Victoria Banks visited Glencliff High School in South Nashville last week to give a seminar on songwriting and performance to over 70 students from age 14-18. She played a few of her songs in an acoustic setting, discussed the psychology of the creative process and answered questions for the students, who were very attentive and engaged throughout the hour-long event.

“A lot of these kids have been through more intense pain, loss and anger than many of us will ever experience,” explains Victoria. “Music, art and creativity can be a life-saving outlet for them when they have nowhere else to put their emotions. I really wanted to emphasize the importance of treating yourself with gentleness and respect and allowing yourself to create without boundaries or self-censorship.”

Guidance counselor Jennifer Marciano says that the students had a very enthusiastic response to Victoria’s visit. “The kids really want to have Victoria back again. She inspired them so much that several of them went home and wrote songs that evening, and brought them in the next morning to perform for their teachers.”

“I can’t wait to go back for another visit,” says Victoria, “and next time, I want to be the audience!”