Meet Rebecca Hass | Creative Coach + Pianist/Composer

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

Hi Rebecca, other than deciding to work for yourself, what else do you think played a pivotal role in your story?
Deciding to believe in growth mindset and trusting in the process of that growth, both in terms of my music and other personal creative projects, and in my coaching business. Whether we’re just beginning something or it’s well underway, it’s always going to change and evolve, and it’s much easier to experiment and try new things with this attitude.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m a pianist and composer who plays many styles but I specialize in Brazilian music, which I’ve been obsessed with for almost 20 years. I released my first album of originals and piano arrangements in Brazilian styles, Florescer, in 2018, after doing 2 100 Day Projects of composing in 2017. I also launched Coaching for Creative Wellness in 2018 to help other musicians and artists pursue their creative dreams while also taking care of themselves. I learned about burnout the hard way, because I thought I had to work constantly in order to achieve “success” (which can mean so many different things), so I’m really passionate about helping others unhook from toxic productivity culture and be kinder to themselves. We don’t have to push ourselves into burnout and hopefully we also can work in a way that allows us to enjoy the process, and also enjoy our lives!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I live in Berkeley, CA, and the Bay Area is full of amazing things to eat, do, and see, many of which I’m still discovering, since I moved to the area shortly before the pandemic, but here are a few current favorites:

• The Hidden Café in Strawberry Creek Park is a lovely spot to grab a drink and treat to enjoy in the park – they even have picnic blankets you can borrow!

• Funky Elephant is a great Thai place near me in Northwest Berkeley (also check out the related spots Hawking Bird in the Temescal neighborhood of Oakland and Hawker Fare in the Mission of San Francisco)

• Cultured Pickle Shop in West Berkeley has all of the fermented stuff you could want, including unique flavors of kombucha and kraut

• The Rare Barrel in West Berkeley is a fun taproom to visit and has lots of sour beers and a nice patio

• The Chocolate Dragon in the Rockridge neighborhood of Oakland has my favorite hot chocolate ever (I get the Mexican hot cocoa with bittersweet chocolate and oat milk) and a great selection of chocolate bars and other desserts

• Bloom’s End is an amazing pastry pop up that you can catch on Saturdays, with so many unique and delicious flavors

• The Raven’s Wing Magical Co. in Oakland is a fun place to shop for gems and spiritual tools, and afterwards, you can continue on to walk around Lake Merritt

I also love taking myself on a little hike or exploring adventure (which I call Magic Monday) every Monday morning, to start the week out feeling inspired. I’ve been visiting a lot of the secret stairways in the Oakland and Berkeley Hills and enjoying the views.

• The Blake Garden in Kensington is beautifully designed and has amazing views of San Francisco and across the Bay

• Chapel of the Chimes in Oakland is a great place to quietly contemplate and appreciate the architecture and gardens

• Rocky’s Brooklyn Basin in Oakland is a fun and beautiful place to see live music, on a patio overlooking the Bay

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have so much gratitude for all of my former teachers and everyone I have learned from, but I especially want to shout out Mara Glatzel, whose work on rest, true self care, and needs helped me when I was at my most burned out!

Website: rebeccahass.com (music), coachingforcreativewellness.com (coaching)

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rebecca_hass/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-hass-30004972/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/rebeccahasspno

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RebeccaHassPianist/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCe1naaSCdQM9UtQeJyuu2gg