The Intersection of Artistry, Education, and Resilience
- Ad Astra Research Institute
- 17 hours ago
- 4 min read
Featuring Dr. Luvada Harrison | Future Insight Podcast, Episode 20
Hosted by Dean Cantu
In Episode 20 of the Future Insight Podcast, host Dean Cantu sits down with Dr. Leva Harrison for an inspiring conversation about creativity, perseverance, education, and human connection. From her early career on the New York City stage to her impactful work in higher education, Dr. Harrison’s journey reflects the power of resilience and lifelong curiosity.
This episode highlights how artistry, scholarship, and mentorship intersect—and how each shapes the next generation of performers and thinkers.
From NYC Stage to Academia: A Professional Journey
Dr. Harrison spent nearly two decades as a working singer in New York City, building a career grounded in discipline, creativity, and persistence. Her transition into academia was shaped by a pivotal moment in history: the events of September 11th.
Like many artists, she found herself reflecting deeply on her future. This led her back to school, where she pursued a terminal degree to strengthen her place in higher education. Her goal was simple but powerful: to combine real-world experience with formal education in order to mentor and inspire others.
She credits her success to persistence and perseverance, emphasizing that today’s artists must also think like entrepreneurs. Building a strong support system, staying adaptable, and learning the “business” of performance are essential.
The Business of Auditioning
Dr. Harrison reminds performers that auditions are not personal judgments—they are business decisions.
Rejection does not mean failure.
Casting depends on specific needs.
Artists should set personal goals for each audition, such as technical execution.
Landing a role, she says, is “the frosting on the cake.” The real success lies in growth, consistency, and professionalism.
Interdisciplinary Research: Bringing History to Life
As an inaugural fellow of the Collaborative Arts Research Initiative (CARI), Dr. Harrison collaborated with historian Dr. Hilary Green on an important interdisciplinary project.
Their work focused on Benjamin Barnes, a formerly enslaved man who founded the first public schools for Black children in Alabama. Barnes also invited Booker T. Washington to speak in Tuscaloosa—an event that brought together citizens of both races for the first time in a public setting.
The Visit Documentary
Dr. Harrison contributed by researching and recreating the original music performed during Washington’s address. When COVID-19 disrupted live performances, the project evolved into a documentary film titled The Visit.
Filmed at the First African Baptist Church in Tuscaloosa with a vocal quartet, the documentary blended music, history, and storytelling. Its goal was to “breathe life” into archival research and make history accessible through artistic expression.
Teaching Philosophy: “Let Go of Why, Figure Out How”
In a 2021 article, Dr. Harrison explored a powerful shift in how students approach learning to sing.
Instead of asking “Why can’t I do this?”, she encourages students to ask:
“How does this work?”
From Judgment to Curiosity
“Why” questions often lead to self-doubt and mental blocks.
“How” questions focus on physical function—airflow, vowels, breath, and technique.
This shift encourages curiosity instead of criticism.
Prioritizing Mental Health
Dr. Harrison recognizes that singing is deeply personal and emotionally demanding. She sometimes begins lessons by asking:
“Are you singing today, or do you just want to talk?”
This approach acknowledges that learning requires emotional safety and a calm nervous system. When students are overwhelmed, progress becomes difficult. By creating space for reflection and grounding, she places human needs above rigid lesson plans.
Mentorship and Advice for Students
Throughout the episode, Dr. Harrison shares practical wisdom for aspiring artists navigating college and early careers.
The “Microwave” Analogy
Artistic growth, she says, is not microwavable.
There are no shortcuts. Progress happens through patience, repetition, and small, consistent steps.
Navigating College Life
She advises students to:
Avoid comparison—everyone arrives with different experiences.
Identify their own strengths and weaknesses.
Build a personalized path forward.
Developing Healthy Self-Reflection
Before criticizing themselves, students should first recognize what they did well. This balanced feedback loop supports confidence and motivation.
Social Media in the Digital Age
Dr. Harrison also warns about the professional impact of online presence:
Casting directors review social media.
Posts reflect character beyond the audition room.
Social media shows results, not struggle.
She reminds students that success in school productions does not guarantee a professional career. Instead, college should be a time to fill their “tool chest” with diverse skills and techniques.
Closing Reflections: Curiosity and Connection
Dr. Harrison concludes with a powerful reminder:
“All things are connected.”
Losing that sense of connection—to people, history, creativity, and self—means losing a part of who we are.
She believes that curiosity is the foundation of both teaching and artistry. Staying present, open, and eager to learn keeps her engaged and fulfilled. When that curiosity fades, she says, it will be time to step away.
Until then, she continues to inspire through resilience, empathy, and a lifelong commitment to growth.
Final Thoughts
Episode 20 of the Future Insight Podcast offers more than a professional biography—it presents a philosophy of life rooted in persistence, compassion, and curiosity.
Dr. Leva Harrison’s story reminds us that artistry is not just about performance. It is about learning, adapting, mentoring, and staying connected—to history, to students, and to ourselves.
If you’re an artist, educator, or lifelong learner, her journey is a powerful example of how passion and purpose can evolve together.
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