Candice “PrettyStringz” Provides Healing Through Music
This interview was released on April 26, 2020.
How has COVID-19 affected you as an orchestra teacher and entrepreneur?
I had to change both my curriculum and delivery of instruction in response to COVID-19. Before this event, my orchestra students and I would enjoy our time preparing for school concerts. To continue the momentum, I’ve challenged myself to transfer these experiences creatively into online activities. The entrepreneurial component of being a performing artist has been most affected. My performances have been canceled beginning in March and on through August 2020. This time frame equates to a minimum loss of 72 business and networking opportunities, and realistically much more.
The violin has always been an instrument where one can express a range of emotions. How do you convey that same output virtually on Facebook and Instagram Live?
When preparing to perform live and in person, I consider my clients and the range of emotions they want to convey during their special events. But my virtual concerts have an emotional purpose of their own. I aim to lift the listeners’ spirits, create a cheerful atmosphere, and make people want to dance. I hope that this will bring people a sense of peace and tranquility when they’re done grooving. I use my violin as my own encouraging voice to them, and to add a special touch of hope to the end, I play Christian-Gospel music. This platform is an opportunity to promote positivity in a time when we’re experiencing difficult emotions in response to what’s happening in our world.
One thing I’ve noticed is, you still dress as if you’re at a live event. We’ve seen countless articles as to how getting dressed in the morning affects your output during the day. In your mind, do you feel as if this enhances your mood when playing live on social media?
Growing up, my father would take me to Macy’s to purchase a new dress for every performance. Since my beginning stages as a violinist, I’ve always enjoyed dressing up for performances. It has truly become the norm and still excites me every time.
Did you expect to receive the type of positive reactions you’ve garnered since starting your virtual performances? Recently, I saw a person who said that your performance is helping them cope with a loved one currently in the hospital due to COVID-19.
Initially, I planned to do a live video as a one-time virtual performance. After my performance, I went to my bedroom and began reading positive comments from viewers all over the world, including Africa, Australia, and Europe. I immediately knew that the impact made from my virtual performance had to become a weekly endeavor. Throughout my performances, I take time to stop and encourage my viewers to join me in doing their part to help the world. Last, I’ve received countless comments and messages about how watching me keeps them pushing forward when it comes to gaining a sense of normality and helping them cope with loved ones affected by COVID-19. It is truly a blessing to use my gift for such a time like this.
As a Christian, what are some things that you’re seeking from God at a time such as this?
As a Christian, I am seeking Him. Through Him, I receive the peace, joy, purpose, and direction He has for me. Although we may not understand everything happening during this time, we can still go to Him and ask, “What can I do to serve you and how can I help people right now?”
Follow Candice “PrettyStringz” Smith On Facebook and on her personal website.
