We had the good fortune of connecting with Sara Melson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sara, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?

It is my great joy to ignite a passion for music in both kids and adults, most of whom are learning to play an instrument for the first time. People who were convinced they “can’t sing” are finding their own voice, and experiencing the joy of creating in the musical realm.

It’s thrilling to share this unfolding with my students. I also work on a sliding scale, so no one is turned away.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

My main instrument has always been myself — my voice and body — and expression through sound and movement. I’ve loved singing and dancing from as early as I can remember.

Singing, playing piano and guitar, and writing come from a need to process and make sense of my emotions and spiritual questions and revelations. It’s therapy to me. I can only hope that my songs, which start as an exercise in self-soothing and self-inspiration, can also somehow comfort and inspire others in the process.

It’s exciting to work with kids (and grown-up kids!) who are learning to express themselves through music. It’s gratifying to work with beginners, because I get to be a part of their development and discovery.

I want my students to have fun. I want their lessons to be some thing that they look forward to. I pride myself on that, and it always makes me happy when parents tell me that their kids are clamoring to see me again.

I never put pressure on anyone to practice. Even just our time spent playing together is valuable. If someone wants to find time to practice on their own, then that to me is icing on the cake.

I also prefer to focus on the making of music – playing by ear – before introducing any type of sight-reading or notation. Some students very much want to learn to read and play classical music. Others don’t, and would rather learn chord shapes and apply those to popular songs. I take my lead from each individual student, so that everyone learns a bit differently.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

Hotel Cafe on Cahuenga, in Hollywood is such a great-sounding spot; it’s really comfy up on stage there, sonically, thanks to some of the best sound engineers in town. I’ve really missed performing and watching live shows. I’m looking forward to being back to that soon.

In terms of restaurants, I have too many favorites to list here. Some standouts: Cafe Gratitude and Crossroads for delicious, gourmet vegan food; Mozza and Giorgio’s for incredible pizza and Italian; Pho Café, Stella… and Nobu for a special occasion.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

I must acknowledge the wonderfully giving and incredibly talented musicians with whom I am blessed to make music. We have spent many hours together playing, writing, recording, and shooting videos.

Playing with these people is akin to playing tennis with someone much better – who brings your game up to a new level.

Boundless thanks to these amazing musicians, who were such an integral part of my EP, “Wild & Precious Life” (find it on Spotify, Apple Music, or wherever you listen):

Danny Hechter — guitar, backing vocals
Jake Faun — guitar
Koi Anunta — violin, keyboard, backing vocals
Nick Diiorio — bass, backing vocals
Sean Sobash — bass, backing vocals
Jonas Streffer — drums
Vikram Devasthali — horns
Eric Breiner — mixing/ mastering / production
Rick Parker — mixing/production

Website: www.saramelson.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/saramelson

Twitter: www.twitter.com/saramelson

Facebook: www.facebook.com/saramelson

Youtube: www.youtube.com/saramelson

Other: imdb.me/saramelson

Image Credits
Linda Wang

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