Sara Hallie Richardson
Sara RIchardson is a singer songwriter (and a former student of mine) from South Portland and tells her story for the meartsed blog readers.
While keeping a part time job to support the obvious necessities, I write and perform music to sustain my passion.
I went to University of Maine in Orono (2008) where I graduated with a BA in Music. While there, I took an independent study on electronic music with Beth Wiemann. I feel incredibly lucky to have had her as a mentor as that independent study led me to achieve the Research and Creative Achievement Award and the Outstanding Achievement Award in Arts and Communication Media.
What I value most from my arts education is the encouragement to be independent. To find, through your own workings and methods, your very own sense of Self.
The three life-long tools that I’ve learned from my arts course are:
1. Practice. 2. Patience. 3. Perseverance (I am a singer! Alliteration!)
I am a different person due to my involvement in the arts because…
It has taught me to connect with people through intuition, emotion, and compassion and to cope with challenges and obstacles that one experiences through life. I find a way to share my personal story and have it relate on a universal level as well, furthering that connection with others.
If I could change any part of my arts education,
I would have asked more questions. Music and art is ever-changing and evolving. The more you analyze it, the more interesting and expansive it can be.
Performing has always been extremely inspiring for me. It requires great focus as well as the ability to relax and let loose. To find that balance has always been a huge awakening. Recently, an audience member had informed me that one of my songs had gotten him through his kidney transplant. He told me he was convinced that my words and voice had helped heal him. That was something I will never forget.
Making music is extremely healing. This world can easily distract us with fear, anger, hate, violence, and pain. Through music, I can find solace and safety. If we all can connect to what we know is true through self-expression (art+music), we will all be better off.
You can learn more about Sara and her work at her website: shrichardson.bandcamp.com
View her at videos: http://youtu.be/7mUCGrpsgKo and http://youtu.be/tvdwkDQTAeA
Catch Sara at her upcoming shows:
Nov. 3rd Theater in the Wood, Intervale, NH 7pm
Dec. 6th at the State Theatre Big Band Syndrome, Portland, ME 7pm
Thank you for telling your story Sara! If others have students or former students whose story should be heard please email me. Thanks!
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