We asked Canadians “What did you make this year?”
This is Kendra Grittani’s story.
Kendra can’t recall when she first started playing music. Born into a family of musicians, she grew with this beautiful form of art and expression embedded into her soul and everyday life.
As Kendra entered her sophomore year of high school, it was clear that her career would revolve around music. While other high schoolers were hanging out with friends and kicking back after school, Kendra was busy honing her craft, practicing up to four hours of cello every day.
“To me music is its own language, and it is the easiest way for me to express myself.”
The music industry is a highly competitive space with talented and relentless musicians. It comes to no surprise that even the best musicians can become self-conscious when surrounded by highly skilled peers.
During her undergraduate studies, Kendra faced a possibly career-ending problem—performance anxiety. The stage is known to be the musician’s best friend, a vessel to express their music and talent; but for Kendra, it became an obstacle, distracting her from playing to her true potential. During these tough times, she leaned towards her pets for support, unwinding with them after practice.
“They really helped me [her pets] with anxiety and depression. At the end of a long day I like to destress by hanging out with my animals and interact with them, it makes me happy.”
On the brink of putting her cello down permanently and abandoning her passion, Kendra realized that for her situation to change, she had to tackle it head on, embracing her mistakes, using them to her advantage.
Kendra stuck to performing. She pushed forward, letting the music over take her anxiety, flowing into her element once the cello starts playing. As the negativity and self doubt washed away with the first chord, she became one with her instrument—playing as if it is her last ever performance whenever she’s on stage.
Kendra enjoys the diversity of her career. She takes on all sorts of gigs ranging from orchestras to weddings, embracing the unique atmosphere and people that she plays for at each event.
“This year I made music for audiences across Canada.”
What did you make this year?
This story is a part of a series highlighting building a life that you’re proud of—honouring the lives that people make for themselves outside of their finances.
To follow this series, click here to watch the rest of the collection.
To me music is its own language, and it is the easiest way for me to express myself.
