Meet dani kriek

What is your first music memory? 

It’s so tricky to pinpoint one specific memory. I feel like I have always just been surrounded by music at a young age as it was normal for my parents to be singing around the house. Every time I think about my earliest memory of music though, it takes me back to my parents singing at church when I was a whee bubba. 

When did you first learn an instrument? 

I first learned to play the guitar at 8 years old. My dad showed me 3 chords and as soon as I got the hang of it (to an 8 year old standard) I began to write a song. But as for singing… I’ve been singing for as long as I can remember. I’ve only ever really taught myself how to play instruments until I got to the end of high school / start of uni but my musical journey started quite early. 

What drove you to practice and play when you first started out?

In short, I wanted to communicate with people on a deeper level. When I first started as a singer-songwriter, as almost every child my age, I was motivated to be the next Taylor Swift. That dream slowly faded into just being able to connect with people and share my heart with those who were willing to listen. I kept going because I wanted to find new ways to approach topics and sculpt my craft more, from my writing to singing and playing the guitar. 

Are you still excited about developing your craft? 

I am always looking for new ideas to mould myself as a singer and a performer. I have always set myself challenges, gaining inspiration from other artists and songs. I find my inspiration through people and listening / breaking down as many songs as possible. 

When did you first start teaching?

I first started teaching when I was in my last year of uni. I didn’t realise it was something I wanted to do until I started working at Eliette’s Music Academy. I get to meet some really awesome people and learn so much as well. 

What is your advice for people learning music?

Listen to as many songs as you can!! This goes especially to the singers out there. Listen to singers that inspire you, voices that you love the sound of, then pick apart what they are doing and approach the song that way. This will be extremely useful when you’re trying to figure out the technique they could be using and you can apply it to your own music.