Lauren Grile
Piano | Voice | Songwriting Mentor
About
Lauren Grile is a lifelong singer, songwriter, poet, and artist not otherwise specified from Indianapolis IN. With over 150 original compositions to her name, Lauren integrates elements of jazz-infused pop, experimental indie rock, and alternative R&B / folk into concoctions that are as unique as she is.
Growing up in Florida, Lauren spent many a humid day listening to Abbey Road in her garage, singing along to Corrine Bailey Rae in her mom’s suburban, and attending an arts-focused elementary school, where she was a member of the Lake Sumter Honor Choir and participated in several theater productions and talent shows. However, Lauren quickly realized her passion extended beyond performing others’ works. By the time her family returned to Indiana at age 11, Lauren had already begun making music that allowed her to express herself without limits. Two years later, she had completed her first bona fide original, igniting a creative fire that has yet to dim.
In high school, songwriting all but consumed her life. When she wasn’t playing piano for her school’s jazz band or performing the occasional solo gig, she could be found sitting at a piano wholly entranced by some chord progression or puzzled on her mom’s back porch, guitar in hand. Though she once dreamed of becoming fluent in Spanish and working for the UN, a transformative experience during her sophomore year—hearing a band bring one of her originals to life—shifted her dreams entirely toward a career in music. This, alongside a decisive “without a doubt” from her Magic 8 Ball, led her to the Music Media Production program at Ball State University, where she honed her craft under the guidance of industry luminaries like TV personality David Letterman, Grammy-winning producer Chuck Ainlay, and platinum artist Tiara Thomas. With the space, equipment, and creative freedom to make whatever music her heart desired, Lauren got straight to work, releasing two original albums, “Lost & Found & Free” and “MORE TIME”, under the stage name Saint Lavender.
During her university years, Lauren also discovered a passion for teaching, beginning as a band coach and songwriting instructor at Indiana State University’s annual music camp. After earning dual degrees in Audio Engineering and English in 2023, she spent a year falling in love with private instruction at the vocational school Bach to Rock. This inspired her to continue teaching in Music City, as she relocated once more to “be where the action is”. Lauren believes deeply in the power of music as a medium for self-expression and connection. Her greatest satisfaction comes from seeing her students embrace their creativity and take pride in who they are through the music they create— just as she continues to do!
Lauren’s Teaching Philosophy: “Music is so broad that it bridges various subjects, from art and history to math and science— and I like to give students the opportunity to explore these connections based on their personal interests. While I enjoy helping students avoid mistakes I made starting out , I also recognize that it’s important to embrace mistakes and confusion as vital parts of the learning journey. Encouraging students to apply what they’ve learned through creative experimentation is also a big part of what I do, because it helps students discover their own unique musical voices!”
Q+A
What’s been the highlight of your professional career — like your biggest spotlight moment to date?
“Seeing two of the bands I coach win their divisions in Battle of the Bands was an amazing achievement as an educator!!”
What type of student will excel the most under your mentorship?
“In my opinion, the best student is a curious one! If you are the type who likes to get to the bottom of things and understand the “why” behind the “how”, we’ll get along great. I also enjoy working with students who aren’t afraid to have some fun and get a little goofy— laughing leads to learning!”
What does being a “Mentor” mean to you and why are you excited to step into this role?
“Being a mentor means remembering that the only thing separating me from my students is time. Both of us are on the same journey trying to understand this wacky experience we call music, and my job is honestly more like a tour guide’s: “I’ve been down this road before; I have an idea of how this thing behaves— hey, what’s that over there? Let’s go discover it together!””
What type of music did you grow up listening to? How did it influence your artistry?
“Growing up, John Mayer taught me how chord progressions can show how you feel, Corinne Bailey Rae taught me to sing from the heart, the Jacksons reminded me to loosen up and have fun, The Beatles encouraged me to not be afraid of “getting weird”, and Stevie Wonder embodied all of these things at once— but most importantly, any song with a good groove taught me that life is filled with joy!”
Where is your favorite local spot?
“I’m still pretty new to the area, but as a coffee snob, The Frothy Monkey has got to be high on my list!”
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
“In first grade, I remember telling people that I wanted to be a shoemaker— but not because I actually wanted to make shoes;I just said that to stand out amongst all of the doctors and marine biologists.”
If you could meet one author/performer/creator who would it be and what wold you ask them?
“I would meet John Mayer and ask him what goes into writing a good bridge!”
Lauren’s Favorite Things
Salty Treat: Salt & Vinegar chips
Sweet Treat: Golden Oreos
Fast Food Restaurant: Culver’s
Coffee Drink: Dirty Chai
Movie/Show: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
Place to Shop: Barnes & Noble
Candle: Any of the fall scents
Musician/Band: John Mayer
Travel Destination: Yalaha, FL (where I grew up!)