HILARY LADD
Art Discipline(s)
- Performing Arts
Saint John | (506) 721-3352
Preferred School District(s)
- ASD-South
Preferred Grade Level(s)
- K-2
- 3-5
- 6-8
- 9-12
Can provide residency in
- English
Indigenous Artist
- No
Completed Policy 701
- Yes
Space/Material Requirements
- Ample space for students to stand up and stretch, as well as work at a desk, blank paper and pencils for writing.
Bio
Hilary Ladd is a seasoned musician, actor, writer, and educator with over 30 years of stage experience. She served as the lead vocal director at InterAction School of Performing Arts for a decade and most recently as its Executive Director before transitioning to focus on her full-time career as a performer and artist.
As a singer-songwriter, Ladd is celebrated for her raw lyrics and powerful storytelling. In 2017, she released She Wanders with her band Ladd & Lasses, a deeply personal album inspired by her experience with divorce. Her music has since evolved into high-energy pop, culminating in the narrative concert Breastmilk + Tears. Supported by grants from ArtsNB, Music New Brunswick, and the Canada Council, this project features two EPs—Part 1 released in 2022, and Part 2 set for release in 2025.
Residency Project
I would like to carry out a Songwriting and Performance project in the classroom. The aim is to guide students through the creative process of writing original songs based on their personal experiences, emotions, and imaginations. Over the residency, we would explore lyric writing, melody creation, and musical arrangement, with a focus on storytelling through music. Students would also learn basic vocal techniques and performance skills to help them confidently present their work. By the end of the project, each student will have completed their own song, which we will showcase in a final group performance, fostering creativity, teamwork, and self-expression.
Teaching Experience
My approach to teaching focuses on fostering creativity, confidence, and self-expression in a supportive, non-competitive environment. I emphasize hands-on learning and collaboration, allowing students to explore their artistic potential through play-based, expressive arts. Over my tenure at InterAction (2011-2024), I led songwriting workshops in nearly every school in the district, writing original songs and leading collaborative arts projects. Notably, I helped students at Seaside Park Elementary create their own school song. I adapt my teaching to each learner’s unique strengths, encouraging them to take creative risks and express themselves authentically.