Meet Linda L Weise | Founder, Colorado Springs Conservatory- President, Colorado Springs Community Cultural Collective- Creator, PBS Children’s Program, Simple Gift Series

We had the good fortune of connecting with Linda L Weise and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Linda L, what role has risk played in your life or career?
There has never been one step of my life’s journey that has been without risk. As a classically trained musician from several of the world’ finest institutions, it is noted all along the way that a path in the arts is a ‘risky’ one. So I really don’t recognize ‘risk’ as my peers in the business world do. I am very fortunate to have created a path, though abundant in said ‘risk’, more abundant in ‘mission’ and inspiration. I do believe there is more risk involved if I am not serving my life’s work- risk that I may not have been able to provide or create an opportunity for a child to have access to his/her own creative essence. That is a risk, I am not ready to succumb to.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a classically trained pianist and opera singer by study. I did not though grow up in a household that you might think would fully embrace such art forms. I was pushed VERY hard by my parents to be the best I could be and landed at some of the world’s finest institutions; Oberlin Conservatory and Juilliard along with summers at Chautauqua Institution in upstate NY and at the Aspen Music Festival. These are all highly competitive arenas and I simply loved each one in it’s own way. My grandmother always wanted to hear Cole Porter, not Beethoven and frankly, I was always more interested in creating my own music and playing with my band. I think that this has all played out in the creation and culture of the Colorado Springs Conservatory. My love of business has also been a critical part of the success of the Conservatory and my ability to sustain it’s Mission, create a solid culture and team and embrace my community and region and be embraced in return. I was taught early on that it is not a world of ‘have art and they will come’. My upbringing kept me very humble and grounded. Along with my studies I don’t every recall not having several jobs. I am very proud of where I am now and that I have never given up on the work that I have been called to do. I wake up every day excited to be able to give and serve through the arts and every day I am more and more committed. How did I get where I am professionally? Hard, non-stop work and people. It all comes down to people. I love my family, my friends, my community. They have afforded me a platform to achieve this mission work of access to arts for children.
Was it easy? I don’t know- I am still doing it. I don’t think it’s hard, more invigorating and fulfilling. I overcome ‘challenges’ by reminding myself that they are tests. The harder the test, the greater the reward. I mean that sincerely.
I have learned alot along the way. Here’s a few solid lessons:
It all comes down to the will to get it done- whatever the task at hand is.
It all comes down to people. Bless and release those that are negative energy; sooner than later.
We all take our last breath at some time and I do NOT want my last word to have been – “gosh, I’m sorry I didn’t try harder”
We have a choice with every word, action, intent- positive or negative – I choose positive.
What do I want the world to know about my brand? Hmmmmm- that I care more and more deeply about children and their discovering their creative essence more and more.
I have learne

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
That is an interesting question. When my friends come to visit, I want to focus on them and share as much of my world as possible. For me, my personal space is about hiking and being outside as much as possible I hike every morning in Palmer Park in the center of Colorado Springs and I swim each day as well. So I would invite my friend on a hike- even find new trails to explore.
I love to cook at home and share time, conversation.
Honestly, Colorado has so much to offer.. Some of the best trips are the unplanned journeys into the mountains, finding a neat gallery and a nice place to grab a bite. Colorado is FULL of those opportunities.

In my city, I would take them out and about on our First Friday Art Walk, to the US Olympic and Paralympic Museum, maybe catch a soccer game at our new Weidner Stadium even a spa day at the Broadmoor. I live in a glorious city with so much to offer.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My journey has been full of love, guided wisdom and encouragement. I would start with my parents. They pushed me so hard once they had recognized my slant and love of music. There could never be enough practice and because of that I have a tremendous work ethic and drive. My teachers- every one of them- both the good and bad. They have been an incredible influence on how I teach. My family and friends have been instrumental to the success of the Colorado Springs Conservatory. It has been my life’s work and all have afforded me the truly live this mission to it’s fullest. I have never felt that I was not being supported – frankly, if someone did come along that wasn’t encouraging, I would simply bless and release that energy. Life is too short. I do think that the greatest influencers in my life are each and every child that I have encountered along this journey. Starting with my own two daughter, each one reminds me that I have so much to learn. Society has changed so much around them and they have informed me so much along the way. From the tiniest of souls to the most misunderstood teen, they are the best teachers and I am grateful for each one.

Other: I am working on creating a larger social and website presence. Right now, you can see my work at Vortici.com ( my LLC) and the Colorado Springs Conservatory website csconservatory.org

Image Credits
Credit Colorado Springs Conservatory Simple Gift Series