We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Siri Hoffmann a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Siri, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
My journey combines resilience with creativity. It has been deeply intertwined with both challenges and the healing processes that followed. Experiencing trauma at a young age was incredibly difficult, but it also became the catalyst for my resilience. I realized that I had two choices: to be defined by what happened to me or to use those experiences to fuel my growth. I chose the latter.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Music, particularly the cello, became my sanctuary. The discipline and focus required to train as a classical cellist provided a sense of structure and purpose during times of chaos. As I progressed, I found myself naturally stepping into leadership roles within ensembles and orchestras. Leading others through music allowed me to channel my strength and create a sense of community, which was vital for my healing.
Beyond classical training, I felt a deep calling to explore creative avenues with the cello. I began blending traditional techniques with innovative approaches, allowing the music to tell stories of resilience, hope, and healing. This led me to incorporate community and even canines into my work. Dogs have an innate ability to heal and comfort, much like music. By bringing these elements together, I was able to create a space where others could find solace and strength, just as I did.
A few exciting projects coming up are Milwaukee’s first public dog park. We are celebrating its groundbreaking ceremony this week.
It’s a huge project that has brought so many non-profits and dog sponsors together. It’s amazing to see what we can do by working and growing together.
Beyond that, I teach classical piano and cello. I’m also available to hire for private events. Without giving too much away, there are several amazing opportunities I am preparing for that I can’t wait to share with the world! Cello is my voice. It has always been my unique gift to share with the world.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Going through trauma, whether it be physical or emotional, offers you tools. These tools can often appear as a double-edge sword. We can use them as a means to get back in the world or can use them to heal, create and grow, while giving back to the community. Choosing the latter for me was the essential action towards developing empathy, integrity and character. Ultimately, these experiences taught me that while we can’t always control what happens to us, we do have the power to create our own destiny. For me, that meant using music and community to not only heal myself but to help others find their own paths to resilience.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
I mean this in the most polite and meaningfully way possible. The way my parents helped me the most was by challenging or questioning my abilities to get things done or achieve goals they thought were out of my league. I found that what motivated me most required people telling me that I could not do something. In order to succeed, I had to hear that. If you tell me that my goals are too large or I can’t accomplish a dream. I will show you that it can and will be accomplished.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/Siri_hoffmann/
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/siri.hoffmann?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/siri-hoffmann
- Other: Please see instagram for linktr.ee if above doesn’t work. Thank you for your patience!
Image Credits
Adam kendall
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