We had the good fortune of connecting with Ala Gialla and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ala, we’d love to start by asking you about lessons learned. Is there a lesson you can share with us?
If there’s one thing that my career has taught me, it is to believe in myself, my philosophy, to do things the way I want them to be. Don’t blindly follow the crowd, do whatever the most popular thing there is to do, it has never worked for me. You have to do it the way you want it, and you will be successful and enjoy what you do.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a pianist, composer, teacher, and an author. I also run a small business I do consultations and lessons. I am a trained classical pianist, so I have lots of years playing classical music and training in schools. I have a master degree in piano performance from Indiana University. And I have traveled around the world to perform and teach. Now I am slowly transitioning to composing and performing my own music, which if I have to label, would be Classical Crossover, or New Age.

I don’t think anybody can say it is easy paving your own path in the world where conformity is expected. People will shun you along the way, either not understanding what you’re doing, or jealous of what you’re building for yourself. It is very important to know your self-worth and love yourself. Believing in yourself, and knowing one day you will succeed. Also, understanding that sometimes there are deviations, setbacks and failures, that there are unexpected steps that you have to go through. But that’s OK, it is how you learn, you become stronger, and you get up and continue the journey.

One more thing added to the challenges is that I am an immigrant (I am a citizen now), sometimes I’m not sure if people will accept me as me. So far so good. I focus on my music, my work, my messages. I also feel like Coloradans are very open to those from different cultures and beliefs. For that, I am grateful.

I want to use my music to deliver positive messages, to tell a story, and as a channel for people to be in touch with their own emotions, and simply enjoy some beautiful music.

Concert link:
https://ala-gialla.com/keys-to-inclusivity-piano-music-for-all/
Evenbrite link:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/keys-to-inclusivity-piano-music-for-all-tickets-680413955457

“Keys to Inclusivity: Piano Music for All” is a series of piano concerts
to bring diverse and accessible piano music to the public. Funded by the
Boulder Arts Commission, the project aims to dismantle the notion that
piano music is something that can only be experienced in a formal,
rule-heavy setting exclusively by those who are musically knowledgeable.
Instead, we will create a casual and approachable public art experience
through what we wear, our venue, performance length, and our engagement
with the audience.

In this concert series, we have four international pianists (Hong Kong,
Taiwan, Ukraine and Brazil) performing in the five programs. It makes
our concerts even more special by having diversity in both our programs
and performers.

All the concerts are free to public and are held at the Canyon Theater
in the Boulder Public Library (1001 Arapahoe Ave, Boulder).

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Well, Colorado is a beautiful state. They are so much to see and so much to do. But if it’s going to be a week, I’ll definitely show them my town Longmont. We will have to go work out at my home gym Gold’s Gym. I’ll take them to some great restaurants and bars in downtown Longmont and Boulder. And then I probably will take them to Estes Park, go to the Rocky Mountain National Park, and do a hike. We might also go to Denver for a night and have some nice dinner and drinks. The Peaks Lounge at the Hyatt Regency definitely has a special place in my heart. If there’s more time, maybe we will go to Colorado Springs and see the Garden of Gods. We would definitely catch some concerts, especially if in the summer, because there’re so many talented local musicians around here.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
This is an interesting question. I definitely put in a lot of effort in my own career and success. But I do recognize that a few people have contributed to my life immensely. First of all, I would say my grandma [my dad’s mom]. She’s one of the most recent women I’ve ever known. I have dedicated my book “Piano Freedom”, and my upcoming storybook “Sammie’s Secret Adventure“ to her. And obviously, my parents, who supported me on this music journey, which has taken me to so many places around the world for experience of a lifetime. I also have a few teachers who have changed my life completely. I wish I still had contact with my first real piano teacher, who showed me the beauty of music and basically open up the music world for me. There are two books that are piano bibles to me. One is called ‘’On Piano Playing” by Gyorgy Sandor, and the other, With Your Own Two Hands” by Seymour Bernstein.

I also feel pretty much indebted to Zen Buddhism (which practically saved my life), and a brilliant philosopher called Krishnamurti. His “Total Freedom” is a book I go back often to re-read some of the concepts. It’s a timeless read for me.

Website: www.ala-gialla.com

Instagram: Www.instagram.com/ala_gialla

Facebook: Www.facebook.com/ala.gialla.1

Youtube: Www.youTube.com/@alagialla

Image Credits
Lindsey Gerstner Photography

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