Are we on the right path to a brighter tomorrow?

1. Why did you choose to become a jazz musician and how many years has this been your chosen path? 

Migdalia - I have been a jazz drummer for the last 15+ years, I was only introduced to the genre years after I started playing though. There is not a big scene in Mexico, so it was only through my drum teacher that I became really interested and it blew my mind. I guess it became a reality when I moved to the US to study music.

Terence - Music has always captivated me and once I started to play an instrument 35-40 years ago, I knew that was all I wanted to do. I had an uncle who lived abroad who was a professional musician and I thought wow, I can maybe do this for a living too somehow!

2. What do you love about your work and how does it positively contribute to your own life as well as the life of others? 

Migdalia - It has a positive impact on people…it can change their mood and inspire them. I love that I get to meet so many people from so many places, not only audiences but also musicians. There is so much richness in that.

Terence - Bringing enjoyment to others through performances and recordings is a joy. It makes me feel good to give that feeling to others through doing something I love. The thing I love most about the music I play is that the creativity is limitless. I’m so excited about meeting and playing with new people and also what I am going to create in my improvisations and compositions. As an event organiser, it’s great to give opportunities to others to perform too which is rewarding for them musically and financially.

3. How are you finding work opportunities at present and do you feel post-Covid that things are back to normal, better or worse? Why? 

Terence - I’ve always had to create my own opportunities so in that respect it’s no different. Audiences are still down in numbers on pre-Covid levels and there’s more reluctance for people to book ahead for events.

Migdalia - I have been very blessed to actually find it better than before Covid. I kept working during the pandemic and I haven’t stopped being busy ever since things re-opened.

Photo by Stuart Leeds

4. What’s the biggest stress factor currently in your work? 

Migdalia - Travelling and train strikes. I am currently touring, so the uncertainty and unreliability of trains makes it very stressful.

Terence - Not earning enough money to pay bills with the cost-of-living crisis!

5. Would you say working in the jazz industry encourages your confidence and self-belief or challenges it and why? 

Migdalia - It’s a mix to be honest, but lately I have received so much support that it is so encouraging…especially as a female drummer.

Terence - To be successful one needs self-belief to get out to perform in public. Jazz audiences tend to be quite a discerning group so you still need to be on your game or you will be found out! 

Photo by Amanda Gallant

6. How important do you think it is for musicians to support each other and why? 

Terence - I think it’s very important to support live music as both a performer and a fan! We need to keep venues open and full so we all have the opportunities to perform. Musicians inspire each other too and push each other creatively.

Migdalia - It’s crucial! Making the industry a decent environment for everyone regardless of demographic or background is basic. It encourages people to be better musically and to society.

7. Tell me one change you’d like to see to make the music industry a better place. 

Migdalia - Fair opportunities and platforms for everyone.

Terence - Jazz should be given a higher profile, more Kudos and respect in the mainstream media and especially at music awards like the GRAMMYs.

8. Would you ever make the decision to pursue an alternative career in life? 

Migdalia - Absolutely not. I have done it in the past and it’s just not for me.

Terence - Not unless I have to! Maybe that day will come when it’s no longer viable to be a musician. I really hope not though!

9. Do you feel respected as a musician? 

Migdalia - I actually do…the only thing I would change about this is first impressions and assumptions (even Google thinks I am a singer!)

Terence - Yes, I do feel we’re part of a special club. Especially being a jazz musician, we’re all about the music!

10. What does a brighter tomorrow look like for you? 

Migdalia - Fair opportunities and platforms. A healthy and supportive community.

Terence - Writing and recording more original music and getting to perform even more regularly!

Migdalia has exciting times ahead. She has just released her new album Point of Departure recorded at Abbey Road Studios and is busy touring the UK and internationally with SIX The Musical and with her quartet. She is also part of the EFG London Jazz Festival for Women in Jazz Media and the UK Drum Show 2023 in September.

Terence has his new solo piano album Reminiscent out now so please do check that out.

To find out more about Migdalia van der Hoven click here:

To find out more about Terence Collie click here:

Cover Photos: David Forman and Jonathan Cuff