Why do we sing? What drives us to lift our voice and send it out into the world?
For me, the seeds were sown in childhood as I stood next to my Gram in church, proudly following along in the hymnal. One of my fondest memories is the image of just the two of us in matching yellow dresses highlighted by the Florida sun – a moment of peace before I returned to my noisy, bustling home.
As a teen, I sang to myself constantly. This habit that seemingly irritated everyone around me was, in retrospect, a self-soothing instinct in a world that was a little too harsh and a little too fast moving.
Fortunately, I found my outlets in choir, youth group, and later a spate of garage bands.
My path to a life as a professional classical singer was anything but traditional – or even logical! After finishing high school I worked at the local Winn Dixie grocery store. I was determined to become a manager until a regional supervisor told me that women were never promoted.
So, I reluctantly turned to college….
At my local community college the only subject that interested me was music, with voice as my instrument. I found I loved college. It opened the doors to so many possibilities and introduced me to interesting people, including Lisa and Linda (we played guitar and sang in 3-part harmony, even winning $50 at a local bar’s Gong Show). It was at this school that I learned my first classical song –“Du bist die Ruh” by Franz Schubert and my first standard – “Misty” by Errol Garner and Johnny Burke. Community college pointed the way to my future.
I studied classical singing when I moved to a four-year college because that was the only style offered. No jazz, no musical theatre and certainly no contemporary commercial music. It was there that I learned of Mozart, Puccini and the other classical greats, and found a passion for the genre.
My love of classical singing eventually led me to graduate school in Manhattan. I supported myself by singing for anyone and everyone - from choral ensembles to ladies’ luncheons and retirement home concerts - until I graduated and landed full-time work in the New York City Opera Chorus.
I could not have asked for a better training ground than my decade at New York City Opera. Within a year, I was promoted to covers and small roles. Within five seasons I was a leading lady. The doors began to open to singing opportunities across the United States. I met my husband, also a classical singer, and we started a family.
My successful 30-plus year career as a professional singer comes from more than just having an ability to carry a tune. First was following a path that felt right for me. The familiar axiom is true: Choose a job you love, and you will never “work” a day in your life. The second was developing the work ethic to make it happen. Becoming a professional singer, like any highly skilled job, requires years of study, practice and pounding the pavement.
As I look back at my journey, I realize that singing has woven its threads through my entire life; from the little girl raising her voice in church, to stages across the country, and the creation of my family - whose love serves as its foundational touchpoint. I am grateful for what music has given to me and look forward to helping you discover how your voice can serve as the basis of a rewarding personal and professional life.