Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Marisa Sardo. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Marisa, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
I have been playing guitar since I was 4 years old. I have always loved music and the arts with a great passion from a young age, so I always knew I wanted to pursue music professionally. There was a moment in my life that confirmed my feeling: when I was a teenager in high school, I created and co-organized a fundraising classical music concert that raised money for a wish-granting foundation for children with life-threatening illnesses. The event was titled “Symphony for Survival,” and being a part of the concert myself as well as organizing the event was an incredible experience. Classical music was saving lives, and from that moment on I recognized the true power of music. The power to heal. I knew then that this artistic path was my passion and my future. I want take part in bringing peace and healing to cultures and communities all over the world through the power of music.
Marisa, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I am a classical guitarist originally from the United States and now living in Europe. I have been playing guitar since I was 4 years old, and have received international recognition from a young age. I like to perform unique and diverse music, including music from Europe, African music, music from South America, music written by women, world premieres, and music written for me. I have been awarded in over 20 international competitions, and have performed as a guest soloist in numerous venues and festivals around the world, including in Italy, Austria, the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Denmark, Brazil, and the U.S. I have released my debut album with Frameworks Records in 2023, which included groundbreaking works by some of my favorite composers. I am also an active teacher, and I teach students from all over the world. I received my Masters degree in music from Indiana University, my Bachelors degree from Northwestern University, and several postgraduate diplomas from schools in the U.S, Italy, and Belgium.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
As a woman in the guitar world, I am here to question the differences between men and women classical guitarists, and discover the feminine perspective not only in the guitar world, but the classical music world as a whole. My biggest mission is to bring to light the powerful feminine identity that exists within the guitar world. I am currently pursuing a postgraduate degree at one of the best and most female-driven conservatories in the world, Koninklijk Conservatorium in Belgium, and through my studies and research, I will reveal and elucidate my own sound on the guitar, and uncover how my femininity in performances is different from the performances of my male counterparts and the significance of this discovery to all womankind. Through these personal findings, I will challenge the systemic inequalities women face by participating in novel and inclusive practices by which female classical guitarists like myself can strengthen their role in the music world.
How did you build your audience on social media?
Much of my social media success comes from my Instagram presence. I became a music influencer in 2020, and to this day I have a truly incredible and supportive audience that helps to fuel my drive to bring my music to all cultures around the world. I am happy to be able to reach so many music lovers through the power of social media!
My biggest advice to anyone looking to build their social media presence is to connect to your audience as much as you can. You have to treat yourself like a business, so marketing, branding, and global reach are important to keep in mind, however most people who are on social media accounts like to see creators who are relatable and easy to connect with. The simpler the content, the more your audience will connect with you. Show your most true and most authentic self to your audiences!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.marisasardo.com
- Instagram: @marisasardoguitar – https://www.instagram.com/marisasardoguitar/
- Facebook: @marisasardoguitar – https://www.facebook.com/people/Marisa-Sardo/100042218362526/
- Linkedin: @marisasardo – https://www.linkedin.com/in/marisa-sardo-b159511a5
- Youtube: @marisasardoguitar – https://www.youtube.com/@marisasardoguitar
- Other: Stagetime – https://app.stagetime.com/artists/marisa-sardo
Image Credits
Taylor Perison Photography Richard Sun Photography