Today we’d like to introduce you to Helena Maria Falk.
Hi Helena Maria, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My love of music started early when I was 6 years old and went to a classical orchestra concert for the first time. I remember seeing some older girls in the orchestra playing violin and looking so joyful, and I thought I wanted to be just like them. Since I grew up in the countryside of Norway, without TV and far from my friends, there was a lot of free time. All I did as a kid after school was practice and read books about classical composers, and then I began to write down small melodies I composed myself. I was totally hooked!
Then, when I was 10 years old, I got into a music talent school in Oslo called Barratt Due Institute of Music. It’s a place with wonderful teachers and a great environment for fostering young talent. There, I met other kids just like myself- passionate about classical music. So, three times a week after the regular school day, I would attend classes for violin lessons, orchestra, music history and theory. This school was far from my home, and thus forced me to make the decision at 15 to move out on my own to be closer to it. This also meant I had to start supporting myself with music. A hard step to take, and sometimes scary, but it’s something I am grateful for today. To make it on my own two feet at such a young age set me up with a certain level of confidence. I also grew quite an extensive and supportive network from early on – people I am still close with today.
I was a part of this music talent program until I was 17 and then went on to study classical violin at The Norwegian Academy of Music. I followed this with study at the Royal Academy of Music in Stockholm where I acquired both my artist diploma and master’s degrees. By the time I was done with my studies, I had already played concerts and toured all over the world, and I was looking for some new challenges and experiences.
I followed my heart. I had always dreamt of getting more into the film music world, and so, some years ago I found my way to the heart of the film music industry – Los Angeles! I now work here in both film and video games as a composer and violinist, as well as a musician on tours all over the world. I am also currently working on more personal releases of my own compositions and have some very exciting collaborations in the works with some truly wonderful people in this town.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Thanks for asking. I think being in the entertainment industry sometimes looks easier than it really is, especially nowadays with the smooth sheen of social media. The way to my goals has never been easy, but the violin has been a comfort for me in hard times and is something I can always count on. I call it my portable forever home, and that truly is the best description. However unpredictable a career in music is, the deep connection I have to my instrument makes every day getting to play as a career an absolute privilege. There have been (and continue to be) challenges along my way, of course. Sometimes I think of them as a test. Sort of like the universe asking me how badly I want this. And I can always shout back resoundingly with a ‘with all my heart and soul.’
Sometimes the reward for my struggles is worth it and sometimes not, but I look at my career as a commitment to my craft – in the good and bad times. The abundant chapters and the leaner ones. I am forever grateful to live out my dreams and do what I love most, play and compose music, and I don’t think anything else could make me as happy and fulfilled in the long run.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
From the time I was seven years old, I have devoted myself to the violin and to classical music. So that’s the first answer, and I would have to say that is also perhaps what I am most proud of – my pure devotion and commitment to my art during all the ups and the downs of my life. My passion is in classical music and film music, and right now my focus is on finding the perfect balance between recording, writing music and performing in collaboration as well as finding time for my own music projects. I am lucky to be able to do a lot of different projects across many music genres, and I love the variety and excitement my job naturally gives me.
I am also very drawn to playing more music from female composers where I have the choice – particularly on my own concerts and tours because there’s not many of us in the classical world! I’d love to perhaps be an inspiration to little girls out there just as obsessive about classical music as I was as a kid, who maybe feel a bit intimidated by what can be quite a male-dominated field.
One of my favorite things about my work is the people I get to work with and how we can all inspire and learn from each other, and therefore I truly love collaboration. I have always been genuinely interested and curious about people, and it gives me great pleasure to see others shine and accomplish their dreams.
The big news currently is, as I mentioned earlier – my work on more personal projects. I am starting this year off by focusing on two specifically- recording new pieces I wrote for orchestra and violin, as well as releasing a piece I wrote in memory of my grandpa, played by The Norwegian Radio Orchestra and me on solo violin. This recording is a part of my new solo project and the first single will be released on January 20th, 2023.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I think the risk I am most proud of taking is moving to Los Angeles, the other side of the world from where I come from, without knowing anyone. It is always scary to start over, but in a way also exciting, because you can write a new story.
I guess the next question is why I’ve been able to take those risks. Honestly, I think it’s because it gives me a big kick – a wild rush of adrenalin and excitement, which is a very inspiring tonic. It’s the same feeling as going on stage in front of thousands of people! If it’s something I’m scared about, I like to follow the fear because then, once I’ve done it, I feel stronger and more confident than before, knowing I’ve taken the sting out of something that scared me.
As long as I’m following my gut, I’m pretty sure I’m going to be alright. It’s certainly done right by me this far.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @helenamariafalk
- Youtube: @HelenaMariaFalk
- Other: Spotify: Helena Maria Falk
Image Credits
Pictures: Kasia Kowalczyk and Marco Feklistoff
