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

Hi Gina, how does your business help the community or world?
“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.” ― Plato

These words hang prominently on our wall here at Stapleton Music Lab, as we believe wholeheartedly in this sentiment. We cannot imagine life without music, and we have made it our mission to inspire the artist within every one of our students. SML breathes life into our community through music, bringing students together with our passionate teachers and then sending them off to share all that they’ve learned within our walls. We teach all ages here, as we believe it is never too late to learn. Music touches our souls in a way that words cannot, and we like to think that with every note learned and shared, the soul of our community expands and swells. Berthold Auerbach said, “Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” We like to think we help our community shake off the dust and shine through music education.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve been singing since I could talk, and I know nothing makes me happier than being on stage. I lived in Los Angeles for over 20 years, and that is a notoriously tough town in which to make it as an artist. The sheer amount of competition is staggering. When I relocated to Denver, Colorado 4 years ago, I was thrilled to find an expansive, supportive and, — perhaps most importantly — inclusive — music scene. I found myself with plenty of creative outlets within an incredible musical community. As for a day job, I knew I wanted to start over and work in music in some capacity, so I was thrilled when I saw an opening for a Studio Manager position at a music school. I was even happier when I walked in the door on my first day and saw that some of our instructors were the very same working musicians whom I’d met after hours through our shared love of music. I love that at SML, we entrust our valuable students to working musicians from the area who are eager to pass along their knowledge and love for music.

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?
Denver is a spectacularly fun place to be. The perfect day for me would be breakfast at Rosenberg’s Deli at Stanley Marketplace, followed by a little bit of shopping at the marketplace (bonus points if it’s a Farmers Market day!). Then I’d head to the River North Art District (RiNo) to take a tour of all of the incredible murals. I’d grab lunch from any of the incredible purveyors at Denver Central Market, capping it with some ice cream from Little Man. For dinner, I’d head to my favorite restaurant, the well-aged Bull & Bush (they have incredible burgers, but I can’t stay away from their reuben). A quick disco nap and then I’d head out to one of my favorite spots for live music (of which there are many). Cervantes, the Bluebird, the Mission Ballroom, Local 46, the list goes on and on. My friends and I have a hashtag that we use when we post on social media about all of the fun stuff we get to do living here – #becausedenver. Because Denver, indeed!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I think I’d most like to express my gratitude to my parents, Lee and Diana. I couldn’t ask for a more supportive family. They’ve always been behind any of my creative pursuits. Thanks, mom & dad!

Website: http://www.stapletonmusiclab.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stapletonmusic

Image Credits
Gina Figliuolo

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