Life & Work with Elyse Midgyett of Denver

Today we’d like to introduce you to Elyse Midgyett.

Hi Elyse, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in northeast Denver and I began my musical journey at 7 years old joining the youth choir at church, and then attended Denver School of the Arts as a vocal performance major for 7 years. I went to college for music business and got lost in the a cappella world and many of the opportunities I’ve gotten that have led me to where I am now are due to people I met at University. I’ve sang in multiple groups as a background vocalist and I have fronted projects as well, mainly working with college peers. Dylan and I were in the music department and met on graduation day if you can believe it, but stayed in similar circles and always had good playing chemistry so we decided to partner a couple years ago. I’m a voice instructor at Swallow hill music in Englewood and that connection was also made through a college peer. That road was a bit more windy because I worked marketing and admin before the pandemic but they called me in 2023 with a need for voice teachers and this job has been truly fulfilling. I think teaching adults to sing is kind of a super power of mine, though I love working with kids as well. My life as it is brings me joy with teaching as my day job and 2-4 performances a month but I’m always looking to expand, partner, learn and make larger impacts. As a Christ follower, I also believe that it’s my responsibility to use my voice in service, whether that be worship leading, or writing music about human rights.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It’s a little challenging remembering your worth. We both have degrees and decades of musical experience and so remembering to turn down gigs that don’t pay enough is hard when money is tight. However, it’s so important to set a better precedent for a healthy artist economy. I always tell musicians that are just starting, never to work for exposure, bar tabs, or small percentages. I especially tell this to musicians who look like me. Taking gigs as a woman of color means potentially being taken advantage of. Set your financial boundaries and try not to waiver.

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 work at Swallow Hill music as a voice instructor. I teach all age private lessons and adult singing classes. Adults beginners definitely feels like a specialty because people who’ve experienced things and have more reservations about being vulnerable do not have as easy of a time as a lot of kids. I am most proud of my retention rate of students being one of the few voice instructors to have multiple high level core classes from matriculation. I think something that sets me aside is experience in the psychological and therapeutic aspects of singing. I’m able to curate a feeling of safety and fun for my students because I make it known that singing is good for your body and brain no matter what you sound like. So let’s make some stupid noises.

What does success mean to you?
To me success does not look like fame and fortune. Success looks like happiness, doing what you love, financial comfort, and good relationships. If I can spend my life learning, playing, being a light in the world, maybe some traveling, having good food, loving relationships, and have all of my bills on autopay, what more could you need.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jeanettestreight.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanettestreightmusic?igsh=d2dvczdrbnQyNTJ3
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@jeanettestreightmusic?si=7qLk520yK7P7LY4G

Image Credits
Jake Henderson (photo on picnic blanket with vinyls)
Seth Beamer (photos of an earlier project in 2019 a band I fronted called Sundaycandy in a diner booth.)