Five Things to Stop Stressing About and Start Appreciating as a Human and a Female Musician

Julie Passaro Krygsman is a musician and aerialist based out of the northern NJ/ NYC area. Julie has been playing trombone for over twenty years performing in various entertainment companies, orchestras, brass bands, quintets and concert bands including Imperial Brass, Music in the Air and the NJ Sackbut Ensemble.  

See the end of this post to read Julie’s full-length bio.

 


1. The substance of art

If you’ve ever suffered from imposter syndrome you’ve asked yourself “Why am I doing this in front of people. Am I a hack?” The origin of those questions is rooted in your passion. You care so deeply that you don’t want to do poorly at your craft. Take a moment and embrace that. 

2. Breaking out of the box

Take the box of rules that most educational institutions pass on to youth and throw it away. As a society we are told to just pass the tests, rack up the student loans and get the degrees. An education in the arts is a lot more than text books and going through the motions. Allow yourself to be inspired by unconventional resources. Allow yourself to break the mold and carve your own path. Latch onto teachers, coaches and mentors that are out there doing or have done what you want to do. That is the best way to learn about performing and educating. Also, don’t wait to be ready to take the next step – JUST GO!

3. Making carbon copies

I’ve been a student of both music and circus arts. It’s funny how in each field there are instructors that feel the need to make exact carbon copies of themselves. You know the type – the ”my way is the only way you’ll make it” type. The truth is that physically and mentally none of us are identical. The path to success may be guided by great teachers but no one should be strong armed into completely replicated it. I once had a man that was 6’3 and about 200lbs tell me I had to phrase a piece of music exactly like him. Well, that would be delightful if my lungs went from my ear lobes to my knees. Don’t feel incapable if you come in contact with these people. The problem lies within their rigidity, not you.

4. From joy

It’s easy to get caught up in the politics and logistics of being a performing artist. There’s a lot of hustle to be had making a living in the arts but we must never lose sight of why we do it all. Music is a language greater than words. Whether you are teaching a beginner a Bb scale or hanging from the ceiling playing The Swan it must never escape us that what we do should be from a place of joy.

5. Living with the chick in the mirror

At the end of the day it comes down to living with your choices – that’s true of all things in life. Personally, I need to feel air under my feet and the horn on my face to feel completely fulfilled. I know that if I keep a steady diet of those two things that I’m doing my part to contribute to the world in a positive way. There are people that may think it’s ridiculous and insignificant but it makes me want to wake up every morning and keep going. That’s all that matters. Be proud of the choices that you make and walk your path confidently.

Bio continued:
In addition to her musical performances Julie Passaro Krygsman is a marching band advisor at Cresskill High School specializing in drum major/majorette and twirling disciplines. She also maintains a full private studio of trombone students. In 2011 Julie decided to combine her love of music and movement and began training on silks premiering “Jump in the Line”, an aerial act that features her playing trombone in the air accompanied by live musicians on the ground. She has since studied circus arts at Circus Warehouse in Long Island City, NY in the professional program with a concentration on silks, contortion and wire. Julie has performed on silks all over New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Arizona and Connecticut as a freelance artist as well as with Heliummm Entertainment, Khris Dodge Entertainment, Braun Entertainment and Gramercy Brass Band.

Leave a Reply