to be more confident in my skills and abilities as a vocalist. Comparing yourself to others is a natural thing and it can become discouraging to be surrounded by talented artists. It is good to take a step back and realize that you are where you are for a reason and to take pride in that.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am an aspiring vocalist. I have taken a passion for opera and have been in multiple productions with the CSUN Opera and the Independent Opera Company. As an early mezzo-soprano, I have been able to receive training at CSUN and traverse my vocal journey with proper technique. I am also a studio vocalist. Through the studio ensemble at CSUN, I have been able to be in three studio recording sessions and counting. Throughout my journey, I think my biggest accomplishment was performing in the Sydney Opera House with the Honors Performance Series. What sets me apart from other vocalists is my musicality and diversity. I have performed a wide variety of genres in multiple types of ensembles. I am able to adapt from a classical piece to musical theater, pop, and more.

Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
People can work and collaborate with me by reaching out through email or social media! My email is [email protected] and my Instagram is @_krisitnmcginnis_ I am open to any inquiries!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @_kristinmcginnis_
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kristinmcginnis24
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-mcginnis-950330242 

Image Credits
Lumberjacks- Cori Elliott