Learning To Play The Pandemic: Gaelynn Lea

Duluth native Gaelynn Lea is an independent classical violinist who has played over 425 shows in 42 states and seven countries. As well as a musician Gaelynn is also a public speaker, when speaking she engages the audience about disability awareness, accessibility in the arts, and living an enriching life.

Through a virtual meeting, Gaelynn discusses how the pandemic has impacted her music, and what it has been like learning how to survive as a musician through the pandemic.

Gaelynn knew that in person performances would not be an option due to her disability. “I have smaller lungs so there is no way that I want to get COVID.” she said.

Before the pandemic Gaelynn's schedule was full of performances as well as filming and releasing new music and videos . A Lot of her performances in 2019 were stayed in the US with a few of them being outside of the US.

At the beginning, Gaelynn didn't know what she was going to do for income but then she started doing Quarantine concerts held over Youtube. These started back in March and have been going on every Sunday since then, gradually getting better.

With these quarantine concerts Gaelynn has started to feature Different artists every week. She's had so many requests that she didn't know what to do with them all. “I have guests booked out till July.” She said.

Gaelynns virtual shows are slowly growing in viewers. Along with these growing numbers Gaelynn has started to interact more with her viewers. “I've started taking requests from the audience. For example, someone said play what you think fall sounds like.” she said.

Even before the pandemic Gaelynn always tries to make her shows available to anyone when choosing a venue. It's nice for people who are unable to leave the house. “it's cool to have the virtual option for people that can’t usually come.” she said.

With the show being online Gaelynn likes having the video to be live and not prerecorded, “it gives a more human connection and allows the musician to respond to the chat by taking requests or answering questions.” she said. Gaelynn also feels it makes the show feel more intimate. “It is as intimate as it would be at a venue, maybe even a little more.”

As the shows have gone on Gaelynn has noticed that there is a group of people that have shown up every week. Gaelynn is thankful for those people that chose to make that a part of their week. “It's nice to know that I am giving them an escape from all the bad news and that they have something to look forward to each week.” she said.

Wanting to have a special guest every week, Gaelyn has started a calendar where artists can sign up to be a guest artist. This has made coordinating with artists very easy. “I was surprised that many people booked out to be a guest, some of the artists I don't even know!”

With these new artists signing up to perform the coolest part, Gaelynn says she has been connecting with these new people and meeting them through performing. “I definitely want to contact them in the future and see if they would want to work together.”