We were lucky to catch up with Joshua Catanzaro recently and have shared our conversation below.
Joshua , appreciate you joining us today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?
It’s interesting how often the idea of “artist” or “creative” is pitted against the “regular job,” as if the two are mutually exclusive or one must inherently bring more joy than the other. For me, the answer isn’t about choosing one over the other, but rather finding a harmony where both contribute to a fulfilling life.
There was a time when I envisioned a professional life solely dedicated to music. I spent a few years in college pursuing that path, fully immersed in the discipline and joy of performance. And while I never lost my deep love for music, I came to realize that for me, its truest expression lay not as a profession, but as a passion and a cherished hobby. This wasn’t a concession or a surrender of a dream; it was a profound realization of how I could best preserve the unadulterated happiness music brought me.
Now, after graduating law school and building a career here in Las Vegas, I’ve discovered that this “regular job” as a lawyer provides a different kind of fulfillment and, crucially, the freedom and resources to pursue my musical calling on my own terms. The structure and intellectual rigor of my legal profession are satisfying, but it’s in the realm of music that I find a unique kind of joy and a different dimension of self-expression.
This is precisely why I started my non-profit music organization. It’s not a job; it’s a labor of love. It’s where I channel that never-lost sense of happiness music brings me, and where I strive to share that feeling with others. It’s about building a community around something truly positive, fostering connection, and providing opportunities for others to experience the transformative power of music, all in my spare time.
So, am I happier as an artist or a creative? I’m happiest as someone who has found a way to integrate both. My “regular job” allows me to live a stable and meaningful life, while my creative pursuits, particularly through the non-profit, allow me to contribute to something deeply personal and communal, without the pressures that can sometimes diminish the joy of a professional artistic career. It’s the interplay between these two aspects of my life that truly creates a sense of balance and profound contentment. I get to experience the best of both worlds, and that, to me, is true happiness.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
For those of you just getting to know us, my name is Joshua Catanzaro, and I’m the founder of Sanctuary Arts Alliance. While my professional background is in law, my true passion lies in music and community building. I spent time in college pursuing music, and even though I ultimately chose a different career path, the joy and sense of connection that music brings never left me. My vision for this organization grew from that deep personal experience: I wanted to create a space where others could discover or rediscover that same happiness, not as a job, but as a vibrant part of their lives.
At Sanctuary Arts Alliance, we’re all about community building through musical and other artistic methods of expression. We believe that music is a powerful tool for connection, personal growth, and fostering a sense of belonging. Our primary focus is on creating environments where people can engage with music in meaningful ways, regardless of their skill level or background.
One of our signature offerings will be our “Schools of Rock” style workshops. These aren’t just about learning an instrument; they’re about teamwork, musical structure, and community. Imagine musicians of all ages and abilities coming together, collaborating on songs, and discovering the magic of creating something together. We’ll also offer individual lessons for those who prefer one-on-one instruction, providing personalized guidance to help them on their musical journey.
What truly sets us apart is our foundation in pure passion and a genuine desire to build a vibrant community. We’re not driven by profit; we’re driven by the sheer joy of sharing music and its incredible benefits. This isn’t just a music school; it’s a community hub where people can connect, express themselves, and find a sense of belonging.
We’re incredibly proud to have recently moved into our new home at 608 Douglas Ave in Las Vegas. This building is more than just a space; it’s the physical embodiment of our vision. We’re currently in the exciting initial process of sorting through an inventory of instruments and accessories. We’re looking forward to partnering with local businesses and groups in the near future to help us establish a strong foothold and reach even more people who share our love for music.
The main thing I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know is that Sanctuary Arts Alliance is a place for everyone who wants to experience the joy of music and connect with like-minded individuals. Whether you’re a seasoned musician, a complete beginner, or simply someone who appreciates the power of artistic expression, there’s a place for you here. We’re building something special in Las Vegas, and we invite you to be a part of it.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist, or more accurately, a creative enabler through Sanctuary Arts Alliance, isn’t about personal accolades or even mastering a particular skill myself. While I still find joy in playing and creating, the true reward lies in witnessing connection and transformation in others.
In my legal profession, I often deal with complex issues and tangible outcomes. It’s rewarding in its own way, but it’s a different kind of satisfaction. With music and the arts, the reward is often more profound and deeply human. It’s about seeing things like the spark of recognition in someone’s eyes when they finally grasp a musical concept or nail a chord they’ve been struggling with; or the blossoming confidence in an individual who might have been shy or reserved, but finds their voice and courage through a group performance.
The shared laughter and camaraderie that erupts as people from diverse backgrounds come together, collaborate, and create something beautiful as a team.
The visible sense of belonging that washes over participants who might have felt isolated, but now find a community where they are truly seen and valued for their unique contributions.
There’s an incredible satisfaction in providing a platform where people can not only learn musical skills but also develop vital life skills like teamwork, discipline, problem-solving, and self-expression. Seeing someone’s face light up because they’ve found a new passion, or because they’ve connected with another person through a shared melody, is incredibly powerful.
Ultimately, the most rewarding aspect is the tangible impact on individual lives and the broader community. It’s about fostering an environment where joy, creativity, and connection flourish. That’s a reward that transcends any professional achievement and truly feeds my soul.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
That’s a fantastic question, and it touches on something deeply personal to many creatives that can indeed be difficult for others to grasp. If there’s one thing non-creatives might struggle to understand about my journey, it’s the profound and sometimes almost mystical experience of the “flow state,” or what I often describe as feeling an ethereal glow around me.
It’s more than just intense concentration; it’s a complete immersion where time seems to dissolve, external distractions fade away, and there’s an effortless alignment between intention and action. Whether I’m deeply engaged in writing a piece of music, collaborating with musicians in a workshop, or even working through a particularly complex legal brief, there are moments when I enter this space. Some call it “being in the zone,” others “the vibe,” but for me, it truly feels like a gentle, luminous energy surrounding me, guiding my hands and thoughts.
In this state, ideas connect with a clarity and speed that feels almost supernatural. Solutions to creative challenges emerge spontaneously. The typical self-consciousness or analytical mind takes a backseat, allowing for pure, unadulterated creation. It’s a feeling of being utterly present and connected to the task at hand, where every decision feels right, and every effort is met with an intrinsic reward.
For a non-creative, someone whose work might be more linear or purely analytical, this concept can be elusive. They might understand focus, but the idea of a project or an artistic endeavor pulling you into an almost altered state of consciousness, where you lose track of hours and emerge feeling both exhausted and exhilarated, can be hard to reconcile with. It’s not just about enjoying your work; it’s about being absorbed and transformed by it.
This “glow” is what often pulls creatives back to their craft, even after long days in other professions. It’s not something you can force or schedule; it often arrives unbidden, a gift that reminds you of the profound joy and purpose inherent in creative expression. It’s a testament to the idea that sometimes, the most rewarding work isn’t just about what you produce, but the incredible internal experience of the process itself. For anyone seeking deeper engagement in their own pursuits, creative or otherwise, understanding and cultivating the conditions for this “flow” can truly be enlightening.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://SAALLY.org
Image Credits
Joshua Catanzaro