Career Roadmap
Sara's work combines: Music, Education, and Being Creative
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Here's the path I took:
High School
Stonewall Jackson High School
Bachelor's Degree
Music Teacher Education
Virginia Commonwealth University
Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be an Elementary School Teachers:
High School
Bachelor's Degree: Music Teacher Education
Learn more about different paths to this career
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life took a while to figure out
1.
First, I joined chorus in high school and absolutely LOVED it!
2.
Then I was given a guitar at the age of 18 and taught myself how to play.
3.
Then I applied to the VCU School of Music as a vocal major for music education to teach high school.
4.
Then I began writing music and performing at local bars and coffee shops in the city.
5.
Then I student taught and hated the high schoolers, so I chose younger kids instead.
6.
I was hired as an elementary music teacher and loved it, but the focus on performing disappeared.
7.
The, I decided I needed to be HAPPY, and that I could still do both.
8.
Now I play with FarAway AND teach, and it's the best of both worlds!
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Society in general:
You'll never make enough money being a performer." "You aren't pretty enough to make it big as a performer." "You should marry someone rich if you plan on performing music for a living.
How I responded:
You are not living your life for other people! You're living for yourself! Unfortunately, I had to learn that the hard way. I got a teaching job, got married to the wrong person, and had the most boring and uneventful life. Some friends reminded me how to LIVE, and how to do the things that made me happy. I began practicing and performing again, left my husband, and now I am a successful musician AND teacher, and I finally met the love of my life because of that!
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
Don't EVER give up on your passion! Patience is key when breaking into any business, especially the music scene. Practice and experience will get you far, and being the best you can be will get you shows. :)