First ever Mini Profile... meet Maria Finkelmeier!!

Q: How would you describe your lifestyle (student/traveling performer/9-5 job/etc.)?
A: I consider my lifestyle to be "project based." I divide my work into three categories: Maria Finkelmeier as a performing percussionist, composer, and educator; Founder & Director of Kadence Arts, the Boston-based non-profit running Make Music Boston, Times Two Concert Series, and Beat Bus electronic bucket drumming workshop; and Co-Principal of Masary Studios, the sound, light, and performance collective. Through each of these businesses I create projects and collaborations, and am also hired as a free-lance performer, composer, and guest lecturer. I have three private students and teach the graduate course "Marketing Strategies in the Music Industry" at Northeastern University. 

Q: What gets you out of bed in the morning?
a: A full day of "to-dos" gets me out of the bed in the morning. Managing a very flexible (although packed) schedule comes with challenges. While many days are filled with meetings, rehearsals, or classes, other days are spent at my home office or rehearsal studio. It is harder to feel motivated when there isn't another human requiring my presence. Therefore, I make sure that I have a prioritized to-do list if I have a flexible day. This helps me imagine the flow of the day while staying on task (and encourages an early rise out of bed!) 

Q: What inspires you to do what you do?
A: There are moments when I ask myself "is this all worth it?" or "what is the purpose of my work?" A career in the arts lends itself to these uncertainties, which can sometimes be paralyzing. However, I do believe that the impact through my projects - whether connecting with an audience, student, or colleague - creates a stream of communication that only work in the arts can provide. I'm inspired to do what I do because I believe that this work has the ability to share stories, create shared experiences, motivate change, and empower individuals.  

Q: Describe a daily routine that makes you feel great.
A: My husband and I always make breakfast together: an egg over easy, piece of grainy toast, spinach, red pepper, and grape tomatoes. It only takes use a few minutes to make this meal, and gives us a window in the morning to connect before the craziness of the day ensues. He's a photographer, and runs his own business, so we often take this time to go over our schedules for the day. Although the meal is quick, it helps me connect with my partner and plan for my day - plus it's a healthy and energizing!  

Q: What is one habit would you like to change?
A: I use my phone as my alarm clock, which means I look at a screen as soon as I wake up. Some days, I am "strong" and don't open my email inbox, but some days I click the app and find myself in a deep hole of solving problems ... before my coffee and shower! None of the messages are ever so important that they can't wait another 30 minutes. I hope to be able to strike this habit in the near future! 

Q: Do you exercise regularly? If yes, what do you do and how often?
A: I do my best to exercise regularly, and feel the negative effect when I do not move a lot! I am a Zumba instructor, and sub for classes in Jamaica Plain, and love to spin. If there are no cardio classes to take at the gym, you can find me struggling on the treadmill. I don't love running, but find it to be a great way to start the day! I attend a HIIT class (high intensity interval training) at my local YMCA on Sundays. I have a hard time motivating myself to lift weights if I am working out on my own, so love going to this class for the challenge. I am very motivated by energetic instructors and Dulcee is the best! 

Q: What do you eat before concerts/performances?
A: Before performances, I try to eat fruit (a banana or apple is my preference), vegetables and hummus, or nuts. I can't eat a whole meal before I perform or it will make my stomach feel even more uneasy than my normal pre-concert butterflies (yes, I still get nervous!) I do enjoy a post-performance meal with colleagues or family to reflect upon the experience and enjoy! 

Q: How to you manage your anxiety or daily stress?
A: I have to talk things out! If something is bothering my, finding a sounding board (husband, family, collaborator, colleague) helps me work through the stress and make a plan. There's this anxiety - this feeling in the pit of my stomach that something isn't going to go well, or is spiraling out of control - and when I feel it, I have to first recognize it before I can try to work through it. Recognizing it to me means that I open up about the anxiety and try to understand where it comes from. This also means that sometimes I cannot fix it right away, but facing it head on helps to elevate the physicality of the stress. 

More about Maria's activities and upcoming performances: http://www.mariafinkelmeier.com/