Gabriela Grabowski and Delta

Gabriela has been teaching students at Shine for a number of years. With over 10 years of experience of in Singing Classes, and Vocal Education, she specialises in Voice utilising the Rabine Method. But Gabriela is not only a singing teacher, she regularly performs herself and she combines both these elements in her lessons. Her students at Shine benefit from her multiple talents.

Gabriela is performing with the string quartet Delta and you can catch performances next week! She answered some questions for us, and we encourage you to go to see her shows!

What made you want to become a musician? What inspired you to start playing and making music?
Music has been by my side since I was little, while I danced ballet or sang the pop songs my mother listened to on the radio. In my teens, grunge bands inspired me to form my first band. Especially the appearance of front women like Alanis Morrisette. But it was not until after going through several universities (and dropping out) that I arrived at the music conservatory and felt that it was my home, that that was what I wanted for my life.

What strengths do you believe make a great musician?
Practice a lot and study a lot, have confidence in what you do, be honest with yourself and with others, never stop learning, be humble.

Describe your creative process when you write/make new music.
When composing I try to let myself be carried away by inspiration, a sensation, a color. I often come up with melodies when I travel by train or bus, or when I’m walking down the street, and then at home on the piano I look for harmony. Sometimes also experimenting by playing with the piano the melody appears. And, depending on the project, it may be that when working with others I create the melody based on a harmony that the guitarist or pianist has proposed. The lyrics are always the last thing for me.

Who’s your ideal musician to collaborate with and why?
Juanjo Fernandez is a musician I love working with. I admire him a lot. He is an incredible and talented musician, who really shares the stage, he is generous, he guides, he listens, not all musicians know how to do that.

Are there any musicians who inspire you? What qualities do you admire about them?
Many…Bjork, Tori Amos, Fiona Apple, Eddie Vedder, Amy Lee, Silvia Perez Cruz… I admire that they have created their own music, they have been there for many years and continue to be faithful to their creations, I also admire the greatness and humility that they transmit to their public.

What’s the best piece of advice another musician ever gave you?
“Don’t be discouraged by what others say. If that’s what you like, never stop playing it.”

Which skills have you gained that help you perform effectively as a musician?
Practicing a lot! And to be in touch with myself first; and from this expression I can better communicate with the public.

Tell me about a favorite performance in your career.
I have had several, one of my favorites was singing Argentine tango in a town near Toulouse. There were few people, it was snowing, I felt like the audience was really listening that day and we were communicating through music.

Any tips for other musicians or music students for combatting performance anxiety?
Try to stay calm and connected with yourself. With your body. With your expression. Knowing that there will be people who love what you do, others who will hate it, and even others who will ignore it. You can’t please everyone. And first and foremost, above all, it is for yourself. Practice a lot, because the technique gives wings to your expression, and in turn gives you security.

Tell us about the performance with the band “Delta”
Next Friday, September 15, we will perform a double concert of original music. My musicians, in addition to playing with me, have an instrumental music project called Delta, and we will play songs from both projects. The pianist has also collaborated with the arrangements of my project. I am very excited to sing my songs in Barcelona because it will be the first time we will play them here with the full band.

Catch Gabriela and Delta at the Inusual Project in Barcelona on the 15th September at 21h. Tickets available here: Entradium

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