When I was about 5 years old, my mom would drive my sister and me 35 miles to Champaign-Urbana to see Frances. Frances was my mom’s voice teacher. Supplied with crayons and coloring books, my sister and I would sit under the grand piano while my mom sang and talked with her teacher. It wasn’t long, however, before two more babies came into our family, and Mom’s voice lessons were put on hold.
Even though Mom didn’t take voice lessons any more, she sang constantly. She sang to us, her children. She sang solos in church, at weddings and funerals. As the pastor’s family, we were also always singing. We would accompany our Dad to various nursing homes, and our family would sing hymns at the small chapel services or at someone’s bedside.
Once the four of us kids grew up, Mom went back to voice lessons. This time, she took the train downtown Chicago to study with a voice teacher. As she was practicing, Mom would tell me what her teacher told her to improve her singing, and I would tag along with her to various choir auditions and recitals for moral support.
I went to see her in concerts and even an opera, where she sang in the chorus. I talked on and off with Mom about taking voice lessons of my own. She coached me, and encouraged me to find a teacher, but I procrastinated. I was busy with work. I was going to school for my graduate degree. Then I got sick. Mono one summer, and cancer the next. Down the road a piece, I got married and had babies. There was no time for me to go to voice lessons, but I secretly made a game plan. I would go to voice lessons when my life was less crazy.
A couple of weeks ago, my church choir director announced that two members of our choir were starting a music studio and were teaching voice lessons. I sing constantly; I sing every morning to my preschool class, I sing in the summer when I’m leading Vacation Bible School, and I sing to Emmy at bedtime. I decided that now, when I only have a part time job and both girls are in school, would be the perfect time to take voice lessons. How could I pass up this opportunity?
I had my first voice lesson last night. I like the teacher, I have already learned some new things and am relearning some things I had forgotten. And I have two songs to sing! One in English and one in German!
My goal is not to become a soloist. I want to learn better techniques; how to breathe correctly, how to have a more even tone, even to increase my range with practice. These things will help me with my every day singing.
The voice lesson game plan is coming together!
Do you have something you’ve always wanted to do? What’s your game plan?
Link up your Spins here!
This is awesome and seriously so happy to here that you are finally taking voice lessons. I can tell from hearing your Vlogs that you have a wonderful sining voice and love that you are honing in on that now. So happy for you and hope you will share more of this journey here as it unfolds with us 🙂
Janine Huldie recently posted…For One More Day ~ My best dream ever was…
I’m very excited to be taking this step, and will enjoy it while it lasts! 🙂
Ginny Marie recently posted…Game Plan {Spin Cycle}
That’s really cool. I haven’t sang since high school and had at some point considered going back for some voice training. I can’t wait to hear how it goes!
Kristina Walters @ Kris On Fitness recently posted…Strength Training Days & Birthday Week Giveaway – Quest Bars
Maybe I’ll inspire you to go back to singing! 🙂
Ginny Marie recently posted…Game Plan {Spin Cycle}
I love this so much!! Good for you! I sing every week with my choir, but private, one on one lessons would help me SO much. I want to hear what songs you’re working on!
Gretchen recently posted…Spin Cycle: Winging It
Well, I’ve never sung in Carnegie Hall like you! 😉 I think private lessons are really going to help! I’m singing Lachen und Weinen by Schubert, and another song called “I love all graceful things.”
Ginny Marie recently posted…Game Plan {Spin Cycle}
That is wonderful, may all your dreams come true!
Deborah Pucci recently posted…WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE
That’s wonderful.
I’ve always wanted to sing or play piano, but I have no game plan for that.
I would love to make a music video, though.
tamaralikecamera recently posted…An Ask Away With Linkouture That Needs Its Own Disclaimer!
Wow – so exciting!! I can’t sing at all!!
BTW – we used to live about 30 miles or so from Champagne/Urbana – we lived in Rantoul. (I was in 5th-8th grade so it was a LONG time ago.)
Kim recently posted…Someone Stole My Identity
I drove through Rantoul many times! We were just a few miles north on 57, in the very small town of Buckley. 🙂
Ginny Marie recently posted…Game Plan {Spin Cycle}
Singing in public is so brave. I hide behind the voices at church so as not to offend anyone. Everyone is happier – including the choir director.
Good for you for taking the serious commitment to start after a dream.
Sharon, The Mayor recently posted…Neighbor’s Front Yard
I so admire your determination and carry through. That is what sets apart persons on fhe field of play and folks just sitting in the bleachers all their life.
Hi – saw your comment on my post and tried to leave a comment under your breast cancer page but couldn’t find a comment box so will leave it here. I can’t imagine being diagnosed at 27, so young. I’m so glad though, that you had kids. Some women get thrown right into menopause w/chemo and can’t have kids, so very happy to hear you did, congratulations! And, you’re so brave to write about it on your site. Take good care, I’ll stop back to see what’s new with you!
Claudia Schmidt recently posted…The Beatles First Appearance On The Ed Sullivan Show Brought My Family Together
Thanks for stopping by, Claudia! I don’t leave comments open on my pages for spam reasons. 😉 My hormones were also messed up by taking Tamoxifen for 5 years, so my husband and I talked about adoption if I wasn’t able to have children. Fertility after cancer is a big concern, and I am very fortunate! Good luck with your own breast cancer journey!
Ginny Marie recently posted…Game Plan {Spin Cycle}
I’m glad you were able to cross voice lessons off the bucket list. Maybe you will have to sing for us on one of your vids. (just saying) I would love to hear.
Miriam Gomberg recently posted…a dash of springtime
So cool! Making a reality of a dream. Way to go.