Tell our readers about yourself!
My name is Grace Kelly—yes, that’s my real name! 😊 I’m a saxophonist, singer, and songwriter who has been performing and recording professionally since I was 12 years old. To date, I’ve released over a dozen albums, toured the world with my band, and performed in over 30 countries, gracing stages at festivals like the Newport Jazz Festival, Montreal Jazz Festival, and Montreux Jazz Festival, among many others. I was a member of the house band for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert alongside Jon Batiste, performed at President Obama’s first inauguration, and even made a guest appearance as myself on the Emmy-nominated series Bosch (Season 2, Episode 2), playing for none other than Harry Bosch himself.
My love for the saxophone began when I first heard Stan Getz, particularly his performance of The Girl from Ipanema, which was on heavy rotation in my household growing up.
Beyond music, I’m a passionate coffee enthusiast and have a serious love for 99% and 100% cacao chocolate bars. One of my favorite places in the world is Berlin, Germany—there’s just something about its night life, music and culture that keeps bringing me back!
What is something you did learn in music school that you find really valuable?
One of the most valuable things I learned in music school was the power of collaboration across different musical and cultural backgrounds. At Berklee in Boston, I had the incredible opportunity to jam with musicians from all over the world, each bringing their unique influences and styles. Those experiences were deeply impactful whether it was late-night bluegrass jams with fiddle players, songwriting sessions with other artists, or playing in a world music ensemble with bandmates from diverse backgrounds. Learning to connect, communicate, and create with musicians from different traditions expanded my musical vocabulary and helped shaped me into the artist I am today!
What is something "that they didn't teach you in music school”?
One thing they definitely didn’t teach me in music school? How to do my taxes! 😆 But in all seriousness, I wasn’t taught how to set up and run my own business. Being an independent artist today requires an entrepreneurial mindset and the ability to wear many hats—not just as a creator, but also as the head of digital marketing, artist relations, team building, and even running your own label. These were all things I had to figure out in real-time, learning as I went.
For anyone looking to build a career in music, I think it’s very important to educate yourself on the business side and maintain a growth mindset. The music industry is constantly evolving, and with the rapid advancements in technology and AI, staying informed, keeping up with new tools, and adapting is more important than ever. Adaptability is key.
While honing your craft and becoming known for what you do best is essential, I also encourage musicians to diversify their skill set if there are areas that can make them even more in demand. For example, learning additional instruments, mastering music tech, or becoming a standout performer can give you a competitive edge. If you’re a “double” or “triple” threat, whether that means excelling in multiple musical disciplines or bringing a unique skill set to the table - it can set you apart and increase your opportunities.
Beyond that, I strongly recommend building multiple revenue streams to sustain your career. Whether it’s an online store, platforms like Patreon, live performances, teaching, streaming, or remote recording sessions, having diverse income sources creates long-term stability.
The artists who thrive today aren’t just performers—they’re entrepreneurs who know how to grow their brand, leverage technology, and navigate the ever-changing industry. The sooner you develop that mindset, the better prepared you’ll be for success!
Musicians, particularly saxophonists, can gain so much wisdom from you! Is there a place they can do this?
I have an online saxophone community where myself and amazing guest teachers and performers teach. It's a beautiful community of sax players wanting to learn and connect! Learn more at: https://www.saxpro.co/
Connect with Grace: Instagram | Facebook | Official Website
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The Practice Note Monthly Artist Spotlight celebrates the extraordinary talent within the music industry. These remarkable professionals excel in their performances while pioneering innovative paths with their entrepreneurial mindset. They have embraced creativity and forged unique, diverse careers that inspire us all.
