LEAH
I wanted to write something about how meaningful Leah’s creative output has been in my life. I hope this post conveys how grateful I am to her. Sorry if it’s self indulgent for a bit but bear with me! I hope every graduating music student has a Leah in their lives (although I doubt this is the case).
You probably already know the story, but at the end of my undergrad was a difficult time for me. I was feeling disenfranchised by classical music and seriously doubted if I wanted to pursue a career as a musician. I was scared of the uncertainty that the future. After a summer of berating my closest friends with my internal monologue of confusion and doubt, I took an admin job. I hoped it would give me stability, routine, some money, and a break from music. I think this is one of the best, kindest things I did for myself, but I was incredibly lucky to have a few experiences that year that did so much for healing my relationship with music. That list includes:
Classical on Cuba: Hip Hop and Strings, Gemini Quintet, Ella sings Ella
Running into the Sun with Long Cloud Youth Theatre
Pōneke Sessions
Gallery Orchestra
A few things connected these projects. A sense of creative freedom, learning new skills like improv, different genres, a deep sense of connection with the people involved, experiences with performance where I wasn’t anxious or scared of judgement, collective effervescence, and, of course, Leah produced all of them.
I honestly can’t say with confidence that I would still be pursuing a career in music without Leah and her projects, friendship, inspiration, support etc. Working alongside her and collaborating with her did so much to improve my confidence, self awareness, creativity, abundance of love and joy. Getting to play in these projects gave me so much hope for my own future in music, but also for our classical music community. It felt like there was a way forward that was led by joy and curiousity. I have so much gratitude for Leah’s bravery and generosity. I’m lucky to call her my friend.
If you are able, donating to Leah’s boosted or attending one of her workshops is a fantastic way to support her. I hope especially you will go to her workshop if you can make it and produce your own project, and maybe that will give another music graduate something to look forward to in their calendar. I have many personal tangled, nuanced thoughts about the phrase “arts entrepreneurship” (as I know many of us do, hello Tall Poppy Syndrome) - but Leah is the person to look to to see the beauty and freedom in creating your own projects.
Love you very much Leah <3
P.s. fun fact - Leah named Live Laugh Lemon for me! We wouldn’t be here without her support :)
