Meet Dr. Raina Murnak | Performer, Professor & Creative Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Raina Murnak and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Raina, what is the most important factor behind your success?
I realized through my upbringing and education that the only success I could have personally came from being truly authentic. As an artist, one would think this is a core to the training in the arts however, through academia there is a lot of pressure to conform, to make your output ‘match’ the expectations of your teachers and to disguise your own personal voice. I instinctively felt opposed to this. I started to see a pattern between my successes and those times I went against the grain and did it, in the great words of Frank, “my way”. As a teacher, I encourage fearless self-expression and truth in my students. I push myself all the time out of my deeper grooves and comfort zones to lead by example for my students. Through reassurance and acknowledgement of the bravery honesty takes, I support their path to their true artistry.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a singer, performance artist, dancer, choreographer, composer, songwriter, pianist, educator, painter, poet, designer, photographer, videographer, producer and all of the other things that one needs to be in the modern world of music making. My training is in classical composition and operatic voice however my artistry has spanned all genres and is currently indie electronic pop. To say my path was difficult would not be true. My path didn’t exist. I was the only female student in my program, the first female hire at my university to teach music theory and now the first tenure tracked popular voice professor in the country. I am of the belief “if it doesn’t exist, create it” and a great believer in the power of positive manifestation and self-actualization. I want everyone to know that just because something isn’t so is just a snapshot of a time before it is so. If you want something, if you see yourself doing something, don’t stop until you are living in your own dream. Not all dreams are meant to come true but they are usually pretty cool clouds that float you to your next patch of sky where you discover new dreams. Trust your intuition and remember that the most important thing in life has nothing to do with what we think we value- only love is important- love of your own life, love of the people and animals around you and love of the adventure.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If a friend came into the Magic City, I would first bring them to Madruga Bakery for an incredible latte and egg sandwich, then we would head to South Beach to walk the shores and collect shells and immerse ourselves in the sun-bleached neon pastel façades of the Art Deco quaint seaside hotels. We would then make our way to the Biltmore for poolside a Biltmore Blossom in an old-fashioned coupe surrounded by the Gatsby-like glamour of old Coral Gables. Of course, we would walk the cute shops along South Miami and grab homemade ice-cream at Whip N Dip. In this fantasy it’s the Fourth of July so we would then head to Brickell and ascend to the rooftop of the Icon and watch the fireworks by the pool:)

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would love to dedicate this SHOUTOUT to my sister who has been my lifelong biggest fan, supporter, encourager, therapist, mischief partner and soulmate.

Website: www.rainamurnak.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rainasiforbeauty/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raina-murnak-6361a2130/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/raina.murnak

Youtube: www.youtube.com/rainamode

Other: https://drrainamurnakportfolio.weebly.com