Alicia Stark

Director of Business Development

I moved to Wales from the USA over a decade ago, so I could do my postgraduate degrees. Since then I’ve finished a PhD in Musicology – my focus was on virtual bands, so groups like Gorillaz and Studio Killers. I’ve been a teacher for 15 years, working in schools and also in local groups of all ages, mostly teaching music and drama. Teaching gave me a creative outlet while I was doing all that extra studying! I love getting people to sing, as I firmly believe that anyone can sing and once people get rid of their hang ups about it, singing is a joyous experience.

 I was born in Canada, and grew up in the southern part of the USA, so I say “y’all” a lot. My “inner” voice sounds straight from the Valleys since I lived in Wales for so long, but if you ask me to do a Welsh accent, I’ll be completely embarrassed myself. I’m a proud Welsh learner, and try to improve my skills all the time!

What advice do you have for people to bring creativity into everyday life?

Creativity is not a contest! You may think that someone is ‘better’ than you at being creative. But creativity itself should be celebrated, regardless of the final product. You deserve praise if you think outside the box, take risks, or try something new!

 What’s your best self-care tip?

When it comes to self-care, talk to yourself the way you would talk to your best friend! If your best friend was exhausted and burnt out, you would tell them they deserve to take a break, get some sleep, switch off. So let yourself do the same things!