We recently connected with Laura Warren Barge and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Laura, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
My purpose and inner strength comes from creating. With my experience in the performance industry, I feel as though I have taken so many lessons out of meeting those with a multitude of backgrounds and perspectives. I am a mother of two amazing children, I perform regularly, I teach through my own studio and I produce numerous music shows yearly. I rarely take a day off because I love what I do and there is not enough time to do it in! When I share my passions with others, I feel as though they get a glimpse into my life. After many years of living, I still learn and grow in both my successes and failures. I thrive on birthing a concept and bringing it to life either through writing, recording or performing.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I have been a professional musician for over 30 years. After getting my BA from Berklee College of Music in the late 1980’s, I toured with various bands around the country like ‘Black and Blue’, ‘Cruzin’, ‘Legacy’, ‘After Hours’ and ‘X-Factor’. I now reside in KC, MO where I perform for different venues. I produce musical events, teach out of my private studio, and I am currently the Administrator for Corbin Theatre Company which is a non-profit organization that brings quality entertainment to North Kansas City, Missouri. I am humbled to have been nominated for Best KC Jazz Vocalist of the year for 2021 and 2022 through KC Jazz Ambassadors (JAM Magazine).
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?
The three most important qualities to success in my life are sincerity, the art of following through, and the love to see everyone succeed around you. I believe life is too short to not be sincere. Being truthful to yourself and others is a quality that helps me deal with everyday life. I embrace my mistakes just as much as I enjoy my successes.
I try my best to follow through on whatever project I start. I sometimes don’t like the process but I usually enjoy the end results. I think it is important for my mental health to achieve a result, even if it’s not what I initially envisioned.
I truly want everyone to feel successful in their own skin. I love seeing not only my children succeed but other students and peers that I work with as well. I think that is why I teach.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
Sometimes I feel like I am always overwhelmed. I think my best advice would be to breathe. Take it one step at a time and be forgiving. It’s easier to forgive others but please bless yourself with that gift too.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.laurabarge.com
Image Credits
Featured photo: Brian Paulette Extra photo of me with piano: Kathy Chelton Book cover: Lou Szoke
