Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa’ Kelly.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I grew up in a musical and theatrical family in Dublin, Ireland. All my family sang. Our home was always a home filled with music. It felt natural that singing would always be in my life but I never quite believed I would be lucky enough for it to become my career. I spent my youth in community theater, until I met a director who saw potential and with his guidance, and a lot of voice lessons, I was lucky enough to finally make it my job. After being in many, many musicals and concerts in Ireland, I was asked to be the lead singer of the American touring production of ‘Riverdance – The Show’’ in 2000 and I packed my bags and headed out on the road. I spent 4 wonderful years with Riverdance, where I met my incredible husband Scott, who was a dancer in the show and also it was where I met David Downes, the musical director for Riverdance, at the time. In 2004 whilst on maternity leave from Riverdance, David approached me about being involved in a new ‘little’ project called ‘Celtic Woman’. He promised it would only be a one night concert that would be pitched to PBS. One night turned in to 7 life changing years. Celtic Woman was a phenomenon. We toured from 2005-2011 all over the U.S. and on to Japan, China, Europe, Australia, and South Africa, selling millions of albums and selling out venues everywhere we went. When the time came to leave, we knew we wanted to stay in the US so, I googled the best place to live in America, and Peachtree City, GA kept popping up. So we did it. Myself and my husband Scott, moved our 4 children to the golf cart haven of PTC in 2011, 40mins south of ATL. It was a move that was both exhilarating and terrifying. We knew no one. We spent a weekend looking at homes and decided to make a go of it. The only requirement for us at the time was good public schools and a short distance to the Airport. But this little city became so much more to us. It became our home. Our children thrived and felt welcomed and in 2012 we decided to open The Lisa Kelly Voice Academy. It has been the the most amazing job I have ever had. Getting to teach people singing and watch their confidence grow has been so rewarding in so many different ways. A few years later, my husband opened his own Irish Dance School in the same space as the Voice Academy. Both schools have just gone from strength to strength. It has been so wonderful bringing our culture and expertise to our community and has very much become a family business
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Oh there have been plenty of struggles along the way. Being a singer and being in the entertainment is a constant mental battle. We are so hard on ourselves as performers. I accepted a long time ago, that my career came about by being in the right place, at the right time. There’s so much luck involved as there are so many talented people out there, that are better than you too.. So self doubt would always creep in.
When Celtic Woman started, I was a mom of 2. Like all moms, you struggle trying to balance everything. The kids always came on the road with me, so that brought many challenges and struggles but I wouldn’t change it for the world. By the end of CW, I had 3 kids on the road. Those days were some of the hardest but also some of the most amazing times.
As for these days, owning your own business always presents its struggles but the good definitely outweighs the bad
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Today, I spend my days Vocal coaching. I’ve always wanted to be a teacher. And teaching voice was just a natural progression. I love my job. I love watching someone grow in confidence and find their voice and their love for the sound they make. I make a huge effort to know the people I work with. I think it’s so important to know what makes someone tick. What emotions can be drawn upon, when needed. Singing is just telling a story. Sharing a gift you have. I love watching my students tell their version of every song. We have been in business for 13 years and I have taught students from all over the world. I teach in person class and online classes. So many of my students have gone on to make singing their career too but others just do it as a pastime. Everyone’s path is different but I truly believe that if you can stand up and sing in front of people, you can pretty much do anything.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
Luck has played a huge role. A little bit of talent and a whole lot of luck! However, I do believe we make our own luck. You have to have an excellent work ethic, be reliable, be easy to work with, and be authentic in all you do.
Contact Info:
- Facebook: The Lisa Kelly Voice Academy
