International Womans Day: Jenna Aspeling

What inspired you to pursue your career, and when did you first realise this was your calling?

I started music at a very young age, forced into playing violin by my parents. It had always been something that came somewhat naturally to me, having grown up with older sisters who were also musical. However, I only actually started enjoying music in high school, when I began my musical journey on the saxophone. Through the saxophone I was introduced to a completely new direction in music, which really challenged my way of thinking in general. This was particularly apparent in the realm of improvisation - it was something so alien to me. I suddenly had this new found curiosity and determination to learn, which has since continued to grow - music is a life-long journey!

Who has been a role model or mentor in your journey, and what is the most powerful lesson they taught you?

I wouldn't say that there has been just one person who has acted as a role model for me, but rather, there have been so many. Firstly I was lucky to have so many encouraging and inspiring teachers throughout high school and university, who I would say are the best in their trade. Yes, they have taught me lots in our lessons together, but I feel as though the most powerful lessons I have been taught by them are when I have seen them in action, performing. To me, there is nothing more inspirational than simply listening in awe to exceptional musicians. Other than my teachers, my peers continue to push me and educate me daily in practise and performance, and I love the constant musical conversation that consistently changes my viewpoints in music.

What’s been your biggest challenge that you’ve overcome?

As is common with most musicians, self-confidence has always been a big challenge for me. I don't think that I have ever played a gig where I have felt completely comfortable in my abilities. But, that is what music and performance is - it is constantly pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone, which is the only way to grow. I believe that our curiosity to learn should be greater than our anxiety to be perfect, as perfection is simply not possible. Separating myself from the music is my goal at the moment - we are not our mistakes or our failures, but these failures are vital in continuing on our musical journeys. Rather than worrying about being perfect and getting stuck within my own mind, I am working on shifting my focus to the musicians around me, and connecting with them, which in turn actually makes the music better. 

What is your favourite part about working in the music industry or being a musician?

I love the variety of each day. Unlike most careers, we don't just do one job - we are artists, educators, performers, composers, and forever, we will be students. Some weeks I have no clue what I am going to be getting into, and I love the constant uncomfort of being a musician. I believe that music and particularly improvisation is an exploration of self, and the constant learning and new discoveries of each day are what keep me going. This is also why I love being a teacher - I get to watch my students grow and join in this process of self-discovery, which in turn, inspires me in a kind of positive feedback loop. Being a musician isn't at all easy, but I knew that when I decided to take this path. It is passion, but it is also commitment - continuing to show up, pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone everyday, and fighting daily battles of resistance to practise. Being a musician is being able to love all the good parts, as well as the intense creative battles of each day.

What’s one piece of advice that you wish you had had when you started out?

Perfection isn't possible. When I started out with jazz, I had a drive to be perfect. But what is perfection? It cannot truly be defined in music, as music is an art, and completely subjective. This want to be perfect is almost something that has actually hindered my abilities, rather than push me to get better at my instrument. During high school, I wanted to win the school competitions and impress my teachers. But, I soon found that motivation from this frame of mind was not sustainable in the long run, and quickly started to manifest in anxiety and fear of failure. Instead, I am working on redefining music for myself as something that isn't about the way that I play at all - its about connection, intention, and curiosity. Quite literally, it's not about me! Shifting my focus from being perfect to instead developing a thirst for knowledge and failure has been an important step in my musical journey.

What would you tell your 10 year old self?

Honestly, I wouldn't have too much to say to my 10 year old self. At 10 years old, I had very little connection to music, and I had no clue that I would take this path. I know now that music is my life-long journey, and as with all journeys, there are lots of highs, and maybe even more lows. I would say that mistakes and failure are temporary, but are also vital in improving. And of course, it's not about the outcome, its about enjoying all the ups and downs, having passion and curiosity in what you are doing, and a determination to continue learning.