Meet Kristin McGinnis | Vocal Performer, Opera Singer, Session Singer, Student

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kristin McGinnis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kristin, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley and was interested in music from a very early age. On my 4th birthday, I was performing “Sing” by The Carpenters for everyone at my party to hear. My dad introduced classic rock to me by playing The Eagles or The Carpenters CDs during every car ride. Once I got to middle school, I instantly joined the choral and instrumental program, my first true introduction to classical music. I was jumping around six instrumental ensembles and choir after school, taking every opportunity possible to be surrounded by music. In seventh grade, my choir took a trip to New York where I got the opportunity to perform in Carnegie Hall, and I knew from there that I wanted to perform in venues like this for the rest of my life. Soon I transitioned to high school where I continued being in the choral and instrumental programs, having leadership roles in both. I took trips to England, performing at the Royal Hall Harrogate, during the Harrogate International Youth Festival of Music and Performing Arts, and I performed in various venues in Seattle, Washington. My biggest performance opportunity, however, happened during the summer of 2019, when I was accepted into the Honors Performace Series, and performed in the Sydney Opera House, in the High School Honors Choir. That trip was during the summer before my senior year of high school, so it was solidifying for me to audition to become a Vocal Performance Major and I was soon accepted into the Mike Curb College of Arts, Media, and Communication at California State University Northridge. Since then I have been introduced to the world of Opera! I have now performed in multiple Operas with the CSUN Opera as well as the Independent Opera Company. I have also been given to opportunity to be a part of multiple studio recordings through Studio Ensemble at CSUN. If it wasn’t for my parents supporting me and the wonderful arts programs I’ve been a part of, I would not have the love for music and performance that I do today.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As of now, I am only beginning my career in music, but through my various performance opportunities, I have developed techniques in both solo and choral settings. I have been featured in multiple solo and choral opportunities and have experience in a wide variety of genres, including classical, pop, rock, musical theater, and more. I also have experience in many different kinds of performances including solo, choral, opera, musical theater, instrumental, parades, and more. Along the way, I have learned that everyone’s voice is unique and I don’t need to sound like everyone else. I need to remind myself that my uniqueness is what sets me apart, and to embrace what makes me different. It has not been easy as I didn’t start with many connections, and I’m the only one in my family that has pursued music as a career. I have worked to seek and make connections through my various performance opportunities and through my colleagues.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
There are endless things to do in Los Angeles. There are so many great places I’m not sure where to start! I am a huge fan of rollercoasters and theme parks, so I would definitely try to hit Six Flags Magic Mountain, Disneyland, or Knott’s Berry Farm! I would also take them to my favorite places in LA like Little Tokyo and the Disney Performance Hall. I would take them to some of my favorite eateries like Somethings Fishy and Din Tai Fung! In the valley, we can also do lots of fun things like shop at the Topanga Mall, go line dancing at the Canyon Club, and even do an escape room!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Of Course! I want to thank my parents for supporting me and believing in me as I make my music journey. Without them, I don’t think I would be where I am today. I would also like to shout out my High School Choir teacher, Mrs. Danielle Duckett, who inspired me and helped me take the steps necessary to become a Vocal Performance Major, musician, and person overall.

Instagram: @_kristinmcginnis_

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-mcginnis-950330242/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kristinmcginnis24

Image Credits
Lumberjacks- Cori Elliott