We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Nina Evelyn a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Nina, thanks for taking the time to share your lessons with our community today. So, let’s jump right in – one of the most essential skills for unlocking our potential is self-discipline. Where does your self-discipline come from?
My self discipline comes from a deep connection to my artistic mission. As a freelance performer, it can be hard to stay motivated especially when there aren’t paying gigs coming up. I take pride in knowing that the reason I perform is so much larger than making a living. My artistic mission is to touch peoples hearts with my performances, to raise the standard of operatic singing, and to promote works by Black composers and diversify the classical music canon. When I don’t feel like practicing or working on my art, I remind myself of my determination to change my industry for the better and introduce audiences to incredible music that has long been ignored due to racism and oppression.
When I think back on my schooling at conservatory, I vividly remember that most professors did not teach students about the countless Black composers have made to the classical music canon. During my graduate studies, I took it upon myself to seek this information out and perform these works in recitals that I personally curated. After working extensively on this repertoire, I realized that if top conservatories weren’t teaching this repertoire, then it is highly unlikely that schools on lower levels were. I decided that I wanted to join other performers in uplifting this repertoire and educating aspiring singers on it.
Now, as I am finding where I fit into the classical music industry, I keep my mission at the forefront of all the artistic decisions I make. As long as I’m working towards my mission, I know that the time and effort I put into my craft will be worth it. I have faith that I am making an impact, and I’ll continue to find ways to do so.
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?
As a Black American soprano, I am deeply passionate about using my voice not only to perform but to advocate for the inclusion and celebration of Black composers in the classical music world. What excites me most is the opportunity to bring attention to works by remarkable composers like Florence Price, Margaret Bonds, and H. Leslie Adams, whose music often goes unheard on mainstream stages. By performing their compositions with organizations such as Opera on Tap Boston, Castle of Our Skins, and the African American Art Song Alliance, I aim to diversify the classical music canon and give voice to these essential contributions. The cultural and emotional significance of this music fuels my sense of purpose, and performing it allows me to showcase its timeless relevance.
In addition to my performing career, I am a certified Reiki master, dedicated to supporting other artists on their healing journeys. The arts can be challenging, and I am passionate about helping artists establish energetic boundaries with their work while fostering a sense of self beyond their art. My own personal experience with Reiki has been transformative. Before I discovered Reiki, I struggled with severe anxiety and an unhealthy need for external validation to feel worthy. This led me to tie my self-worth to the highs and lows of my career—feeling invincible when successful but inadequate after rejection. Reiki helped me heal deep childhood wounds, allowing me to cultivate a stronger sense of self and emotional resilience.
The practice of Reiki aligns with my identity as a performer by supporting my holistic well-being, grounding me in spiritual peace, and enhancing my emotional strength. As a singer, my voice is an extension of my soul, and Reiki helps me center myself, release tension, and restore balance. It fosters the calm and clarity I need for powerful performances, while also deepening my connection to my inner self. My commitment to healing and nurturing the well-being of others through Reiki reflects my broader artistic mission to uplift, inspire, and create a sense of community. This synergy between Reiki and performance allows me to express authentically and serve my community with grace and purpose. I currently offer group Reiki healing in collaboration with Mary Kray through our Soul Recharge program, where artists can connect with spirituality on their own terms to enrich their artistry. This work promotes spiritual well-being and healing, which I believe are essential for sustaining both our creativity and our humanity.
Ultimately, my work is about more than music—it’s about making a difference, uplifting others, and fostering a sense of connection. This combination of artistic expression and spiritual care makes my journey truly special.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The three qualities that have had the biggest impact on my career are determination, compassion, and gratitude. I have big dreams, and the way I’ve been able to reach milestone after milestone is by fiercely believing in myself, even when things aren’t going well. Determination and compassion go hand in hand because, in reality, we don’t always succeed or perform well. During those times, it’s essential to have compassion for ourselves. This self-compassion allows me to continue moving forward on my journey. Finally, gratitude may be the most important of all. Without it, it becomes difficult to truly enjoy the fruits of our labor. By expressing gratitude for what we already have, we open ourselves up to receive the good things that are yet to come. Gratitude signals to the universe that we are ready to receive the abundance we’re working toward.
For those early in their journey, I recommend taking the time to learn about yourself deeply. We all have emotional wounds that influence how we show up in our lives, including in our careers. Beginning your healing journey can have a profound impact on both your personal and professional life. Often, career blocks arise because we haven’t taken the time to go inward. Developing compassion for yourself during this process is crucial, as it will keep you going through the obstacles. A powerful way to cultivate this compassion is by working with your inner child. Healing my own inner child wounds was the key to finally finding compassion for myself. If you’re looking to strengthen your determination to succeed, I suggest getting clear on your mission. When you’re aligned with a mission-driven purpose, determination becomes easier because you’re committed to something greater than just personal success. If you’re new to expressing gratitude regularly, start small: write down five things you’re grateful for each morning. See how starting your day with gratitude can transform your life.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
My Reiki master, Maria Dominique Lopez, has been instrumental in helping me develop the essential skills I needed to succeed. When I began working with Maria in 2021, I was struggling with childhood trauma wounds that felt impossible to heal, and I was unknowingly in an emotionally abusive relationship. Through our one-on-one Reiki sessions and later, her Reiki master certification program, I learned that healing from past trauma is not only possible, but transformative. Our work together has completely shifted how I show up in my career. The habits I had developed, shaped by my past struggles, were holding me back as a performer, and it wasn’t until I began dismantling the limiting beliefs I held about myself that I was able to find greater success in my work. I am deeply grateful for Maria’s support and mentorship, which have been pivotal as I embarked on my journey as both a professional singer and Reiki healer.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://NinaEvelyn.com
- Instagram: @NinaEvelynSoprano
- Youtube: @NinaEvelynSoprano
Image Credits
Photo 1 by Max Wagenblass
Photos 2, 5-8 by Taylor Rossi
Photos 3-4 by Elizabeth Friar
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