We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Edgar Miguel Abreu a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Edgar Miguel, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
Throughout my life, I’ve strived for excellence in school and work, while cherishing relationships and enjoying a lively social life. I earned a bachelor’s degree, gained professional experience, and completed a master’s degree. This path led me to a sought-after position in a top operatic internship. At the same time I taught private voice and piano lessons building a substantial teaching studio while teaching at top private schools and prestigious universities.
While I’ve achieved many things, my most significant accomplishment has been discovering my true self, embracing who I am without apology. Inspired by Dr. Maya Angelou “Love Liberates,” I believe in the liberating power of self-love. This realization brought me inner peace and genuine self-acceptance, fueling my belief that self-love is the key to personal growth.
As a first-generation gay Dominican American from Haverhill, Massachusetts, my life’s path has been filled with uncertainty. As I approach my 37th birthday, I reflect on my past with gratitude for the valuable lessons it has taught me. I’ve worked to overcome my daily fears and emerge from the self-imposed shadows, and this ongoing journey continues to imbue my life with purpose.
Today, I’m dedicated to my own growth, driven by a continuous desire to evolve. By making myself my primary project, I’m able to empathize and understand others through a clear lense. I commit to serving others with genuine love and understanding, shaped by the transformative journey of self-discovery I’ve undergone.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Teaching has always been my passion. In middle school, I aspired to be a math and Egyptian history teacher, but my path took a musical turn when I arranged a piano mashup that won the 8th grade talent show. This shifted my focus towards music, while my love for teaching remained unwavering.
I serve on the voice teaching faculty of the University of Miami Theatre Department and New World School of the Arts. I specialize in Musical Theatre, Contemporary Commercial Music (CCM), and classical training. I have a unique talent for nurturing each student’s artistic growth through a blend of discipline and self-love. I firmly believe that success stems from understanding and embracing oneself, combined with disciplined effort.
Empowering the students that work with me, especially those with hidden self love, is a driving passion. In a world full of challenges, I see myself as a guardian of inner peace. My mission is to help students uncover their voice through application and creating confidence to help show them an empowered version of themselves can exist. I take this role seriously and I have a relentless commitment to championing individual growth.
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
1.) Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson. I learned change was inevitable and finding solutions to my problems is the only way out of any maze.
2.) The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. I learned I am equal to all humans. How I speak and act greatly affects both my inner and outer self. These agreements are easy to read yet difficult to put into practice.
3.) The Singer’s Ego: Finding Balance Between Music and Life by Lynn Eustis. I learned not to settle for anything and ask questions. If I don’t get an answer go out and find it. There is such a thing as a healthy ego!
4.) Lisa Nichols being interviewed by Tom Bilyeu on YouTube rocked my world. It continues to change my life. You can check it out here: https://youtu.be/VS5FqBZWpYo?
5.) Mel Robbins changed my life fully when I saw a video last year where she said “No one is coming to save you. No one is coming to push you. It’s all up to YOU. You need to parent yourself if you want to make your dreams come true.” You can hear her say it here: https://youtu.be/SqN5SvASjMA?
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The reward of being an artist lies in the exhilarating journey of conjuring fresh ideas every day. No two days are alike. Embracing a creative life keeps you in a state of perpetual readiness, infusing each day with a renewed vitality that prevents the onset of monotony and staleness.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.edgarmiguelabreu.com
- Instagram: @voicewithedgar
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/edgarmiguelabreu/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edgar-miguel-8b46a51a4
- Other: TikTok @voicewithedgar
Image Credits
Photographer: Kristin Pulido IG: @photosbykristinp