We recently connected with Amber Garrett and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Amber, thanks for joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

My Current Project called “Project: Factions – This is my story™” is hands down one of the most meaningful projects I’ve ever worked on. An independent project. A true labor of love.  Let me tell you a little background. I came into classical music accidentally at the age of 17. As I trained and learned,I would fit into spaces that were not always fulfilling but some spaces also revealed the gaps in accessible classical music education and exposure. This began to fuel my desire to create a more inclusive environment in the classical music space. One year, I went to a young artist program and met a few of the principal artists. I was so eager to learn my craft and grow. I remember sitting down with an artist I respected and admired. Honestly, She was the reason I went to this particular program. I’m not sure if she knows that till this day. Lol. But she challenged me with a very important question. She asked, “ What do you want to say as an artist? I didn’t have an answer and that single question struck a chord in me. At the time, I knew I had a talent and just wanted people to hear it. I quickly realized that isn’t enough. After really sitting with myself and navigating my career, the answer came to me. I want to tell stories that matter. I want to share stories of resilience, heartbreak, and triumph that resonated with the human experience. I want to be who I needed to see as a little girl, and I needed to make people feel. Because of this decision, two questions are always in front of my mind before accepting a gig. What do you have to say as an artist? And, will this touch someone’s life? That drastically narrowed my path, but it put me exactly where I needed to be as a creator forging my own unconventional path. I started APMusic LLC a year after that conversation. With my business, I curate educational recitals and artistic events, bringing classical music to diverse communities and providing a fair platform for artists. I’ve also built a voice studio that accepts singers of all genres, being the light that I needed as a young artist. This journey has Birthed “Project: Factions ™”. A platform for women of all walks of life to tell their story in a safe space, as well as a space for me to curate a recital around the stories they tell me. This is one of the most meaningful projects I’ve ever worked on because the stories transcend age, race, religion, career, etc. It’s a true heart endeavor that I’m hoping will not only allow other women to see themselves and realize they are not alone, But also to introduce more people to classical music and various songs from diverse composers. It is a true HUB for women to exist, feel, enjoy, gain access to various resources, and grow true community. My mission is to ensure art serves a purpose – to uplift, inspire, and connect us all. There’s a deep sense of fulfillment that comes from pouring your heart into something you love. But for me, the true magic happens when that art connects with others and touches their lives in some way. It’s a beautiful exchange, and I feel incredibly blessed to be a part of it.

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?

I am Amber Patrice Garrett, native of Norfolk, Virginia. I began my singing career at the age of four with performances in my church and continued to amaze the community as I shared my gift throughout my childhood. Classical music was very much new to me. So much so my mother put me in voice lessons and I wouldn’t sing for the lady because I was too nervous. Later, I was “accidentally” put into high school chorus where my interest in classical singing sparked. My formal music training initiated in the Department of Music at Hampton University, Hampton, Va., where I was a member of the Concert Choir and a featured soloist on its cross-country tour. After completing requirements for the Bachelor of Arts degree in Music, I continued my pursuit of excellence at The Boston Conservatory of Music, where I earned the Master of Music Degree in Voice Performance. My accomplishments are diverse and noteworthy as I have performed for dignitaries, at community events, at various venues across the country ,and abroad. I am especially grateful for every opportunity to perform.
During my graduate studies I sang in Master Classes for International Artists such as Denyce Graves and Christine Brewer. I participated in Harrower Summer Opera Workshop located in Atlanta, GA .,where I performed my first Principle role in Puccinis’ Il Tabarro as Giorgetta . I also had the opportunity to perform with the Chautauqua Opera in Chautauqua NY as a Studio Artist for two seasons; and in Des Moines Metro Opera in Indianola, IA as an Apprentice Artist. I also performed at a New Years Eve event where I opened for Gospel Artist Vickie Winans. I ignite stages worldwide. I earned a standing ovation as Suor Angelica in Naples, Italy during my European Debut and enthralled audiences along the Amalfi Coast. Committed to diversity in my artistry, I established APMusic LLC. A company to curate educational recitals and artistic events, bringing classical music to diverse communities and providing a fair platform for artists. On this particular journey, I found that in order to grow the art form, you have to provide quality performances others can relate to. Hence me starting “Opera Wednesdays” on Tik Tok (OperaVixen12) and creating other outlets in my community. I seek to grow my brand into a primary source in bridging the gap in the arts.
Because of this, I’ve also built a voice studio that accepts singers of all genres, being the light that I needed as a young artist. I have arranged, produced and released my debut album,“Project: Journey”, showcasing my versatility and depth. I have also made history, becoming the first artist to record the role of Queen Mother in the 2023 GRAMMY-nominated opera recording of “X: The Life and Times of Malcolm X by Anthony Davis with Odyssey Opera and BMOP.” In this production I also sang the role of “Social worker”. Most recently, I have announced my newest project, I’m soooo excited about! “Project: Factions- This is my Story™” provides a platform to all types of women, to tell their story in a safe space. I interviewed them, and am curating a recital from the stories they have shared. This project is bringing me so much joy! I’ve released my very first trailer to announce it, Shout out to Sergio Lorenzana, my cinematographer. The trailer is actually available to watch on AmberPGarrettSoprano.com
Being reviewed as a “thrilling artist” , I genuinely seek inclusion in classical music and to provide genuine, heart-stirring performances that resonate globally.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

It has to be perfect. So, I came into this career path not knowing anything. I had no idea how to network, how expensive it was ( no-one talks about that), how to navigate in general. But I was told early on, “ If it’s not perfect, don’t release it! Just wait! ” To me, that translated to , I have to wait until the perfect time, the perfect look, the perfect song, the perfect venue etc. That led to consistent anxiety and fear. I was always nervous and unsure of producing anything. That ,mixed with going on audition seasons and hearing how fabulous I was but booking nothing, really had me stuck. Stuck to a point of almost giving up. I stopped singing for a while, honestly. That was until I read a book called “The Alchemist”. It became my turning point. It showed me the beauty of the journey, the importance of embracing the imperfections. Perfection wasn’t the goal; it was the growth along the way. A lightbulb went on! It taught me that life really is about the journey and being flexible to where you are. That doesn’t mean, don’t produce quality work. Show up your best self. Show up, show out, and keep producing until you get to a place where you are proud of your work. I’ll say it again, Perfectionism can be a dream killer. When you get to that mindset, you can really create and make opportunities for yourself. I’ve found if you create your own opportunities, the right people will notice, and you will be where you are supposed to be every single time. So no, it won’t always be perfect. But, I show up and present my best self EVERY TIME! That, I can live with.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

Contact Info:

• Website: www.AmberPGarrettSoprano.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shes_a_jewel/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amber.garrett.90281/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amber-garrett-2097a563/
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ambergarrett9549?si=lq1ob45mnvqQv4_n
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@operavixen12

Image Credits
Sergio Lorenzana Luke Porter Cynthia Garrett Josh Boone