Meet Cara Wildman: Musician & Educator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cara Wildman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cara, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Wow, what a great question, and something that has taken me some time to figure out. The whole idea of work/life balance is actually one of the reasons I decided to pursue a career as a freelance musician rather than continue in my previous job as a band director in a large school district. While I LOVED my band kids, band parents, and coworkers at my school(s), and still love teaching, I did NOT love the the integrity of some of my administration or the 80+ hour work weeks. I knew I wasn’t happy but struggled to break out of the American workaholic lifestyle because I felt that was what was expected of me to be considered “successful.” Combine that with the fact that I lived in Ireland for almost two years and had really learned to appreciate the slower pace of life and you can understand why I’d be ready for a change! A lot of people thought I was crazy for giving up my public school gig. Why would I forfeit the regular salary, summers “off” and health insurance for a lifestyle that was so unpredictable? For me the change has been amazing, but only came after carefully thinking carefully about what success means to me, and redefining that for myself. I have a studio of private lesson students from all over the world, and have been teaching virtually since before the pandemic started. I have several standing local gigs and have been fortunate to travel across the USA and the globe to teach and perform. My work/life balance is so much better than it was, and the effects of that decision have shown up in my mental and physical health and relationships with those closest to me. I know this lifestyle isn’t for everyone, but for me it’s been an amazing change, and the so-called problems so many were worried about when I made the change really haven’t been big problems at all–they’ve just required creative solutions. 

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art and career have taken some unexpected turns throughout my life! I completed both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music education at TCU, and later went on to complete a second master’s degree at the University of Limerick in Ireland in Irish Traditional Music Performance. The usual trajectory for a percussionist who studies music education would be to get a job teaching percussion at one of the many great band programs in our state, or to pursue higher education with a goal of being a college professor. I tried that for a while, but decided I preferred being my own boss. Currently I have a private lesson studio of about 30 students from all over the world. I play regular gigs locally (both Irish and classical music), am involved in several recording projects, and perform/teach across the USA and abroad. Things I’m really proud of: having my own line of Metloef bodhráns, placing 3rd in senior bodhrán at the All-Irelands last summer (and being the 1st American ever to place in that category), getting to travel and meet friends all over as part of my work. Lessons I’ve learned: living abroad made me redefine so many of ideas about what music/education/life could be, and coming back (with some encouragement from my sister Katie) let me redefine my life in the way I wanted, and not in the way that was expected or that was typical “American.” I’d encourage everyone reading to learn to write your own story that works for you, even if it not’s the normal way things are done. Don’t be afraid to take chances–some amazing things can happen when you do!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Dallas area: We’d start out with a nice brunch at Mexican Sugar off the Toll Road in Plano. Their mimosa boards can’t be beat! After that we’d go for a hike around White Rock Lake, and then head to the Celt in McKinney or Trinity Hall in Dallas for a tasty pint of Guinness and some Irish music! If it’s summer time we could go to Salsa on the Bridge! Fort Worth area: Definitely brunch at Brewed (get their chicken & waffles), or maybe some breakfast tacos at Salsa Limon. I love the art museums, the zoo, the Botanical Research Institute, and the Stockyards! Dinner at Joe T Garcia’s, and maybe head out to Billy Bob’s for some two steppin’!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My parents–for always supporting my musical endeavors, for teaching me to be unafraid of failure, and for instilling in us kids a love of music and dance that was such a huge part of my upbringing. My professors at TCU–for pushing me to work harder than I ever have in my life, for helping me become a critical thinker, for not accepting the status quo, and for being such an amazing Horned Frog family that I still feel connected to today. My friends and professors at the University of Limerick–for opening my eyes to new ways of learning, playing, teaching and living. My time in Ireland changed the course of my life in a profound way and I can’t thank you enough for your friendship and music.

Website: www.carawildman.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cara_wildman_music/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carawildmanmusic
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5_dySXc01Ihdsk_FVsIPSg?view_as=subscriber

Image Credits
Rebecca Egger–Cast Iron Photography Margaret Emily Graham