Today we’d like to introduce you to Lizza Connor.
Lizza, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
My passion for children’s health blossomed when I became a mother. I found myself constantly engaged in this conversation: How do we raise healthy kids in a world where obesity is skyrocketing, screen time is immobilizing our children and sedentary becoming is the norm? In response, I directed my creative energy into writing, recording, and releasing my first children’s album, Commander Salamander. The album is comprised of 13 original songs promoting healthy lifestyle and nutrition, physical activity and positive self-esteem. I was thrilled and affirmed in creating music for kids and families, when the CD won the prestigious Parent’s Choice Silver Award placing it among the best children’s music in the nation. Now I’m a mom of 3 school-aged children, and they serve as a constant source of inspiration. It’s been a joy to develop this “soundtrack to growth and development,” if you will, and I’ve got a front row seat! I’m currently back in the studio working on my next CD project, “Growing Power”. My children are honest sounding boards for all my new material. Kids respond immediately and unfiltered.
As soon as you play a new song for them, you know whether it works or if you need to go back and re-tool. I try to make sure I hit these marks: Does it make them move? Laugh? Sing along? Have a concrete message appropriate for their age group? Over the past few years, I’ve played for thousands of children. Texas arts organizations like Big Thought/Jr Players helps to bring my live, interactive program, “Hoopla! Healthy Songs, Happy Kids” to school assemblies, community events, shopping malls, libraries. With health-centric lyrics and original dance routines that were choreographed by my friend and fellow mom (and former Dallassite Diana Deaver), I lead audiences through fun sing-a-longs, live instrument play and movement activities. And over the last year I have developed video “brain breaks,” for parents & teachers to use in their homes and classrooms to get kids not only singing but moving and dancing towards healthier lives (all are available for free on my YouTube channel). Music is powerful.
I’m passionate about using my music to teach and inspire children, parents and communities through this language that appeals to all ages, races and learning styles. Backstory: Lizza spent the last decade as a singer-songwriter in Nashville. As an artist and songwriter in the country/roots music arena, she has performed at the Bluebird Café and with artists including Vince Gill and Andrew Osenga (Caedmon’s Call). She was recently chosen a songwriter on the rise in the Lonestar State by Jack Ingram, the Texas Heritage Songwriter’s Association and Texas Songwriter U. Her background includes serving as a magazine editor, record label publicist and professional songwriter. Lizza has been a contributing writer for American Songwriter Magazine, Performing Songwriter, CCM Magazine, Guideposts and Radio & Records among others. She is a graduate of Carson-Newman University, where she was awarded the Delta International Scholar Award and the Oxford Scholar award for study at Oxford University and Imperial College in England. She now resides in Dallas.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
Lizza’s latest CD, Commander Salamander, is geared toward young audiences, and she’s got a brand-new CD in the works due out later this year! Stats show that nearly 60% of children in the US will be obese by the time they turn 35. Chronic diseases associated with unhealthy lifestyles have reached epidemic proportions in the U.S. and the related costs threaten to bankrupt our country and way of life. Lizza uses her talent and creativity to improve the health of her family and community. She views her music as one creative solution to the childhood obesity epidemic. Music in general has a powerful way of reaching and teaching children. Children learn through rhyme, rhythm, repetition. Lizza’s music is message-driven, and teaches kids about healthy eating, physical activity, self-care and self-esteem, hygiene, safety, dangers of smoking and more without being heavy handed or preachy.
How can artists connect with other artists?
(Financial Challenges as an Artist, Choosing a creative or artistic path comes with many financial challenges. Any advice for those struggling to focus on their artwork due to financial concerns?)
I think creative people are driven to create and will do so no matter the financial payoff. My father always said “l’art pour l’art” which basically affirms that art has value AS art. I think you have to embrace that, to enjoy the creative labor, and the end product, simply for the beauty that you’re bringing into this world.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
Lizza is a teaching artist with Junior Players/Big Thought, so she’s often found playing elementary school assemblies in and around DFW. This summer she’ll be bringing her program Hoopla! Healthy Songs, Happy Kids to community libraries around North and Central Texas. If you’re interested in booking her program in your school, library or for your community event, you can email lizza@lizzaconnor.com or call 615.498.7390 for booking fee and availability. Also, you can hear and purchase her music at www.lizzaconnor.com and follow her on IG at @lizzaconnor and Facebook at Lizzaconnormusic Also check out Lizza’s fun activity breaks, available for free on her YouTube Channel to get your kids moving and singing! You can also find her music on Spotify, Pandora, I-Tunes or where ever you enjoy listening!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lizzaconnor.com
- Phone: 615.498.7390
- Email: lizza@lizzaconnor.com
- Instagram: @lizzaconnor
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LizzaConnorMusic/
- Twitter: @lizzaconnor
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/user/lizzaconnor
Image Credit:
Laurel Panzkratz Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
