Antonina
VoicePiano
About Antonina
Antonina Pawlak is a dedicated and enthusiastic music artist who is currently pursuing her master's as a Performer-Composer at CalArts. She loves singing, playing the piano, and is also proficient in music production, songwriting, and music theory. Antonina began her music education at just 5 years old and was admitted to a music school at the age of 7. Her passion for pop music and singing blossomed during her teenage years, leading her to study at the British and Irish Modern Music Institute in London, where she focused on vocals and performance for her bachelor's degree in music.
In 2022, Antonina was accepted into the GrammyU program, which assists young musicians in launching their careers by connecting them with industry leaders. That same year, she embarked on her first tour across Europe as Nina Anto, performing in cities such as Paris, Warsaw, London, Basel, and Oslo. Antonina aspires to tour more, perform, and share her music and knowledge with people worldwide. She believes in the power of music to move and connect individuals.
Q&A with Antonina
Which musician would you like to play with?
Not sure, but I play with Voice, Piano and Laptop
Which musician has influenced you the most?
David Bowie, Michael Kiwanuka, Whitney Houston, Bon Iver, Yves Tumor, Caroline Polachek, Blood Orange, Moses Sumney, Frédéric Chopin, Karol Szymanowski, Donny Hathaway, London Grammar, BANKS, FKA Twigs, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Rage Against The Machine, Kabaret Starszych Panów (50. and 60. in Poland)
What can you teach me better on your instrument than any other teacher?
Chest voice (singing classes) - I have a very strong chest voice register and can help you find yours :) I enjoy teaching pop music or assisting with your original songs! As for the piano - I love playing romantic music. Coming from Poland, Chopin's influence has been significant...
How did you learn to play your instrument?
In various music schools, universities (BIMM London, CalArts) and courses predominantly in Poland, London, and Los Angeles
What equipment do you play on today?
Voice, Grand pianos - my favorite are Kawai, upright pianos, Nord Stage 3.
Which personal trait helped you the most while practicing?
Open-minded to trying different techniques, regularity, positive thinking!
What does your instrument have that others don't?
I can sing very low for a female
How do you handle children?
I love working with children, there are so creative and full of energy
What has been your greatest experience as a musician so far?
Performing my first European Tour and playing shows in Paris, London, Oslo, Warsaw and Basel.
What was the biggest stage you played on?
I sung in front of 2000 people in Palladium theatre in Warsaw and a few months ago my composition was played for 2000 people in Walcownia, Katowice.
Which record would you take with you to the desert island?
"22, A Milion" Bon Iver
Besides music, what else is important in your life?
Family, Friends, Skiing, Kitesurfing, Adventures, Art, Theatre
Level(s) Comfortable Teaching
voice - beginner, intermediate / piano - all levels / music production - beginner, intermediate / music theory - all levels / songwriting - all levels
What languages can you teach in?
EnglishPolish
Videos
Bands, Projects, Notable Performances, Collaborations
Nina Anto is my stage name :)
Other Music-related work / goals
My dream is to play big festivals around the world
Accolades
I am a recipient of one of the most prestigious scholarships in Poland, awarded by the Rafal Brzoska Foundation. Additionally, I am a member of the GrammyU program. In 2022, I was awarded a scholarship by the Polish Ministry of Culture and National Heritage