Today we’d like to introduce you to Malesha Jessie Taylor.
Hi Malesha, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I am a vocal artist, professor, nonprofit founder and mother of three. My mother was a teacher for 20 years and my father is what I call, a “preacher without a church.” I was raised to value education, community, Spirit and Home and those values are central to all that I do personally, professionally and artistically. I started to find my voice singing devotional music in church modeled after my mother who was a devotional singer. I determined at a very young age that I was going to sing and I took the study of music and the arts very seriously. I was fortunate to attend a public school with a solid arts program, was a high school Thespian, then pursued a career in opera throughout most of my adult life. While studying classical music in undergrad and grad school, I also did production internships for the local Symphony, taught in after-school programs and co-founded a nonprofit serving foster youth in group homes. My love for arts leadership and teaching led me into working in higher education, both as a professor and administrator. As a Black woman and fine artist working in and outside of institutions, I was constantly living a life between communities that did not integrate. I was often called upon to be a “bridge-figure,” which is someone who is engaged in the larger process of cultural translation, building connections and understanding between people across difference. This led me to eventually start museSalon Collaborative, an arts services organization whose curated and community-centered offerings, bring cross-disciplinary practitioners together for impactful community engagement. I truly feel that all artists teach through their art-form and are not only Agents of Change but also Cultural Guardians that connect us to our familial roots and the places we live and grow.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
All roads have bumps and grooves and I have learned to accept all the parts of my unique journey. This was not easy. “The bumps” taught me what I needed to know so I could appreciate “the smooth”. Running an organization, believing in my talents and gifts and showing up as a parent and educator is daunting, exciting, difficult and deeply fulfilling.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a transdisciplinary vocal artist which means I sing for a multitude of purposes, not limited to space or genre. I have used my vocal instrument to tell stories of resilience, memory, prophecy and presence grounded in embodiment, ritual and community building. My TEDx talk entitled, “What Do You See?” is apart of my developing auto-ethnography, “Transcending Performance: Exploring Black Liberatory Praxis in Vocal Arts.” My writings document the journey as a vocalist starting with my roots in Black Church music to performing in grand operas, Broadway musicals and later catalytic experiences like singing with hip-hop poets and composing scores for movement artists and public art installations. I recently composed and recorded a musical soundtrack to accompany the artwork of TIME Magazine featured painter, Charly Palmer alongside Okorie Johnson and Salah Ananse in “Departure” at Hammond House Museum, August 2021. I also created the vocal score for Charmaine Minniefield’s Praise House Project, which is currently in residence with Emory University supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts. In concert music, I have performed as a soloist with John Williams’ film concert tour “Lord of the Rings” and I play the role of Annie in San Francisco Opera’s Amazon PrimeVideo performance of “Porgy and Bess.” I have also enjoyed opportunities to perform with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, Boston Pops Orchestra, American Symphony Orchestra- Lincoln Center, Los Angeles Opera. I currently teach arts courses at Clark Atlanta University and California State University, San Marcos. This year my organization, museSalon Collaborative is Curator-in-Residence with Art on the Atlanta BeltLine, which is the largest outdoor temporary art exhibition in the South.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I think the best way to network and find a mentor is to surround yourself with like-minded people aligned with your values. I am a new member of The Gathering Spot, for example, after discovering so many of my friends and business contacts were also. I think it’s also important to take time for self-exploration and reflection. Do the things that make you happy, engage in cultural activities where you live, meet your neighbors, join an interest group- all of which surround you with community and support. It is in these spaces that long-lasting relationships are cultivated.
Contact Info:
- Email: Malesha@musesalon.org
- Website: www.museSalon.org
- Instagram: @musesalon_collaborative
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MuseSalonCollaborative/
Image Credits:
John Stephens
