Today we’d like to introduce you to Patrice Monahan.
Patrice, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started when I was 6yrs old singing and playing piano. Through high school ,thespian, playing piano in jazz band and orchestra, alto sax in summer band, guitar, singing in girls glee club, performing and tap dancing in CYO shows. My parents thought a music career was not for the 1970’s so I became and RN, always performing and pursuing the arts. I lived in NYC in the 80’s and took dance classes and auditioned on Broadway every chance I could get. I was always encouraged by producers and directors to keep at it. Then my husband was transferred and we moved back to Boston. I missed NYC terribly but was determined to pursue the arts here. Community Theater and then more theater. Studying voice, piano, tap dance, ballet, acting, monologues, comedy, and guitar.
Then motherhood took over. I went to NE Conservatory it took me 10 years while raising 2 boys to finish the certificate program. At this time I made my first CD on ITunes ‘Going Places’ with pianist Eyran Katsenelenbogen. Still teaching tap dance, piano, guitar and voice and looking for performance venues any chance I could.
Today? I still teach. I work as an outreach music teacher in Boston Public Schools. I lead 3 working bands. Shufflin’ Time – 7 members performing traditional jazz with tap dance. I write many of the compositions. Then there is Percussive Urban Swing where I am the pianist. This band is suitable for smaller venues. Lastly Patrice Monahan Jazz my GB band for functions, parties and weddings. I continue to teach, compose and perform every chance I can get. I will never retire but when I do it will be all music….maybe some theater too if there are roles for 90yr olds.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Struggles….rejection…money pit…musicians should be paid and although venues paid little I felt it right to pay my musicians a fair fee for their musicianship. Loved all of it but raising a family and an evening music career has challenges to juggle. The aging challenge to have the outside world see we are still energetic and hip! The loss of interest in ‘jazz’ music. I think this is due to the many different forms of jazz and some Be Bop, Free, Avant Garde may have turned away the average listener…but then things always change.
Please tell us about Patrice Monahan Music.
My business is music. Education and teaching for 22+ yrs. equates to experience and understanding ways to engage and inspire all levels of students. Providing professional music as entertainment. My voice is unique and the lyrics I sing are powerful in sending messages.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
Gone to music college, have a PHD in music and maybe have stayed in NYC.
Contact Info:
- Address: Patrice Monahan
- Website: www.patricemonahan.com
- Email: patricejazzntap@gmail.com
- Facebook: Patrice Monahan Music
- Twitter: patricemonahan@patricemonahan
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