Meet Christina Wilson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Christina Wilson.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Christina. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I am a professional musician and music educator in Los Angeles. After graduation from the Bob Cole Conservatory of music, I knew I wanted to perform, and I knew I wanted to be in education. As a performer, I create music with Honey Whiskey Trio, HIVE, and The Eagle Rock Gospel Singers. As an educator, I work alongside Musical Miracles, a non-profit organization dedicated to serving the youth of Los Angeles, and teach with HWT and HIVE in our community outreach efforts. I also compose and arrange for performing ensembles of all levels, including Vox Femina Los Angeles, under the direction of Dr. Iris Levine.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Any freelance musician can tell you that it’s an incredibly difficult field. Aside from the practice, dedication, and experience, any creator also deals with self-doubt and the idea that there will be people that will not like your art.

As a femme person of color, many things can get in the way of the hustle of becoming a successful musician. From not looking the part, all the way to having your skills questioned becomes a part of the process. On top of that, the changes in the industry require you to be proficient in several different areas of music, not just being good at your instrument. Many working musicians also produce, arrange, compose, teach, and use a number of music software programs for nation, recording, and self-promotion.

We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
Honey Whiskey Trio is an LA-based Folk and Americana group that tell stories through song and stomp. Courtney Politano, Ann Louise Thaiss, and myself are all music educators, making a large part of our performances throughout the year a partnership with local nonprofit organizations. We specialize in Early American music, with a focus on preserving early American vocal traditions and try to reflect those compositional techniques in our original music as well.

HIVE is a group of people making music with just their voices and some crazy sound effects – all while trying to make the world a better place. HIVE is based on the west coast and has been recording, rehearsing, and performing in the United States for the past two years. This new project is focused on creating original material to reach and connect audiences, and through the use of technology, we hope to change what people expect from experiencing live music.

Musical Miracles is a nonprofit organization that brings weekly music instruction to the youth of Los Angeles. Our faculty teaches life lessons through singing with one another, and we hope to start a long tradition of music making in the lives of all of our students.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My family has been so supportive of me through this never-ending project of making music my life. My mentors throughout all of my learning provided a great balance of support and feedback that continues to fuel my passion for knowledge and continuing to level up. My musical family has done so much to keep me sane when the lights go out and are an incredible reminder that music is better with others.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.honeywhiskeytrio.com, www.hivevocal.com

Image Credit:
Angus W. Finlay, Frances Chee, Courtney Politano

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