Lisa Damiani, CEO for Star Rock for Kids!

Lisa Damiani, is one of NYC’s leading vocal coaches, CEO of the recently launched Star Rock for Kids!, and Star Search winner of 1989 for Best Teen Vocalist.

Lisa is now coaching kids and adults of all ages and had this to say to MomToBeDepot about stardom at a young age and her motivation and passion behind Star Rock for Kids!

1.How old were you when you appeared on Star Search and how long was your run to become Champion?

16 yrs. My first appearance on Star Search was taped in August of 1988 and it ran through Spring of 1989. 

2. How did your life change after winning?

I was instantly in the limelight and was interviewed by many news stations and many newspapers and magazines. People recognized me when I went out and I felt a great sense of accomplishment. 

3. What are some of the biggest lessons you learned that you would like to share with young kids pursuing careers in the music industry?

I would like to share with the kids and parents the importance of staying “grounded” while you are on the road to success. And keeping family and friends close. You don’t know who you can trust, so be wary of those who promise things to you. And NEVER forget “who” you are and ALWAYS stay true to your morals and values. 

4. What was your "A-ha" moment when you decided to create Star Rock for Kids?

My “a-ha” moment was while I was teaching voice lessons one day. I realized that all my students loved singing songs from other decades that I taught them and they wouldn’t have heard and learned these songs if it weren’t for me and how much they wanted to sing and perform but there were no outlets or places for them to shine their talent. It was then that I knew I had to create Star Rock For Kids!

5. Tell us more about the program, including when it was founded.

Star Rock For Kids was founded in 2007. It took some time for me to develop this and be able to launch it because it had to be exactly the way I envisioned it in my mind. Star Rock For Kids is the first ever CD and platform that features kids between the ages of 6-17 singing songs from all the decades. Star Rock For Kids is excited to have also created a platform for kids everywhere to win a chance to be a Star Rock Kid and be featured on my next CD. All these kids in this age group have nowhere to go with all of their talent. By the time they may be able to pursue their dreams …that dream may be crushed because they was no outlet for that child to pursue. That is one of the reasons I created Star Rock For Kids! I at least had Star Search. Kids today don’t have anything. But now…they have Star Rock For Kids and I know I am going to make many kids dreams come true everywhere. And nothing makes me happier! 

6. What goals do you have for the program over the next 5 years and decade?

I have many plans for Star Rock For Kids… but while I am growing my business my priorities will not change and the most important one is keeping it safe for kids and parents. One of my goals is always to have Star Rock For Kids inspire kids everywhere to reach for their dream…keep working hard at that dream…and knowing that Star Rock For Kids could be their first step at making their dreams come true. I want to cater to these kids, that were just like me and all they want to do is sing. 

7. How is the program funded?

Star Rock For Kids is funded completely by me! I teach private voice lessons for the past 11 years…7 days a week! I saved my money because I know it takes a lot of financing to create and launch a program like Star Rock For Kids. I had a dream and I worked very hard to achieve this. 

8. What type of support are you looking for?

I would love for kids and parents everywhere to love listening, singing and dancing along to my Star Rock For Kids CD and see that finally there is something out there for kids and parents to really embrace. Something that is a lot of fun even if you don’t have dreams of becoming a singer! Its great music for the whole family! It’s safe and “kid-friendly” and it is created by someone that was a “kid star”, grew up in the business and how I have dedicated my life to nurture and inspire kids everywhere. How can people help out? People can help out by spreading the word, writing, blogging, tweeting, face-booking…. 

9. What's next for you in your career?

I want to make Star Rock For Kids the next biggest thing for kids everywhere! That is my promise--- to make kids everywhere feel that finally someone is paying attention to them and giving them a CD with great music sung by kids just like them and an opportunity to sing on their first stage for everyone to hear! 

10. Final thoughts for those pursuing life in reality TV in general?

Be prepared for “instant” fame.. the good and bad side. And no matter what anyone says—always be true to yourself.  

Thank you Lisa!  We appreciate all that you do!!

Learn more about the program and how you can get involved at http://www.starrockforkids.com/.