Story and Photos by Adrian Michael

From a very young age, Challona Coleman knew that music was in her blood. At the age of 3, she started playing the piano and became fascinated with the robust sounds and beauty that music creates. Coleman believes in the musical terminology ‘Da Capo Al Fine’ – from the beginning to the end. “Music changes the world around us, and once one is introduced to this wonderful realm, there is no such thing as life without it,” Coleman stated.

Coleman was born in Alaska and enrolled in music school before kindergarten. At the age of 10, she started playing the cello, working her way up to being first chair in both middle and high school.

Being a creative Black musician is inspirational for Coleman, who says she loves when fans send artwork depicting Black girls playing instruments. “It is always fun to know that I’m like the person they think of when they see a cellist.”

But Coleman doesn’t think of herself as only a cellist. Coleman is also proficient in the piano, bass, violin, xylophone, piccolo, and ukulele and is looking to add the saxophone to her musical repertoire. “I’ve always had an interest in music and my music teachers always allowed me to explore different instruments.”

This eclectic attitude applies to her overall aesthetic as well, which combines hip-hop with a cyberpunk & futuristic flair. “I never preplan anything, I do what I like and that’s kind of been my motto. Yes, I have tattoos, but I want people to see me for me and I want to be myself wherever I go. You know exactly what you’re getting, and it is who I’ve grown to be” said Coleman, who knows that creativity is not all there is to succeed in the industry.

Studying music for essentially all her life, Coleman wants up-and-coming musicians to know that music is discipline

“I don’t want anyone discouraged, no one needs that. Find what you’re interested in, make sure you’re aware of all your opportunities, and figure out how you can make that work for you because you can.”

Coleman was able to make more opportunities for herself by pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business from Regis University and a master’s degree in business administration from Webster University. She now has her own business teaching music lessons.

According to Coleman, it is important that when people are looking for private instructors, the instructor does not just teach how to play, but also how to read music.

“It is very easy to pick up an instrument and just play, but how many people actually know how to read music?”

It is this characteristic that makes Coleman’s approach to teaching unique because she ensures that her students, both adults, and children, learn to read music.

Though she currently works in the corporate world, she is focused on her long-term goals. “How many times do you see a Black kid playing a cello?” asked Coleman, who says her ultimate goal is to have her own orchestra, and eventually, teach music full time.

You can view Coleman’s musical style on her YouTube page: tinyurl.com/2p835fw2.

Editor’s note: This article first appeared in the July 2022 issue as part of our profiles on Denver artists of color.

Challona Coleman: Changing the world with music

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