Interview of Jenna Mernin

6 Oct 09, 10:18am
1. How old were you when you first started playing the
guitar, and what inspired you to do so?

I was 13 years old when I started playing the guitar. My brother is the one
who inspired me, because he has been playing ever since I can remember. And
you always want to be like your older siblings, right?

2. Please tell me a little about your favorite guitar,

My favorite guitar is actually one of my brother's. He has a really nice
Alvarez Acoustic that has almost perfect sound.

3. When you look into the future, do you imagine music?

A little bit. I love playing, but I'm not sure I would build a career off of
it. I'm looking more into the Media Communications department for college.

4.Have you ever been in a band or other musical
collaboration with others, and did you enjoy the experience?

I have never been in a legitimate band besides the worship band at my church,
but that is probably my favorite thing to do with music; collaborating with
others.


5. Have you written any music of your own, and what inspires
you during this process?

Yes, I have. I actually was able to record a CD in a home studio last spring.
What inspires me to do this process is again, my brother, but also my faith.
My faith is definitely what drives me.

6. Does being a musician affect the kind of student that you
are.

I would say no. It doesn't consume enough of my time to.

7. In the last decade many schools have had to cut music
programs from their curriculum's based on budget cuts, what
is your opinion of this?

I think it's sad. But then again, I was never involved in music in school. My
interest was sparked in my own home. I was never a part of choir, band, or
orchestra. But, I do wish that I had.

8. How important is playing the guitar to you in relation to
other hobbies, or responsibilities? Do you see your guitar
as essential to your happiness or more as an enhancement to
your life?

I think it is very important. I don't think that it is essential to my
happiness, and I could survive without it, but it definitely enhances life
because it is my favorite thing to do. It's also a huge asset to my faith,
because it really is my greatest connection to Jesus, and it's useful when
someone needs a worship leader for random things. But again, if I didn't have
it, I would survive.

9.Do you think that women get less respect as musician,s
have you ever had a negative experience as a woman musician?

Yes. Even in my church, I think that it has happened. One sunday morning they
decided to do something "different" and have an all female worship band with
me as the leader. It just kinda stung a little bit. There's all male worship
teams all the time. But really other than that instance, I think I have
accumulated enough respect as a female musician.


10. What advice would you give to someone who wanted to pick
up playing the guitar?

Be patient. That's all I can really say. It takes so much patience. But once
you get past the chord formations and strumming, you can go really far. But,
it's those first few essential things that can make someone give up, so be
patient.