Destiny Muhammad by Gail Jhonson

Yerba Buena Center for the Arts San Francisco, CA

How did you come to music as a child? Did you study music theory? I sang as a child, and as a teenager in high school groups. I didn’t really begin studying music and theory until I hit my mid/late 30’s. For me, the music language (theory), is a life long study. Do you compose music? If so, how many songs have you composed? I probably have about 30 compositions. Some full works that I play in my set and some sonic sketches I work on. Do you have a publishing company with ASCAP or BMI? Yes, my publishing company is: Harpist from the Hood, registered with ASCAP. Are you aware of the challenges women face in the maledominated music industry? Yes. Women, submit to your craft. Make prayer your foundation for EVERYTHING you do. Set goals and standards for yourself - have a clear vision of who you desire to be walk as that now! Learn as much as you can about the business (I am still learning). Study greatness & excellence - great musicians, artists, people. Work with the best musicians possible learn from what they do - imitate their excellence. What advice do you have for younger women entering the world of music? Be generous and apply wisdom with your generosity. Forgive wisely. Keep your word. Be kind however be firm when necessary. Take care of your mind, feed it good music and good ideas. Eat salad and drink plenty of water. Listen to learn, not to respond. Stop gossiping. Be Unapologetically GRATEFUL. What music project are you working on? I just completed two projects with Grace Cathedral in San Francisco: Yoga for Change and Soulful JOY, a Christmas Concert, and a pre-recording at SFJAZZ Center in San Francisco with my Trio. We had a very short breather, then three overdub sessions, and a commission from a museum. How has the pandemic affected you and your musical expression? I feel like the Pandemic has pushed me to expand my musical expression and opportunities- I have had to learn how to video myself playing music for worship services; edit and upload to churches and sacred spaces. I’m also curating content for a variety of Spiritual Services with my iPhone, a Sony camera, and editing with Adobe software. Additionally, I’m expanding the possibilities of music placement, and keeping a virtual library of videos. Who’s in your playlist? Robert Glasper, Dorothy Ashby, Alice & John Coltrane, Vince Guaraldi, Beyoncé, and Donny Hathaway. What are your goals and objectives for 2021? My goals for the 1st quarter of 2021: Successful completion recording and livestream of a commission. I received on Quilter Rosie Lee Tompkins, score Jazz Anthology about the Pandemic and a collaboration with an arranger. Anything you want to share with the world, what legacy will you leave? I am Unapologetically GRATEFUL!