An Inspired Chat with Sabrina Patel of Burlington

Sabrina Patel shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Sabrina, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
Integrity is of upmost importance to me. Staying true to who I am; what I believe in; the causes I support are all a part of my identity. I’m, of course, very passionate about music and sharing music with others which is why I am a Junior Ambassador for Kids Music Day with the non-profit Keep Music Alive. Keep Music Alive is all about bringing music in to everyone; especially children. They have several musical instrument petting zoos throughout the year where kids (and adults!) can try out a variety of musical instruments along with several fundraising events with all types of musical performers. I will be performing at their upcoming Sip, Savor & Song on November 16th outside of Philadelphia, PA. I also perform the National Anthem at various events across the country and I am very patriotic! I love when the crowd sings along with me while I’m playing and that I can share that moment along with them.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a 13 year old violinist, tap dancer, and songwriter from Burlington, NC. I’ve been training in violin and dance for the last 10 years. I am a member of the Tap into the Network and Rhythmic Souls Tap Youth Companies. My goal is to perform the National Anthem on violin in all 50 states and I have already completed 37 states! Next year, I have confirmed performances in Massachusetts, Montana, Iowa, and Hawaii. Usually I perform at various sporting events, including MLB, NBA, and NCAA; but for Hawaii; I will be performing at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. It is such an important historical venue in our Nation’s history; and I am excited for the opportunity to honor our veterans and our country. I also have created a style of dance that I have coined; “Tapolin”. This is violin and tap dance being performed at the same time. I have done a number of pieces already to include: Over the Rainbow, Star Wars Theme, Carol of the Bells, and more. My newest piece will be to Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. Finally, I am also a songwriter and have been travelling to LA to record my new songs. The first song, Going Crazy, will be released on November 6th. I love the show, Stranger Things, and this song is about one of my favorite “ships” on that show. My next song is called, Or What?, and will be released on January 27th. This song is about an experience I had a few years ago with someone I thought was my friend but ended up being a bully. Look for them everywhere you stream music; Spotify, Apple Music, Youtube, etc

Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
Definitely my parents! They work so hard to sacrifice everything for me to have all these opportunities. No matter how far the drive is, if we have to drive somewhere overnight, sleep in the car in rest area parking lots to make it to my next event in time, no matter the cost; my parents make it happen for me. My dad works so hard at his job and my mom practices with me everyday and organizes all of our travel and events. I couldn’t do any of this without them!

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self that all the practicing and dedication has been worth it! I have come so far in the last 5 years; I look back at where I was then and where I am now and it is like night and day. I never would have imagined that I would be recording and releasing my own songs; performing in venues with tens of thousands of fans, tap dancing with some of the greatest tap dancers alive right now at historical venues like the Mint in LA, and meeting so many different people. I think the one thing that keeps me going is that after I perform; so many people come up to me and share how my performance touched them in some way. I absolutely love interacting with these fans and hearing their stories.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I am definitely committed to seeing through my goal of performing the National Anthem in all 50 states. I have completed 37 states right now and have had some challenges lining up some of the last states. But I know it will happen! If anyone knows anyone in Vermont or Rhode Island that can help me arrange a National Anthem performance there; please reach out to me! I love traveling to each state and seeing the different vibes of each locale. I’ve met people from all over the US that now follow me and many times we will return to the same venue year after year so it has been great to see those people again and again.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I sincerely believe this is what I was born to do. I begged my parents for violin lessons just before I turned 4. I used to watch a TV show called Little Einsteins and there was a character on the show who played violin. I fell in love with it and with music and I’ve been playing instruments ever since. I’ve really enjoyed branching out in the last year with songwriting and song recording. Neither of my parents are very musical at all and so this is all me! They have been learning a lot of me and have helped me in any way they can, There have definitely been hurdles on this journey and have been told no so many times but whenever its a yes; I am always so thankful for the opportunity to show the world what I was born to do.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @Sabrina_Patel_1
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/sabrinapatelviolinist
• Youtube: @SabrinaPatel

Image Credits
Marissa Shiock