We recently connected with Ariella Forstein and have shared our conversation below.
Ariella, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.
I always knew I was here to sing, even before my brain was fully developed enough to understand I could choose that for a living. I just wanted to feel, connect with others, and sing. Sure, other things intrigued me. As a child, I considered becoming a therapist, or a veterinarian. You know, in the earthly realm of jobs, those professions provide a reasonable enough living and I’d enjoy aspects of them, but singing was always the deeper form of expression of who I knew I was. It honored something intangible within me, my desire, and my purpose.
Even as a shy little girl.
When I was just out of college, with a degree in vocal music and a thesis in ethnomusicology, I attended an artistic summer program, where actor Joshua Malina came to speak. I remember him saying: “If you can see yourself doing anything else; ANYTHING other than your creative passion for a living, don’t pursue it as a living. Do it as a hobby.”
It was then I knew: “I HAVE to pursue my art. I cannot see myself satisfied doing anything else.”
Ariella, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I’ve been singing -cooing- since I was in the crib, and in the carseat, repeating verbatim, what my bubbie (grandmother), sang. My choir directors in school were strong influences in my vocal & musical growth, as was my cantor at synagogue.
At 16, when my voice was developed enough, I began private voice lessons, and worked really hard to meld my intuitive way of channeling song, with the technique of western voice training. I was also immersed in harmony singing, via choir. I then studied abroad in Ghana, West Africa, where I learned so much more about rhythm (innate & external), music for joy and soulful expression, and singing, drumming, and dancing as a part of every day communal & village life.
I studied music from around the world, and soon toured with 3 bands, performing everything from Middle Eastern, West African, Appalachian, Eastern European, classical, blue grass, folk, and SO much more, music.
I simultaneously started my company, ‘The Ariella Approach,’ to help others find, and harness their authentic voices, as well! And I’ve been a Vocal Empowerment + Emodiment Coach for 18+ years, supporting clients all over the world in person, and via Zoom!
I love helping people delve into the journey of their voice and self-expression with technical skills, but also with somatic, mind-body, and intuitive soul-filled methods of helping people access their most authentic voice + self — for all walks of life!
I also became an energy + sound healer, and ritualist – think marriages, personal ceremonies, life cycle events+ – across multiple traditions.
Whether via coaching, healing practices, or ritual facilitation, it is an honor to be let into someone’s inner world and help them heal, sing, speak, and shine!
I’m currently offering these services locally in Boulder County, CO, and internationally online.
How did you build your audience on social media?
I AM HONEST.
I share personal anecdotes, and not because I’m trying to be showy, or prove anything. But because for me, that is just a natural way I express myself, process, and enjoy relating with others. Showing vulnerability in my life’s sharing, soon had people confiding in me, because they realized I was a ‘real person.’ They could trust me, and I’d get more vocal coaching clients from personal shares, than I would from any targeted promotion (although they likely worked in tandem).
You don’t have to share everything, and you likely shouldn’t.
Not everyone wants to share private things, or too much of their process.
Mystery is also a marketing virtue (and an often sexy one, IMHO).
AND — what makes you unique, your real idiosyncrasies, and your heart’s voice will impact people’s ability to relate to you… Enjoy exploring being really REAL in your shares.
When you do that, it connects + unites us with each other.
And if you need help, reach out. Self-expression is my specialty!
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
When someone says a song, or my voice “touches their soul…”
It is the best compliment I’ve received.
It touches my soul in return.
I hope to touch many more souls with my artistic expression over the coming years.
For all the hurdles we artists face, compliments and rewarding moments like this give us soul fuel to continue to co-create with this beautiful world and universe. As we all know, artists sharing their art can be incredibly healing to a world in pain.
Support the ecosystem of the artists, and you’re doing one of the most aligned things to help heal the world.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.AriellaApproach.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/songstresspriestess/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ariellaforstein
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariellamusic/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@songstresspriestess
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-ariella-approach-longmont-2?osq=The+Ariella+Approach
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/songstresspriestess
- Other: https://www.SongstressAriella.com
Image Credits
Autumn Lee, Tedx Minneapolis