We recently connected with Laurah Merisier and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Laurah thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
At Miami Sound Space, we believe in the power of music to transform lives, especially in overlooked and marginalized communities. That’s why we have partnered with the Everglades Correctional Institution to create The Bluebirds, our men’s prison choir.
Our mission is to invite incarcerated individuals into the world of community music-making, specifically through the joy of singing together. We recognize that those in prison are still human beings who matter, and we aim to remind them of their humanity through this transformative musical experience.
The Bluebirds rehearse at the Everglades Correctional Institution, a Level 5 Security Prison designed for inmates with special considerations. Over the past year, we have successfully created a harmonious singing environment for over 60 inmates. In our 2022 Songwriting Institute, the Bluebirds courageously crafted their first original song, “Be Free.” This heartfelt composition explores the yearning for freedom experienced while incarcerated.
At Miami Sound Space, we recognize that the incarcerated population in our country is a product of a deeply flawed system rooted in colonial enslavement. Through The Bluebirds, we strive to create a space where individuals are recognized by their first names rather than their inmate numbers. Here, they are free to express their feelings, creativity, and voice. Our goal is to bring joy to their lives through the power of music.
Together, at Miami Sound Space and with The Bluebirds, we are on a mission to create a more inclusive and compassionate society, one song at a time.
Laurah, 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?
For those who may not be familiar with me, I am Laurah Merisier, a dedicated music educator and founder of Miami Sound Space. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music, as well as a Master’s degree in Music Education from Florida State University. Throughout my journey, I have had the privilege of working with diverse communities and age groups, including early childhood musicians age 6months to 7 years, to school students in 2nd through 12th grade, and even a senior citizens choir.
My passion for music education began during my time at the University of Miami, where I had the opportunity to give back to the community through programs like Guitars Over Guns and Frost MusicReach (now called Shalala MusicReach). These experiences fueled my desire to continue making a positive impact through music. I went on to become the Director of Choirs and assistant director of Musical Theatre at Bridgeprep Academy of Arts & Minds, and later taught general music to students at Mater Academy of International Studies. Additionally, I taught early childhood music classes through Little Canes, a program offered by the Frost Preparatory Program at the University of Miami.
In 2019, I founded Miami Sound Space with the aim of creating an inclusive platform for the diverse residents of Miami to come together and cultivate unity through civic and artistic expression. Our flagship program, Miami Sound Choir, is an adult community choir open to all individuals aged 18 and above. Through Miami Sound Choir, we provide an opportunity for people from various backgrounds and walks of life to connect and find joy through singing together.
However, my work doesn’t stop there. In 2021, we embarked on an extraordinary project called The Bluebirds, our men’s prison choir, in partnership with the Everglades Correctional Institution. Recognizing the humanity and potential for growth within the incarcerated population, we aim to remind them of their worth through the transformative power of music. The Bluebirds rehearse within the prison’s secure environment, creating a harmonious space where over 60 inmates have found solace and expression. In our 2022 Songwriting Institute, the Bluebirds bravely crafted their first original song, “Be Free,” which reflects their experiences with freedom while incarcerated.
At Miami Sound Space, we acknowledge the deeply flawed system that has led to the incarcerated population in our country. Through The Bluebirds, we strive to create an environment where individuals are seen as human beings. We provide a safe space for them to express their emotions, creativity, and voices. Our ultimate goal is to bring joy and balance to their lives through the power of music, helping them reclaim their sense of humanity.
Looking ahead, Miami Sound Space is excited to establish the Miami Sound Space chapter of the Threshold Choir in January 2024. This compassionate presence will offer comfort and peace to individuals on the threshold of life’s end. By singing gentle and heartfelt melodies at patients’ bedsides and participating in various end-of-life services, our chapter will provide solace during these profound transitions.
Our vision for the Miami Sound Space Threshold Choir is to create a world where compassion resonates through the power of song, honoring and cherishing those on the precipice of life’s transitions. We will join other chapters across states, provinces, and countries, harmonizing our voices to make a meaningful difference globally. Through our tender melodies, we aim to uplift individuals, providing them with solace, strength, and serenity during their journeys.
I am incredibly proud of the work we have accomplished so far, from creating a vibrant community choir in Miami Sound Choir to establishing The Bluebirds, our men’s prison choir, within the Everglades Correctional Institution. These programs have allowed us to witness the transformative power of music and its ability to bring people together, fostering unity and personal growth.
What sets Miami Sound Space apart is our unwavering commitment to inclusivity, compassion, and social change through music. We believe that everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances, deserves the opportunity to experience the joy and healing that music can bring. By providing a platform for expression and connection, we aim to break down barriers and create a more compassionate society.
As potential clients, followers, or fans, I want you to know that Miami Sound Space is not just about music. It’s about harnessing the power of music as a tool for social change and personal transformation. We are dedicated to uplifting marginalized communities, including those in the prison system, and providing them with a sense of dignity, creativity, and hope.
I invite you to join us on this journey of creating a more inclusive and compassionate society, one song at a time. Together, we can make a difference and amplify the voices of those who often go unheard.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
At Miami Sound Space, we have a clear goal and mission driving our creative journey. Our values of joy, belonging, bravery, and sustainability are the foundation of our work.
We are dedicated to combating community deterioration through music-making opportunities in the Greater Miami Community. By forming community music groups and sharing our music with the wider Miami community, we aim to eliminate prejudice and discrimination while building a stronger sense of unity.
Ensuring fair compensation and professional development opportunities for our artists is important to us. We recognize the value of their talent and expertise and strive to support their growth while contributing to the sustainability of our organization.
Through carefully curated culturally-responsive repertoire, we explore historical, environmental, and societal contexts through a social justice lens. Our aim is to use music as a catalyst for raising awareness, promoting dialogue, and inspiring positive change.
Miami Sound Space offers three distinct programs. Miami Sound Choir, our flagship ensemble, is an all-inclusive adult community choir that welcomes individuals of all backgrounds and singing abilities. We provide a space where everyone can experience the joy of singing together and feel a sense of belonging.
The Bluebirds is our men’s choir composed of incarcerated singers at the Everglades Correctional Institution. This program uplifts and empowers individuals within the prison system, reminding them of their worth and humanity through the transformative power of music.
In the near future, we will introduce Threshold Choir, a small group that will offer comfort and solace through gentle voices and heartfelt melodies at patients’ bedsides and in end-of-life services. This program aims to provide support and compassion during profound life transitions, creating moments of peace and serenity through the healing power of music.
Our overarching goal is to create unforgettable musical experiences for all in Miami. Through education, community building, and the creation of beautiful melodies of change, we aim to break down barriers, build bridges, and spread joy and unity through music.
Join us on this remarkable journey as we make a meaningful difference in our community. Together, let’s create a more inclusive and compassionate society, one harmonious note at a time.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
“The Art of Gathering” by Priya Parker is a book that has significantly impacted my management and entrepreneurial thinking, and it also resonates deeply with the work we do at Miami Sound Space.
Parker’s insights into the power of meaningful gatherings align with our belief in the transformative potential of music and community engagement. Just as Parker emphasizes the importance of being intentional in how we bring people together, we strive to curate experiences that foster connection, belonging, and positive change through music.
At Miami Sound Space, we understand that music has the ability to create a shared language and bridge divides. We apply the principles outlined in “The Art of Gathering” when designing our programs, performances, and events. We consider the purpose and impact of each gathering we organize, aiming to go beyond logistics and create spaces where individuals feel seen, heard, and valued.
Like Parker, we believe that gatherings should be more than just passive experiences. We strive to cultivate environments where participants actively engage with the music, each other, and the broader community. By incorporating elements of intentionality, authenticity, and human connection into our music-making opportunities, we create transformative experiences for our participants.
“The Art of Gathering” reinforces our commitment to creating unforgettable musical experiences that break down barriers, build bridges, and spread joy and unity. It inspires us to approach our rehearsals, performances, and community outreach with a focus on purpose and impact, aiming to foster a sense of belonging and facilitate meaningful connections.
In essence, “The Art of Gathering” aligns with our philosophy of using music as a catalyst for positive change. By drawing connections between Parker’s insights and our work at Miami Sound Space, we reinforce our commitment to curating purposeful gatherings that bring people together, foster inclusivity, and create harmonious communities through the power of music.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.miamisoundspace.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurahmerisier/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laurahvanessa/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurah-merisier-b430426b
Image Credits
Thomas Uriarte for Head Shot Greg Clark of Good Miami Project https://www.goodmiami.org/ for Bluebirds photos Michel Tessier for Miami Sound Choir photos Herold Merisier for Miami Sound Choir photos