Candice Smith- Professional Violinist, Educator & Entrepreneur

Candice has been playing the violin for almost 20 years and is both an artist and a business woman. Much like how the city of Detroit has risen, Candice has used her grit and determination to overcome the odds and become a successful musician. 

Despite her comparatively late foray into music, Candice has worked hard, stayed focused, and come out on top. She has a bachelors in music and masters in public administration from Florida A & M University. She’s been shaped by her setbacks, but she doesn’t let them define her. She’s a perfectionist in her craft and her dedication is evident in each performance she gives. She believes in changing with the times and staying agile. 

Read on for some incredible words of wisdom from Candice about staying true to yourself, overcoming the odds, and the importance of being a multi-faceted entrepreneur. 

Where did you grow up? How was your childhood?

I grew up in Detroit, Michigan. I have a little sister; we played outside a lot. I was into sports; I kind of grew up as a tomboy- so it’s funny that I’m such a girly girl now. And then eventually, I got started with the violin.

When do you think you started becoming interested in music?

I would say when I noticed that I was good at it. So, I would say middle school for sure. In middle school I started noticing that I was one of the best in the entire class. That gave me the confidence to move forward into pursuing music and enjoying it as well.

How did you get started playing the violin? 

All of the kids at my school had to start with the recorder to become familiar with reading music. In the fourth grade we went on to play the violin. My mom told me how she found a paper in my bookbag when I was in third grade about how my school was offering violin, so she signed me up. I pretty much liked it at first, since only a select few people were in the violin class, so it was an incentive for me. 

What training did you have? Did you go to a performing arts high school?

Yes, I went to Detroit School of Arts, but I began my training in elementary school. The middle school that I went to offered orchestra, and the teacher was really good and that really helped me out since I wasn’t taking private lessons. 

Most people start taking lessons around 3-5 years old. I hadn’t had private training through elementary or middle school and then I went on to Detroit School of Arts. And then in my sophomore year I was fortunate enough to apply to a program to receive free private lessons from a Detroit Symphony Orchestra member and that was pretty huge. That was very influential in my career as a violinist. 

Normally the lessons are around $125 per lesson. So I was very fortunate to have those lessons for free. 

Wow, that’s such an amazing opportunity. 

That was offered to me for 2 years and then the third year my teacher gave me a discounted rate. I’m grateful for that. 

I feel like that’s the view of the professional music world, is that it can be kind of elitist. You have to have access to those lessons, and obviously not many American families can afford $600- $700, not to mention the time it takes to drive to lessons and so on. 

I was lucky because the Detroit Symphony Orchestra Hall was literally next door, so I could walk next door to the lessons. 

I know that you also worked in Detroit Public Schools for a while. What do you think can be done to make music education in general more accessible and to have more kids be able to participate?

I think it’s awesome that I’m teaching at a performing arts school now, so it gives students, who normally wouldn’t have the opportunity to pursue the performing arts at this high level, to receive these classes every single day. I think it’s great that they’re able to be exposed to those arts in the school setting every single day and they actually get 4 electives, on top of small-group after school programs, so they can get individualized attention. 

I think it would also be great if there was a program or grant to allow students to study privately, because that’s one of the things that really pushes them. Having individual instruction would be great. 

Even for me, I went to school in very well-off suburbs, but it still seemed like they were always having budget cuts and the first classes to get cut were electives. I feel like they’re not valued. What impact do you think musical education has on a kid’s life?

I think it gives them the opportunity to step outside of their comfort zone and to explore creativity. For some kids, I think that it gives them confidence to know that they’re good at something and I feel like that can spread to their core curriculum subjects. 

Also, for instrumental music students are actually exercising both sides of their brains when they’re playing an instrument and reading music at the same time. A lot of studies have said that that helps and transfers to other subjects. 

I’ve heard that too. I feel like it’s similar to language learning. People try and argue that it’s a waste of time if you’re not going to use that skill later on in life or make a career out of it, but it’s not necessarily about that skill- it’s about giving them the confidence. If that skill isn’t valued in that school district then a student can really start to doubt themselves, when in reality you’re just talented in a different way. 

The arts give them a reason to want to come to school. Not wanting to be at school will affect your learning. For me, I was excited to come to school each and every day to go to orchestra class. 

How did you become comfortable performing? Do you think this came naturally to you? And what advice would you give someone for stage fright?

I think that it happens over time. I used to literally shake while I was playing; I was so nervous. You have to make sure that you’re 100% prepared. I believe that the confidence is built over time but only if you’re prepared for that performance. 

Yes, that definitely makes sense. That’s a habit that I’m still working on- being properly prepared. I’m the worst procrastinator. How do you prepare for an upcoming performance?

It really depends. It depends on if the client is requesting songs that I’ve already performed many times before or if they’re new songs, but practicing is always important. 

Why did you decide to go away to school in Florida?

During my senior year of high school, my school went to Disney World to perform. We stopped at Florida A & M University and everyone applied for scholarships. 

We auditioned for scholarships. What happens is that you play, and then they either mail you a letter or they tell you right then and there what they’re going to offer you. 

I was just practicing one day and their director of the college of music walked by me and said “Young lady, you have earned yourself a full-ride scholarship.” 

Wow! That’s so incredible. 

And I hadn’t even auditioned. I still had to formally go through the audition process. So since I wanted to be in Florida and I was offered a full-ride so I knew I couldn’t beat that. 

Why did you decide to come back to Detroit?

I heard about all of the great things that were happening in the city. There wasn’t as much going on downtown when I left. Also, family. Because family is more important than a job. 

What about Detroit inspires you? 

The people in Detroit are very passionate and talented. I believe there’s a different drive in Detroit. I believe that a lot of people are hard-workers and go-getters, and I would have to say that about myself as well. 

I didn’t receive private lessons until my sophomore year and most people start at 5 and I was still able to become a professional violinist. A lot of people have been in the same circumstances as me, they worked really hard to get to where they are although they didn’t have the same tools as everyone else.

What advice would you give someone who’s looking to make a career out of music?

They have to first believe in themselves, because a career in music is not always looked upon positively, it’s a risky business. You have to be a hard worker and have a background in business, because many successful musicians have revenue outside of just performances. You need to know how to manage your money. 

 That’s so interesting that you talk about being financially savvy, because I feel like a lot of people don’t ever mention that when they’re talking about pursuing the arts and I think that’s insane. You have to wear so many different hats as a performing artist and a small business owner. It takes such discipline. 

A lot of people may not know about the money aspect, but something that helped me was my masters in Public Administration. I was working in positions that required me to use different skills, I had to be organized at a very high level and worked for very influential people. I learned so many things in those positions and transferred them over to what I’m doing now. 

People tend to pigeon-hole themselves, and I’ve been guilty of that myself. Telling myself that I didn’t need to learn certain skills since it wasn’t directly applicable to what I was doing. But the reality is, as an entrepreneur you have to be good at so many things, at least to know the basics. 

Yes, when I was taking finance classes or working in those positions I never thought that those skills would one day help me with my music career. Later I realized that those skills were transferable. 

For anyone reading this, who doesn’t have a higher education,  it’s also about seeking out resources to educate yourself. There are free courses through public libraries, cheap books on amazon, podcasts etc. 

You don’t have to go to school. There are so many resources. You have to be able to teach yourself. There are so many tools.

Who’s your biggest inspiration?

I was interested in jazz music but then someone asked me if I really wanted to learn jazz or it was more the improvisation part of jazz that I was interested in. 

Jill Scott because her music is jazzy, but it’s R&B and soul music. I like how she incorporates different styles and different genres. Another one of my inspirations is Jean Luc-Ponty. He’s another one of those musicians that set the tone for electric violinists. 

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given and by whom?

Immediately act on a good idea. Don’t ponder on it too long. If you have a good idea and you think it through for a day, make plans. There have been a lot of times where I didn’t necessarily have all of the pieces of the puzzle put together, but I had a good idea. But I knew if I thought about it too long I wouldn’t do it. 

You also have to be able to adjust at any time. I think that really helped me during the pandemic. Because a lot of people got frustrated because they couldn’t perform. Everyone’s feelings are valid, but it’s important to know that life is going to have twists and turns all the time, but your level of success will be measured by your ability to adjust as soon as possible. 

So for me, COVID 19 hit, I can’t perform, but what can I do? Before a lot of people started doing things virtually I had already adjusted. I started doing online performances and private lessons. 

Going off your first point, it seems like everyone has some new business idea or venture, and while that’s great, if you just keep talking about it and you don’t act on it, it’s just an idea. Which is usually followed up by excuses as to why you can’t start due to lack of resources. But starting small is key, and I think people are scared of failure, but that’s how you learn. 

Right, but you have to just get started, that’s the most important thing. I remember when I first started my videos a few years ago when I was still in college. I knew that they might not be my best videos, that they might not be at the standard I want them to be at, but as long as I start that’s what’s most important. And if I would have never started then I wouldn’t be where I’m at now. 

What challenges do you come across as a woman in your field?

One issue about being a performing artist in general is staying true to yourself. People were trying to convince me to do rap songs or K-pop, because then I would go viral, but I don’t really listen to those genres so it wouldn’t make sense for me. It’s important to be yourself no matter what people are telling you to do and people will like you for being authentic. 

It’s important to start with a clear mind and a clear sense of what you want to do, before outside influences get involved.

When I was younger I wanted to be more of a people pleaser, especially at work, now that I’m older I care less about what people think. I care less about making waves. Now I’m at the point, where if I don’t want to do something or I don’t feel comfortable, I’m not going to. Setting boundaries is important. 

I feel like that’s a huge thing in culture right now. I think a lot of women are standing up for themselves now. 

How do you define success?

Success is living everyday with purpose. I think a lot of people think that success is reaching this certain stage of your life… But I don’t think that it’s about reaching a certain area of your life, because what happens when you reach that level. What comes after that? Will you truly be happy? Or can you find happiness in each and every day?

I think that success also comes from doing what you truly love to do. I think it’s being bold and doing what you want to do. Success is not letting anyone alter what you know you should be doing. A lot of people are scared to face what they know they should be doing, because they want to impress other people.

Everyone’s position in life should be to help someone. And if your purpose in life doesn’t involve helping someone, you’re not successful. 

I think that’s a good, modern idea of success, because the idea that each of us is going to be successful on our own, on our own little island is so archaic to me. You should be bringing other people up with you. I’ve had so many people that have helped me throughout my life. 

Right and nobody gets somewhere without help. Everyone has things that they’re good at and we’re supposed to use those things and help other people. 

What are your goals for this upcoming year?

Throughout the pandemic I’ve really challenged myself to be more consistent. So continuing to be consistent, continuing to have creative ideas. Pushing for more virtual performances and just adapting as much as possible. 

What are some helpful resources? 

I love listening to Heather Lindsey. She’s amazing, especially for young women. She’s my go-to. She has a podcast with her husband. It’s important to focus on things that don’t just pertain to your craft but also to your personal life. Because if you’re not right in your personal life, it can affect your craft. 

Where you can find her: 

https://www.iamprettystringz.com 

Instagram: @iamprettystringz 

Youtube: IamPrettyStringz