We recently connected with Allison Young and have shared our conversation below.
Allison, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
As a jazz musician, I’m typically the only woman in the room. Frequently, I’m also the only person under 30. Though there is lots of work being done to change this and highlight this gender imbalance in the field, it’s still an issue that every female jazz musician I know faces on a daily basis. I can’t even begin to count the number of times I’ve been made uncomfortable or had inappropriate/ignorant comments made to me in a professional setting.
Being in this environment frequently has forced me to develop a certain resiliency and confidence. I look up to the women who have been trail blazers in this field and opened the door for me, and I make an effort to support their art and work. I’ve found some outstanding mentors, both male and female, to help me hone my craft to a level where I don’t question whether or not I’m qualified to be in the room. I take care of the music first and earn respect as a musician, no matter my gender. Sometimes I still have to work harder than the men to do so, but I hope that changes for future generations of female musicians.
One story that I come back to when I’m feeling particularly challenged by the gender imbalance or encounter an ignorant comment is from my touring experience with the Glenn Miller Orchestra. I was the only female instrumentalist traveling with a 15 piece band, and the first woman to do so full-time. We were reaching the end of a particularly grueling run of shows, and the last thing I wanted to do was put on a smiling face and go out on stage in my men’s suit jacket, tie, and dress shoes, and do the show. As I walked out onstage that night, there was a young girl in the front row who saw me, smiled the biggest smile, and pointed right at me as she nudged her parents. It’s moments like that where I realize that in addition to contributing to music and creativity, I’m making a difference every time I’m the only woman in a band and young girls or women of all ages feel represented. That young girl might be encouraged to play an instrument in band class someday because she saw someone that looked like her doing it on stage, and that’s really meaningful to me.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’m an active saxophonist in Denver, CO. Since graduating from the University of Northern Colorado in 2022, I’ve been privileged enough to have quite a few performing opportunities, including with artists like Father John Misty, Ms. Lauryn Hill, John Clayton, Dick Oatts, and more. In addition to performing, I do quite a bit of freelance arts marketing work for organizations like the Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra, Colorado Conservatory for the Jazz Arts, and the Newman Center for the Performing Arts. I really enjoy the balance of the performing and administrative sides of the music industry, and find that my skills from one greatly benefit the other.
For more about me, upcoming performances, and to listen to projects I’ve been apart of, visit allisonyoungmusic.com
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Consistency – Consistent work at my instrument and showing up to take care of the music every day has been incredibly important. Whether it’s 5 hours or 5 minutes, doing something every day to get better. Passion – Having love for what I do – the music, the people, the community. Genuinely loving others and caring for other people, and being passionate for the music you’re dedicating your time and energy to playing.
Community – Community is a huge part of my life and what makes music so special to me. The community of people that play music is so special, and there’s a very unique sense of community in the Denver jazz scene that I love. Forming genuine friendships, being a leader for others, and being a part of something special makes this career so unique. I love meeting people that I never would’ve crossed paths with if it hadn’t been for music.
What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
Over the last year, I’ve been really working on self confidence and personal growth. As someone that’s still very young, I’m continually navigating the ins and outs of becoming an adult and ways of living that are fulfilling and sustainable. I’ve always struggled with self confidence, and this year I made an effort to say yes to more opportunities, say no when I needed to, stand up for myself, and realize my worth.
Contact Info:
- Website: allisonyoungmusic.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/allisonxyoung
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allison.young.1614/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPFnIbEwAiOt759LwDMX12g
Image Credits
Main Image: Jo Babb Image 1/4: Hannah Rodriguez
