Meet Michelle Barsana

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Barsana.

Michelle, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Growing up with musically inclined parents, music was destined to become my best friend. I can trace my story to fifth grade to a humble music teacher. When it was time to select an instrument 5th-grade band, I went to the music room looking for a violin but all were taken. Defeated, I started walking away when this music teacher stopped me.

He suggested to take home a trumpet for the weekend to try it out. That was the beginning. Over the years, I wanted to try many instruments and my parents never once withheld the opportunity from me. Trumpet led to drums, drums led to guitar, guitar led to piano, piano led to singing, leading to songwriting and to many other instruments I just had to get my hands on. While trumpet was my first, drums are my first love.

I was recently able to thank that very music teacher for stopping me and encouraging me to try again. I really don’t know where I would be, musically, without his care and interest. Partly because of his efforts, I teach music to other kids, and adults, that are interested in the style I teach.

Has it been a smooth road?
I don’t think any road that is linked to your passion is smooth, but it is certainly worth it. When you grow up in a church where everyone sees your growth on a weekly basis, everyone has a critique. From my brothers, to friends, to leaders, other singers, everyone has something to say. I was never in lack of “suggestions”. I look back and think many of these people were really wanting to be helpful, and I am very grateful for the opportunity to grow, but at the time, it just felt like a lot of negativity. Some comments were not subtle, they were jabs at my abilities, saying I really shouldn’t make music a career choice, that I should stop singing. These comments didn’t keep me from trying. The voices that really mattered to me kept me moving and improving.

It took me a long time to find who I was, musically. I had an opportunity to portray genres I really didn’t feel passionately about, though I appreciate those who champion them. I learned many lessons of how to speak up for myself and what felt like me, with honesty and respect. Ultimately, I only wanted to sing and write what stirred my own soul. What moved me, personally. I wanted to keep my integrity. You face rejection and you face acceptance.

Just like any creative process, when it is your passion, you never stop. You never give up. It isn’t that you don’t want to, it is that you can’t.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Michelle Barsana story. Tell us more about the business.
At this time, I am mostly known for worship music. I am the worship director at Awakening International in Vista, CA. Like Eric Liddell, Olympic athlete, I feel God’s pleasure when I sing, when I play music. I feel most alive when I sing about Him. I feel this is what I have been designed to do and I love everything that I am doing right now. Under Pastors Craig and Karlet Muster, worship is the heartbeat of Awakening.

The worship segments of each service are not just something we sit through to get to the message, it is a deep and meaningful aspect of the whole. And, I get to be part of that! I am also a paranormal writer. At least that is what my publishers and friends, Brae and Jill Wyckoff, classified my first book The Hunted. It was published through San Diego based Kingdom Writers Association (KWA) in 2017.

What makes me most proud of what we do at Awakening is we stay true to who we are. I’ve never experienced compromise of integrity in the last 7 years my family and I have been there.

What sets us apart is simply the people, just as in any other organization you walk in to. The culture and heart of a community are developed by the people in it. I enjoy helping people discover and develop their passion, and Awakening is an incredible place to do that in.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I am currently mapping out an album idea that I have had for several years. I am also working on the sequel to The Hunted, hoping to finish by the end of this year. I want to see the people I have been helping to develop their talents and passions grow and achieve their dreams. I want to see the students I teach begin to teach others what they have learned.

A personal dream is to be able to help my kid’s school with their music program for the younger grades, more and more. There isn’t enough teachers or funding to provide music and art to the students. The creative arts (writing, music, art, theatre, A/V, etc) must be a vital part of all of San Diego children’s development, and we as parents and a community, those of us that are able, must step in.

Pricing:

• The Hunted – $11.99 (Amazon)
• Letters – $9.90

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.michellebarsana.com/
• Email: michellebarsanamusic@gmail.com

 
Image Credit:
Melissa Taylor, Tanya Rodriguez

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