5 Questions with The Singing Photographer- Kirsty Duncan Professional Singer
I love to support people as much as possible, and shine a spotlight on their businesses when I can! So, this is what this series is about, giving people 5 questions about their business and seeing how they answer (I’m just a little bit nosy too, so there’s that). I will do it as often as I get businesses to highlight, so if you are reading this and you own a business get in touch, so that I can send you the questions too!
About Kirsty
I am biased, as Kirsty is one of my favourite people, my flatmate, my (unofficially) adopted big sister, but she is also an incredible singer. Her main genres are Musical Theatre, Jazz and Opera- but she sings lots of different things. I met her through music; she led the choir that I was a member of and then went on to lead for 3 years myself. We sing together a lot, whether it’s simply just making our dinner, or on stages in different places over the years. I am lucky to be able to call her my friend as well as a business collaborator. Here she is answering my questions to her about her amazing business:
1. How long has your brilliant business existed?
I became Self Employed back in 2011, I worked predominately as a Choir Leader during that time, as well as performing solo. In the early days I cleaned residential houses to pursue my dream of singing full time. I've worked as a Soloist since 2020, with my business starting to grow again in 2022, after the challenges of the pandemic, so in many ways, it’s been 3 years!
2. What top 3 things are you most proud of achieving within the time your business has existed so far?
I think, for me, it’s about making a difference - music makes a difference to those listening, but it also makes a difference to my life - performing has an impact on me. I get to do what I love, I meet a lot of interesting people and music is powerful - its full of memories and feelings and the beauty really comes from people's reactions whilst I'm performing, as well as talking after - there is always a lot of openness in those conversations, and sometimes tears. It’s a beautiful thing.
I won an award - it was the BWC (Business Women Connections) Glasgow Circle of Inspiration Awards in 2023 - I won the 'Women in Arts & Entertainment' category. For me, I was thrilled to be nominated alongside other creatives and I have to say that I was surprised to win as I actually thought that I had no chance as the folk in my category were much more well known than me. After the nominating process, I had to answer a number of questions about my business, and it’s not easy to talk (particularly as a Scot!) about how inspirational you are, but I put a lot of effort into my submission, I talked from the heart and remembered feedback that I've had from clients and audience members over the years. I just told the truth, so I was really thrilled to be recognised!
It is still a work in progress but actually working full time as a Singer is such a big deal. Sometimes (most of the time!) I'd like more financial security (and getting a part time job sometimes seems necessary!), but I'm working towards that, and although it’s a slog at times, it’s the dream and it’s so close! I love being to put all my brain power into my solo work!
3. What advice would you give to someone starting out in business?
Firstly, it is not easy, so you need to really want it - and the lifestyle (good and bad!) that comes with it! Research everything and be prepared for it to take a while to get where you want to be - and the main thing is...ask for help, know what you want, and have a plan about how to get there!
4. What do you love most about what you get to do?
Over the years, I have found my niche and I'm able to just say no to things that are not my forte (not everything needs to be!!) or not my favourite! I'm better singing at events that I'm going to love, and I can recommend the best party singers to folks who enquire.
I love singing at Concerts and Afternoon Teas. Wedding Ceremonies and Funerals are significant work, and I love singing and working with couples and families for these. A lot of my work is with older generations - providing entertainment for lunch clubs and meetings for organisations such as The Guild. There is a lot of joy in seeing folk singing along and recognising all the songs I've chosen.
I don't like singing at parties for dancing, as it’s not really my thing & I'd rather be dancing with my pals - I get jealous! I don't like providing background music, it always feels a shame not to be heard properly so the only time I really do it is at a wedding, I will sing for the Ceremony and the Drinks Reception, but my favourite will always be the ceremony!
5. Where can we find you online? What events have you got coming up? Give yourself a shout-out!
You can find me at www.kirstyduncan.co.uk or look up @Kirstyduncansinger on Facebook and Instagram. To hear news about my trio, The Show Affs, you can follow our socials!
I have a new show with The Show Affs - Songs from the Movies - so here are some upcoming dates:
Saturday 10th May at 7.30pm at Braco Village Hall (near Dunblane)
Saturday 7th June at 7.30pm at Partickhill Bowling & Community Club, Glasgow
Saturday 16th August at 2-4pm at Liberton Kirk Centre, Edinburgh
Further dates incoming...
Kirsty’s links can be found here for booking her or finding out more about her incredible work.
Thank you to Kirsty for being my first victim… I mean… cough cough… interviewee for my series, be in touch to be next on my list 😊
My links:
Instagram: @thesingingphotographerglasgow
Facebook: The Singing Photographer
Love,
Clair
