For Renée Muzquiz, “music gives everything meaning, fulfillment and purpose.” Learn Renée’s thoughts on the abundant gifts of music, why she dedicates her life to supporting the musical community, and why she encourages us all to contribute to The JWF’s 15th anniversary fundraising campaign.

By Claire Levine

Her path was set early: Renée grew up in a musical family. She learned to appreciate the art and techniques required to make great music. But she also saw how little our society is willing to compensate artists for the talent, time and dedication required.

Her parents met at Eastman School of Music. Her father has performed with many symphony orchestras. Renée said, “He has also always worked long hours as a high school teacher and as a freelance musician for financial security.

“My dad is as top notch as they come . . . and I think I can say that without bias. I think he enjoys it, but people shouldn’t have to work around the clock to survive.”

Her family’s experience set the stage for the dual directions her life has taken: as a performing musician and as director of both MusicOregon and MusicPortland.

The performer. Growing up singing and performing in musicals she was tempted as a teen to pick up her mom’s dusty old guitar. She taught herself to play, which led to her role as a singer-songwriter. She dubbed the pop-like genre of her music “bleeding heart art pop.” In addition to her solo work, she leads an all-femme David Bowie cover band called Major Tomboys.

“A friend once told me she felt like I was ‘in my medicine’ when I was performing on stage, which was one of the greatest compliments I think I've ever gotten. I truly feel like being a musician is a spiritual practice. 

“The more I show up and allow myself to sit with my guitar, work on a song or write something new, the healthier I feel mentally, which motivates me to continue to make healthier choices in my life.”

The advocate. When Jeremy Wilson was first starting the foundation, Renée worked with him on a variety of projects. It was her first introduction to the world of nonprofits and her first connections to the music business in Portland.

“I really got a sense of how important community is in the music industry, how quickly the community comes together, swoops in to help each other, how generous musicians and venue operators can be.”

These insights led her to MusicPortland, a membership organization that takes a broad look at the music scene and advocates for policies to support and advance the music business.

Several years back, MusicPortland survey found the music industry creates $3.8 billion in jobs every year. “That’s more than iconic Oregon industries like cannabis, fishing or timber. People think of Portland for music. They want to come to Portland for that music. So, it’s time for the city to invest in it,” as it would with any money-making industry, Renée said.

MusicOregon provides direct support to musicians, by funding recording projects, assisting with instrument purchases and in other ways helping to promote individual careers.

For Renée personally, “Music means different things to me depending on how I engage with it. Listening to music with the right beat can make work more enjoyable. It can turn long drives into cinematic road trips. The right kind of music for the right moment can make me feel in sync with the people around me and forge amazing memories. I can easily forget conversations I've had, but I can still remember melodies decades after learning them. Singing while playing guitar helps me relax and feel confident.”

She said, “I always think about what a world would be like without music. Music adds so much color, and the rest of the world is so black and white. Music finds nuance in our experiences. 

“It pulls at your emotions and guides you to reflect on the moment you’re in. It also brings us together. It conjures experiences you can share with other people.”

We’re in this together. As Renée’s words show us, music weaves us together. That’s why she creates her own and dedicates herself to groups like MusicPortland, MusicOregon and The JWF. 

Please join Renée and share, what does music mean to you?  Just fill out the single question form on our homepage. 

Then support the work of people like Renée who value musicians’ contributions to us all by donating to The JWF.  Help us celebrate our 15th anniversary and reach our end-of-year goal of raising $45,000.