Meet Kayla Solomon | Trumpet Performer and Educator

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

Hi Kayla, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Early in my career, I had the belief that if I wasn’t constantly working, I would fall behind. This often led to burnout, which resulted in guilt because I could not seem to complete all the tasks I wanted to. As I’ve grown as a person and a musician, I’ve learned that taking time to do things other than work actually make me more productive and more successful when I do start working on projects. As an artist it is important to experience life and allow yourself to have a variety of experiences so that you can be energized when you work. When thinking about the balance between life and work, I try to physically separate the two. I have a tendency to get sucked into work without taking any breaks. My practice room or office are where I try to get work done, and I try not to take my work home. Of course, as artists we don’t work a regular 9-5, our brains are always working and ideas can come at any point. If an idea strikes when I’m not in my work environment, I’ll write a note with a detailed description of what I want to do and plan to get to it during the next work period. Sometimes if inspiration hits I will launch into a project, but when this happens it is usually a project that compliments one of my hobbies whether it’s drawing and designing, or creating content for social media.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As a trumpet player, my journey has been filled with incredible opportunities that have shaped me into who I am today. Unexpected and rewarding moments, such as performing with professional orchestras, entertaining audiences at theme parks, and presenting my research at various conferences, have been extremely transformative. Many of these doors opened through the connections I established with like-minded individuals on social media. This community of fellow trumpet players has become an invaluable support system for me. Their inspiration pushes me to create content, diligently practice, and step out of my comfort zone.

Becoming a professional musician was a challenging process, mainly because I struggled to see myself as one. The path to my growth was mainly learning to believe in my abilities and approaching situations with the confidence and poise of a seasoned professional. Today, my philosophy as both a performer and a teacher centers around one core principle: kindness. I firmly believe in approaching everything with compassion, being kind to myself, my colleagues, and my students. Being the biggest cheerleader for my peers and students is my way of empowering them to feel confident in their skills and potential. Having faced my own struggles with self-assurance, it I my goal to make the journey easier for others and support them in reaching their fullest potential.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Over the past few years, I’ve had the opportunity to live in multiple cities, which has left me unsure of where to call “home.” Currently, I’ve been residing in the Shakopee/Minneapolis area for the last few months, and it’s been a pretty great experience for me. One great starting point is visiting some of the music stores and dealerships here, some of which are like Disneyland for musicians.

Working at Valleyfair, I might be biased, but it’s genuinely an awesome place to visit even if you’re not into roller coasters. The performers there are incredibly talented, and the acts they put on are an absolute blast to watch. In addition to the theme park experience, there are some fantastic opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. There are so many places to go hiking or participate in water sports as well. There are plenty of local bars and pubs, such as the Copper Pint, that serve delicious food and drinks, which are great after a long day outside.

Another thing I have discovered about this city is its vibrant music scene. Regular jam sessions provide the perfect platform to connect with fellow musicians and collaborate, which is one of the things I love the most about traveling to new places.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my mentor, Carole Dawn Reinhart, who has been an inspiring figure in my life ever since I read about her experiences as a trumpet soloist. Working and studying with her has been a stroke of luck, as she has been an invaluable source of encouragement, support, and mentorship over the last few years.

Website: https://www.kaylaosolomon.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/tpt_solo?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tpt.solomon

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHd-p1siL8gxl08iqsThyJg

Image Credits
Alice and Flore Photography Christina Alegre Photography