We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sameer Saleem a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Sameer, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
My work ethic is rooted in a passion for pursuing my interests, and the freedom that comes with managing my own time. I thrive on doing things that resonate with me, which fuels my motivation and dedication. This independence allows me to set my own goals and push myself to achieve them, Living the life that I want to live not only enhances my productivity, but also give me a since of freedom which makes eery day not feel like work.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Since I was eleven years old, I dreamed of a life immersed in music. Growing up in Houston, I would spend countless hours practicing guitar, captivated by the sounds and rhythms that i heard from my favorite bands.After many years of trying and getting seemingly nowhere in my home town, I made the decision to move to Austin, a city renowned for its music scene. Leaving my hometown was not just a scenery change; it was a bold step toward realizing my lifelong ambition of becoming a full-time musician and guitar instructor.
Moving to Austin opened up a world of possibilities, allowing me to connect with like-minded individuals who share my passion for music. The city’s atmosphere is electrifying, filled with aspiring artists and seasoned musicians alike. This sense of community has been instrumental in my growth, inspiring me to hone my craft and share my knowledge with others.
Teaching guitar has become one of the most fulfilling aspects of my life. As an instructor, I not only impart technical skills but also instill a love for music in my students. Watching them progress, overcome challenges, and express themselves creatively has been incredibly rewarding. Each lesson I always approach with the mindset of teaching them what I wish I would have known at a young age. Giving them wisdom that took me many failed attempts on stage to learn. The joy of witnessing my students’ growth mirrors my own journey and reinforces my commitment to this path.
Cultivating relationships within the Austin music community has enriched my experience beyond measure. Collaborating with fellow musicians, participating in local events, and sharing the stage with talented artists has created a sense of belonging that I once yearned for. These connections have not only helped me grow as a musician but have also turned this dream into a reality.
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?
1) Roll with the punches
2) Willingness to take risks/ embracing change
3) Listening to your gut
The cliche never give up. Grind it out until you figure out what works best for you, and give yourself grace when you “fail”
What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
In the past 12 months, my biggest area of growth has been learning to take things day by day. By focusing on tone step at a time and not getting overwhelmed by future challenges or past regrets, I’ve been able to manage stress better and find joy in small, everyday experiences. This shift in mindset has made a significant difference in my overall well-being and perspective.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sameersaleem.com/media
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/halal.and.oates_/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sameerdurranimusic/
Image Credits
Sameer Durrani
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