Jenny Scheinman Quotes

Powerful Jenny Scheinman for Daily Growth

About Jenny Scheinman

Jenny Scheinman is an acclaimed American jazz violinist, composer, and improviser, whose innovative style has blurred the lines between jazz, folk, rock, and classical music. Born on January 16, 1970, in New York City, Scheinman grew up surrounded by music, with a family that valued creativity and open-mindedness. At the age of six, she began studying violin, and her love for music deepened as she learned to play classical and bluegrass pieces. Inspired by a diverse array of musicians such as Jean-Luc Ponty, Jimi Hendrix, Django Reinhardt, and Bach, Scheinman developed an unconventional approach to the violin, using it not just as a stringed instrument, but also as a percussive one. After graduating from the New England Conservatory of Music in 1992, she moved to San Francisco, where she quickly became a fixture on the city's vibrant jazz scene. Scheinman's career took off in the mid-1990s with her work as a member of the avant-garde M-Base collective, led by pianist Vijay Iyer. This collaboration opened doors for her to perform and record with many other notable artists, including bassist Meshell Ndegeocello, guitarist Bill Frisell, saxophonist Joe Lovano, and drummer Brian Blade. Throughout her career, Scheinman has released six albums as a leader: "Cross the Field" (2003), "A Thousand Words" (2005), "The Fool on the Hill" (2008), "Mischief" (2010), "Wake Up and Dream" (2013), and "The Wisdom of Hummingbirds" (2019). These recordings showcase her virtuosic playing, evocative compositions, and thoughtful arrangements. Scheinman's music is characterized by its emotional intensity, improvisational prowess, and ability to captivate audiences across musical genres. Her innovative spirit and dedication to artistic exploration continue to make her one of the most exciting voices in contemporary jazz.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The only limitations we have as artists are those we impose on ourselves."

This quote by Jenny Scheinman suggests that as artists, our own self-imposed limitations are the primary factors restraining our creative potential. It implies that, in essence, one's creativity is not bound by external factors such as societal norms or technical skill level; rather, it is constrained by the beliefs and mindsets we adopt about ourselves and our abilities. To maximize our artistic growth, it encourages us to challenge these self-imposed limitations and explore new avenues of creative expression.


"Creativity is about not being afraid to take risks and to let go of control."

This quote emphasizes that true creativity often requires breaking away from the familiar and comfortable, taking risks, and relinquishing the need for absolute control over an outcome. It suggests that fearlessness in exploring new ideas and being open to change are essential elements of a creative mindset.


"Art can help us see the world in a different way, and maybe even change it."

This quote by Jenny Scheinman underscores the transformative power of art in shaping our perception and potentially influencing real-world changes. Art functions as a lens through which we can view and interpret the world in fresh, innovative ways. By challenging conventional perspectives, it encourages us to question, reflect, and possibly advocate for positive change. Thus, art is not merely decorative or escapist; it serves as an essential tool for fostering empathy, sparking dialogues, and ultimately, inspiring societal transformation.


"Music is a language that speaks to everyone, regardless of where they come from or what they believe."

This quote emphasizes the universal nature and power of music as a form of communication. Music transcends boundaries such as cultural, linguistic, geographical, and ideological barriers, allowing everyone, regardless of their backgrounds or beliefs, to connect and understand on some level. Music serves as an exceptional unifier, bridging gaps between people and fostering empathy, understanding, and shared experiences.


"The process of creating art is like peeling back layers of an onion – there's always more to discover."

This quote by Jenny Scheinman emphasizes the ongoing nature of artistic exploration and self-discovery. Just as one peels layers off an onion, revealing new layers beneath, artists continually uncover deeper meanings and perspectives in their work. The creative process is not finite but infinite, offering opportunities for growth and learning at every stage.


Instrumental music can be about anything. It's about a mood, and I usually title my instrumental songs long after they're written. Sometimes I figure out the titles when I'm doing the CD package, and that's very common for a lot of people who write instrumental music.

- Jenny Scheinman

Doing, Mood, Very, Titles

Think how different it is to experience a word than a sound. When you're hearing a singer, you're controlled by the words, because you understand the language, you know what they're talking about, and you're forced to think about what they're talking about. But when you're hearing that same thing without a word, you're free to wander.

- Jenny Scheinman

Singer, Same Thing, Forced, Wander

There is one live track on the album, 'Einsamaller,' and that had a conductor - Eyvind Kang.

- Jenny Scheinman

Album, Track, Had, Conductor

I've always gone into the studio with a very clear understanding of a song, of the words or, if it's an instrumental piece, of the melodies, and that never changes.

- Jenny Scheinman

Song, Always, Studio, Instrumental

I'm one of those people who says 'Yes' to everything, and in New York, that's a real liability. In the city, I could be playing seven nights a week and not finding the time to finish my own compositions.

- Jenny Scheinman

City, Week, Own, Liability

My songs are somewhere between story and situation. There's also character and mood. I'm an intuitive writer, both with instrumentals and songs with words.

- Jenny Scheinman

Words, Mood, Also, Intuitive

The opening of 'There Will Be Blood' with that score and then deafening silence was memorable.

- Jenny Scheinman

Will, Score, Then, Opening

The musicians in the band, and myself as a performer, love the risks of the unpredictable and the feeling of jumping off cliffs musically.

- Jenny Scheinman

Love, Performer, Cliffs, Musically

I always play songs that are very based in folk music.

- Jenny Scheinman

Play, Always, Very, Folk

I'm a folk artist at heart.

- Jenny Scheinman

Heart, Artist, Folk

All the Jewish tradition I had came from my grandmother, who grew up in Palestine and eloped with my grandfather and went to New York. She lived very close to us until she died when I was around 20. She sang a lot of songs, led the Passover seders. It was a very rich part of my life, and my grandmother was a big part of my life.

- Jenny Scheinman

My Life, Big, Very, Tradition

If you're searching for quotes on a different topic, feel free to browse our Topics page or explore a diverse collection of quotes from various Authors to find inspiration.