Meet Kerri L

We were lucky to catch up with Kerri L recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Kerri, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

I have two major passions in life: music and medicine. But, my first love was music. Music was something I started at age five, taking Suzuki classes on the violin and the viola. Growing up, I tried every sport imaginable, but the result was always unsuccessful. I found joy in not only practicing my instrument but performing for others. I saw how music could be intertwined in so many areas of life. As I grew older, I continued to play violin and viola in many settings, including in orchestras that toured the world and Carnegie Hall. I practiced and studied in college while pursuing my dream of medicine. Playing an instrument, whether that was violin, viola, or piano, became an outlet of expression, a free form of therapy, and an unexplainable sense of belonging. It gave me something to look forward to during a difficult day.

While still in college, I had a violinist friend who was unable to perform at a wedding. Although I had never played one, I thought, “I could do it, how hard could it be?” After I accepted the job, I immediately regretted it. I was so nervous and made sure I practiced with the piano player several times before the start of the wedding. I wanted to back out so many times, but ultimately, there was no one else to take my place. Thankfully, the wedding music went off without a hitch. I could not believe how comfortable I felt playing and the joy it made me feel. The smiles in the guest’s eyes and the tears of the brides and grooms on their day were the reasons I still play weddings to this day. Music brings joy to so many people, not only the people playing it. After that first wedding, I was contacted by many guests, who inquired for me to play their wedding. My business had begun since that moment. I not only play weddings but any events that clients would like to hear music. My purpose comes from the way music affects others. Although I continue in medicine, I feel incredibly lucky and privileged to be able to continue to make music for myself and others.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

My goal goes beyond simply playing a wedding ceremony, cocktail hour, or first dance—I strive to create a fully customized performance that reflects each client’s unique vision. No two events should ever look or feel the same. I look forward to creating moments to remember forever for each bride, groom, or client. I look forward to expanding my business with more musicians and even providing recordings for events I cannot be at.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

I believe communication with your clients is the most important skill to execute properly. There are so many details that go into someone’s special day or event, and everyone has a different vision of what that will look like. You want to be able to lend your expertise and experience to what the client is specifically looking for to make it all come true! It is important to know not only the instrument but your equipment. Not every venue will be small enough for you to play a string instrument by itself. There are other factors that you will overcome, the weather, wind, and the ocean- depending on the location of the event. Knowledge of speakers, backing tracks, mixing boards, and the many wires that are required can help execute the day well. Most importantly, I learned to breathe and trust the process. There is immense pressure in playing the music that accompanies a bride or groom down the aisle. In those moments, you must trust in yourself and your talent—because when you do, it transforms into a beautiful, lasting memory!

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?

I have found a strong community of like-minded musicians who have contributed to the support and growth of my business. Through my venture of starting my own business, I have learned to put myself out there, and I was not sure if I would fail or I would succeed. Since I took this business to social media, I have connected with incredibly talented musicians, particularly other string instruments. It is incredible how supportive other musicians have been, and I try to do the same for them. We are all working towards the same goal, and we all share the same purpose and passions. You learn to lean on each other and learn and grow from one another. In addition, I have met some of the most incredible people that are also in the industry as wedding vendors. I am grateful to call these people friends, and we all support each other to continue succeeding!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @kerrilattenmusic

Image Credits

@Silentcapturephoto @mamamagicphoto (same person two instagrams)