Meet Isabelle Engler

 

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Isabelle Engler a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Isabelle, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?

I’ve found a lot of my resilience through my experiences with music — through my studies and professional work as a concert pianist and board-certified music therapist. In music, there’s always room for improvement, and mistakes are part of the process. What’s important is not dwelling on those errors but focusing on the next moment and how to keep moving forward. I’ve also learned to channel any negativity or doubts from others into motivation to prove them wrong. Over the years, these experiences have helped me build and strengthen my resilience. It’s a blend of constant growth, learning from failures, and turning challenges into opportunities for improvement.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I’m Isabelle—children’s author, pediatric music therapist, and concert pianist based in Texas.⁠
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I’m excited to share more about my Learning Songs with Colors book series. The first book, The Fishing Song, was published in 2022. The series is now available at www.musicandtales.org/books and through stockists worldwide. I’m thrilled to announce that the third book in the series, Build a Plane, has just been released, marking my fourth book overall!
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The bilingual, singable books feature emotive illustrations and lyrics in both English and Mandarin Chinese (with Pinyin). They also include color-coded scores to facilitate learning English, Mandarin, and music all in one place.⁠
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Two key inspirations for the series are:⁠
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1️⃣ My experience teaching my own kids Mandarin and music, and the lack of suitable materials available.⁠
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2️⃣ Working with a young patient undergoing cancer treatment in a hospital’s BMT unit. Music in her native Mandarin rekindled her spirit during a tough medical journey, highlighting the need for appropriate therapeutic resources.⁠
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Driven by these experiences, I embarked on a mission to create mindfully designed and research-based resources and began working on the series in late 2021 to empower kids through music.⁠
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Fun fact: I spent a decade in Silicon Valley as a product manager working on big data products, all while performing as a pianist at night and on weekends. After having my first child, I experienced firsthand the isolating aspects of motherhood and the delight music brought to my child. This led me to create a concert series for families and delve into the science and psychology behind music, earning another degree, and becoming a board-certified music therapist.⁠
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I’m always happy to connect, so feel free to reach out if you’d like to collaborate or just say hello on social media @musicandtales.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, three qualities have been particularly impactful on my journey: a clear sense of purpose, a growth mindset, and the ability to take fearless actions. Each of these has played a crucial role in shaping my path and achieving my goals.

Firstly, understanding my “why” has been foundational. Having a clear sense of purpose provides direction and motivation, helping me navigate challenges with resilience. For those early in their journey, I’d recommend spending time reflecting on what truly drives you. Ask yourself why you’re pursuing your goals and what impact you hope to make. This clarity will serve as a compass when obstacles arise.

Secondly, embracing a growth mindset has been essential. The belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and effort transforms challenges into opportunities for learning. I’ve learned to view mistakes not as setbacks but as valuable lessons. To cultivate this mindset, actively seek feedback, embrace new challenges, and stay curious. Remember, growth comes from pushing your boundaries and stepping outside your comfort zone.

Lastly, taking fearless actions, inspired by two postcards I received from my chamber music professor during my undergraduate studies—one saying “Dream big or go home” and the other “Start today”—has been instrumental. These simple messages remind me to set ambitious goals and act on them immediately. For those starting out, don’t wait for the “perfect” moment. Begin now, take small steps, and build momentum. Bold actions, no matter how incremental, can lead to significant progress.

In summary, understanding your purpose, fostering a growth mindset, and taking decisive action are key to a fulfilling journey. By developing these qualities early on, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the ups and downs and achieve your aspirations.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

When I feel overwhelmed, my go-to strategy is to carve out dedicated time for solitude, which I believe is essential for maintaining balance. As someone who naturally thrives on a busy schedule, I’ve learned that it’s crucial to step back and give myself space to recharge.

During these moments, I engage in following activities that help me reconnect with myself and gain perspective. I find that exercising, whether it’s a brisk walk in nature or a more intense workout, helps clear my mind and reduce stress. Playing music, whether it’s the piano, guitar, or writing new songs, also serves as a powerful outlet for my emotions and a way to ground myself. Additionally, making art allows me to express creativity and process in a different way.

By integrating these practices into my routine, I find that I can more effectively manage stress and return to my tasks with renewed focus and clarity. My advice for anyone feeling overwhelmed is to find activities that help you recenter and make them a regular part of your life. Whether it’s through physical activities, creative expression, or simply taking a moment for yourself, these strategies can provide valuable respite and help you regain a fresh perspective.

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