We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sarah Wallin-Huff a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Sarah, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

The meaningful project most on my mind at present is the August 11 release of my solo album, titled “SHARDS”, on the Navona Records label. This album is a compilation of some of my own more recent contemporary classical works, which have been steadily recorded over the course of the past four years. It represents “life, love, death, and the philosophy and mysticism that make up the in-betweens” (to borrow from the album description). Each piece on this album truly encapsulates deeply personal reflections of my innermost self. What makes this project particularly meaningful to me is the involvement of close personal friends who have graciously agreed to perform alongside me on this record.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I have been creating original music since 1993. I specialize in instrumental and vocal works of a more classical nature that focus on the clever interplay of notes and rhythms within an overarching texture–something I like to call “stream-of-consciousness” composition. I love working with acoustic musicians as well as electronic technologies and the meeting of the two together. While most of my catalog features works created for the recording studio or live concert stages, I have had the pleasure of creating a few scores for independent short films and an in-progress independent retro video game. I am available for creating original music or ensemble-specific arrangements upon request, as well as other services such as transcription or creating music for media.

As a performing violinist, violist, and 6-string electric violinist for over thirty years, I am available for recording and performance services on these instruments, both on-site and remotely. I am also happy to contract other musicians as needed for events or projects.

I am a lecturer with the Music Department at California Polytechnic University, Pomona; I presently teach multiple sections of “History of Technology in Music”, a popular upper-division GE course. I published my own textbook for the class in 2019 with Great River Learning, and I genuinely take pleasure in collaborating with and guiding students as we delve into the extensive history of human interaction with music and the evolution of technologies utilized in its creation and dissemination.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

The current objective of my ongoing artistic journey is to explore and fully accept my most inward parts. As I get older, I find myself increasingly fulfilled with the embracing of my authentic self. Compositionally, I am more and more inclined to adopt the instinctive music that resonates within me. Instead of being preoccupied with impressing others or striving to surpass my own perceived limitations, I am more introspective and determined to discover what really lies within me that I may have previously neglected. I am less inclined to be absorbed by current music trends and instead prioritize following my own artistic instincts. And in the meantime, I hope to facilitate a deeper connection with listeners and their own inner selves.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

One thing being a creative in this American economy has taught me is how to be open to learning new aspects of my field quickly. When I first started writing my own music, I was using pencil and paper and nothing else but my own ear. In the decades since, I have taught myself how to record my own music, how to hire colleagues to collaborate on my independent projects with me, how to mix and master my own recordings, how to release self-published recordings on streaming, how to create simple music videos by myself and otherwise add engaging visual elements to the performances of my work, how to market myself and engage with others online, how to sell my sheet music online without a traditional publisher…

One valuable lesson I have learned as a creative professional in the American economy is the importance of continuous learning and adaptation to new aspects of my industry. Initially, I relied solely on traditional methods, using pencil and paper to write my music and relying on my own musical intuition. I had placed my trust in the belief that through passive measures, such as demonstrating my skills and dedication, the industry would recognize my potential and offer opportunities for career advancement without requiring my active participation. However, over the decades, I have taken the initiative to expand my skill set, realizing that I am my own best champion.

I have learned how to record my music on my own home equipment, collaborate with colleagues on independent projects, mix and master those recordings, and utilize streaming platforms to release my work. Furthermore, I have gained the knowledge to create engaging visual elements to enhance the performances of some of my work, and I have learned how to promote my work and sell my sheet music online without the need for traditional publishers.

The rapid advancement of digital technologies and the Internet have provided us with the opportunity to take control of our own careers and turn our passions into viable professions. While Life may not always go the way we intended, the key is to adapt to the various opportunities that come our way and fully embrace the artistic endeavors that fulfill us simply because they bring us joy.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sarahwallinhuff.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sjwallin
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sjwallin/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wallinhuff-composer/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/sjwallin
• Other: https://hype.co/@sjwallin

Image Credits
James Huff and Sarah Wallin-Huff