by Allison Jarrell, Metro Music Makers Founder and CEO
This summer, a simple phrase spoken by a customer unexpectedly changed the way I see everything.
“Music is an ocean,” she said.
I smiled, maybe even laughed a little, and said, “That’s my new mantra.”
It was a lighthearted moment, but it stuck. And over the past few weeks, I’ve caught myself returning to those words again and again. Saying them out loud. Whispering them in my head. Writing them down.
Because the more I sit with it, the more I realize… it is my mantra.
Music is an ocean. It’s vast and deep. Always moving. Sometimes calm, sometimes wild. It can be playful or profound. Just like the sea, music can soothe, inspire, or stir something powerful within you. There’s always more to explore, more to discover, no matter how long you’ve been swimming in it.
Maybe that’s why I’ve always been drawn to both, music and the ocean. I feel most alive when I’m near the water, just like I do when I’m immersed in a melody, writing a song, or witnessing a student’s breakthrough.
This mantra has gently shaped my mindset this summer. It’s reminded me to lean into the unknown, to embrace the ebb and flow. It’s challenged me to keep exploring deeper layers of myself, of my leadership, of how Metro Music Makers shows up in the world.
It’s also helped guide our summer programs. We’ve encouraged students to dive into creativity, to make waves with original music, to stay curious and unafraid of deeper waters. Our teachers have leaned into their own growth and experimentation. It’s all connected.
So here’s to the rest of the summer and to whatever “ocean” you may be swimming in right now. Whether you’re floating on the surface or diving into the deep end, may you find rhythm, movement, and magic in the waves.
Because music is an ocean. And we are always learning to swim.