Margaret Dahlberg is dedicated to creating works to inspire joy and connection in people of all ages. She has composed multiple albums and singles. She is a dedicated music educator for people of all ages and pursuits. A native of Calgary, Canada, Margaret excelled as a pianist and attended the Cleveland Institute of Music where she received a bachelor’s degree in piano performance. She became a member of the esteemed Mount Royal Conservatory Faculty and performed and coached from the piano until a car accident permanently injured her wrist (1998), moving her into creative musical pursuits. Margaret releases instrumental music that promotes a sense of well-being.
By Kamil Bobin
Discovered via Musosoup
Kamil) Hey Margaret Dahlberg, super nice to have the chance to chat with you. What first got you into music?
I'm the youngest of 4 and the daughter of a piano teacher mother and a music lover father. I was immersed in amazing music as a child - anything from classical piano/guitar to eccentric jazz to the Beatles to musical theatre and more! My parents took me to the opera 3 times per year and a broadway show in NYC every summer. Needless to say, I was plunking on the piano by the age of 2 and begging for piano lessons by the age of 5!
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of music?
I am an avid hiker and cross country skier. I live a 45 minute drive from the Canadian Rocky Mountains. I am out there every single weekend in every season!
Your latest song is 'Tender Purity'. Can you tell us more about the making of it and if there were any unusual things happening during the process?
I composed Tender Purity with a dear friend in mind. She is a singer/pianist. I was reflecting upon her own personal struggles and challenges. The melody hit me with intensity while hiking and I was so inspired, I had to sing the melody into my phone and rush home to compose it. When I presented it to her, she sent me a tearful voice message telling me that when she listened to my song, she felt seen and heard in a deeply powerful way. Plus, the key I intuitively felt (E flat major) was her favourite key to sing in. This was a 'wow moment' for me.
Can you reveal the recipe for a musical hit?
I have no idea what the recipe is for a musical hit because I simply compose intuitively, with no aspirations for a 'hit'. I just want to 'hit' the nail on the head for the person or situation I am reflecting on while I compose. :D
What are you doing to ensure you continue to grow and develop as an artist?
My music is deeply connected to my own personal introspective journey on seeking acceptance and love for all that is. I think this is what fuels my evolution as a composer. Musically, I have had intense exposure my entire life. Beyond my childhood experiences, I was a highly trained classical pianist and chamber musician. Yet I have always loved rock, pop and many other types of music. This creates an ecclectic exposure and a variety of styles I use when composing.
What inspires you as an artist? Could it be the sea, the weather or something else?
I would say that people's journeys inspire me as an artist. I am someone who has deep conversations with many people and feel much curiosity when I speak to them. Therefore, people share a lot of their personal lives with me.
I also respond deeply to being in nature. I live close to a natural area with water that I walk by daily. Plus, the mountains that are nearby speak volumes to me.
What is one message you would give to your fans?
My message to my fans is be kind to yourself.
Do you have a mentor or coach?
I have many mentors and coaches. There are a number of people in my life that guide me as we share ideas. In fact, I would say that one could see a mentor or coach in anybody they interact with. Some of my 4 year old students teach me new ideas. I am all about love and compassion and evocative conversations.
Do you think it's easy to become established in the music world, or is it difficult?
I do not think it is easy to become established in the music world at all. At some point along the way I decided I would stop focusing on becoming established and remain focused on what my own authentic message would be. I believe that if my music is meant to be heard by the right people, it will be. If my music can make even one other person's day better, then I am happy.
What accomplishments do you see yourself achieving in the next five to 10 years?
I have begun re-recording my favourite songs using instrumentalists. I compose through my keyboard, layering different instruments and sounds through my fingertips. Over the coming years, I plan to have more opportunities to record my music using authentic instruments.