Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Chelsey Green.
A native of Houston, Texas, Dr. Green was born into a family of jazz and funk musicians and started her performance career as a violinist at age 5. Though inundated with music of all genres, she focused on classical music studying both privately and publicly at performing arts schools in the Houston public school system.
Dr. Green went on to receive a scholarship for classical viola studies at The University of Texas at Austin where she graduated Summa Cum Laude. While in pursuit of her Master’s degree, from The Peabody Conservatory she began performing at open mics, other shows and recording sessions with various genres of bands. While developing her own band and brand, she went on to receive a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Maryland College Park. Most recently, Chelsey found her way to Boston after being appointed Associate Professor in the String Department at the Berklee College of Music.
Has it been a smooth road?
Of course, the road has not been easy. And honestly, it remains a challenge as I grow and develop my own artistry and personal expectations. There are plenty of challenges with different aspects of the industry; being young, being a chocolate, brown-skinned Black woman, being an independent artist, being a violinist/violist, and so much more! At some points, it can feel almost like an uphill battle trying to stay on top of it all. My advice for young women looking to embark on an entrepreneurial endeavor is the same advice I consistently give myself. Pray, have peace, be grateful and stay focused on your goal. Take time away from it all on occasion to keep the fire lit that fuels your personal passion. That’ll get you through.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into Chelsey Green and The Green Project story. Tell us more about the business.
I’d say a quick description would be “not your average violinist.” My ensemble and I defy stereotypes of the violin and viola by fusing traditional classical technique with popular favorites and original songs in various genres– including R&B, Pop, Soul, Funk, Jazz, Alternative, Hip Hop, Gospel and more! We’ve been blessed to record three studio projects and have one of them even hit the Billboard Contemporary Jazz chart. It’s been an additional blessing and honor to share our music around the world from various prestigious venues and music festivals in America, to the Middle East and even Japan.
Our educational outreach program is just as important as our stage performance and that really sets us apart from other performance groups. It is a huge passion of mine to encourage young people, especially people of color, to pursue learning music. They need to know live music is alive and well and young people everywhere are still learning how to play these instruments to vital to our musical past. No matter what you wish to pursue as a career, music can teach a discipline and focus that will make you successful in anything!
It would be great to hear about any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve used and would recommend to others.
Wow, this question is a tough one. This question has inspired me to start searching for a new podcast that can become staple. Honestly, my FitBit app is the app that’s keeping me most honest right about now. Lol!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.chelseygreen.com
- Phone: 202-930-3847
- Email: info@chelseygreen.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/greenviolinist
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/greenprojecttgp
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/greenviolinist
- Other: www.soundcloud.com/greenprojecttgp
Image Credit:
Derrel Todd, Washington Performing Arts, Kevin Powe Jr., Sandy Adams, Mike Ware
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