Hearing Meher Pavri sing reminds me of the acclaimed Italian opera singer Cecilia Bartoli. Like Cecilia, Meher sings with beautiful, lyrical vocals that capture the attention of everyone in the room. Her kind and compassionate demeanor, coupled with her soaring talent lead her to teach the youngest among us all about music – toddlers. Meher teaches a toddler music class, where her talent encourages learning, exploration, and creativity in her students.
I am excited to introduce you to this Woman Who Rocks, as she shares with us her insights, explains how she uses creativity in her work, and how teaching children has impacted her life.
Name: Meher Pavri
Occupation: Opera singer/Actress/Toddler Music Teacher
Place of Work: Anywhere and everywhere
Age: Age ain’t nothin’ but a number
What is art?
Everything! The way you love, the way you live your life, the way you dress, everything. I also believe everyone is an artist!
Who are your favourite artists? And why?
I have too many to name, but I’m often most inspired by the artists around me. My friends who are visual artists, architects, opera singers, songwriters, actors, etc. I get to work with brilliant people all the time and are constantly inspired by their artistry.
Finish this sentence “Creativity is…” doing something unusual with the ordinary.
When did you first discover creativity?
As a child. I would love to make up plays and musicals for my two older sisters and entertain them with whatever came to mind.
Where do you use creativity in your job?
I sing opera and poems that are not written by me so a lot of my creativity has to do with interpreting text. I also love coming up with creative ways to practice and use my voice. I get to be creative in choosing outfits for shows, as well.
How do you think we should be teaching children about creativity?
I think by just letting them be children. Their instincts know best! The kids I teach come up with better ideas than any adults in the room and to encourage and run with their ideas really helps them feel confident. I love instilling confidence in them and making sure to let them know that there are no bad ideas or certain ways of doing things. I think that stifles creativity very quickly and I would hate to do that to anyone.
What are a few books that have greatly influenced your professional life?
The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron and The Talent Code by Daniel Coyle.
How has a failure or apparent failure, set you up for later success?
Everything that I thought was a failure has actually led me to something bigger and better. I also don’t really believe in anything as a failure, I think everything is something you can learn from and grow. Everytime I’m forced to pivot, it always ends up for the better. I really believe the Universe or a higher power is working in your favour, always.
Do you have a “favourite failure” of yours?
I have many! One was that I didn’t get into the University of Toronto for Music and I was devastated for so long about it, but going to the University of Western Ontario proved to be so amazing for me and I wouldn’t have met the people along the way if I went to a different school. I’m so happy I went to Western and where that took me.
In the last five years, what new belief, behaviour, or habit has most improved your life?
Having daily practices! Moving my body everyday, drinking lots of water and sleeping and waking up at a regular time has improved my well being immensely. My schedule has been so different, but during the pandemic I actually had the time to shift certain habits which has been such a blessing!
Are there any quotes you often live your life by?
I love this one… “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
What podcasts are you currently listening to?
I love Don’t Keep Your Day Job by Cathy Heller!
What is a quality you are currently working on to be better at?
I’m trying to get better with handling stress and realizing you don’t have to get back to emails right away! Some things can wait and your health comes first!
Who is the last person you spoke to about your fears?
Happened a couple hours ago with my friend who I was helping with an audition!
How would you like to be remembered?
As someone who lived life to the fullest, loved to have fun, and made people feel.
What do you find an admirable quality in other woman?
Women being supportive of women, lifting each other up – especially in their respective fields. It’s so important to have a sisterhood of strong, female leaders and mentors.
Name 3 songs on your play list.
1. Mi Gente – Hector Lavoe
2. Still D.R.E. – Dr Dre/Snoop Dogg
3. Fast Wine – Machel Montano
How do you drink your coffee/tea?
Right now I’m currently obsessed with Matcha Latte’s made with Oat Milk or coffee with almond milk.
What is on your night stand?
A giant humidifier, lots of books, and a pencil and notebook.
If you were an animal, what kind of animal would you be and why
I would love to be a bird and fly everywhere… or Winnie the Pooh.
Famous person dead or alive in history you’d like to have dinner with?
I would love to have dinner with Pavarotti and eat Italian food and sing with him!
How would you solve problems if you were from Mars?
I would need to watch Total Recall and get back to you!
Finish this sentence “Women are…” divine.
We were extremely grateful for the opportunity to have interviewed Meher Pavri. I hope you were inspired by this Woman Who Rock!
Until then,
Alessandra