Your Inner Voice

Lydia and Me

A few months ago I had a mother approach me and ask if I would be willing to give voice lessons to her daughter, Lydia. Lydia has the desire to sing in plays, including the Starlight Theater here in Boise. Lydia was singing in school choirs but felt defeated because she was not able to read music. But she LOVES to sing and she LOVES music. So, in exchange for free babysitting, I agreed to give it a try. :-)

The funny thing is, I spent my entire choir career (including swing choirs and honor swing choir) "faking" it because I could NOT read music! I could just hear the harmony and after a few times through, I could pretty much get it down. I even took a keyboarding class, which I "faked" my way through as well. So, I could understand Lydia's troubles. Musical theory just did not seem to have a place in my brain.

A few years ago, I taught myself how to do chording, and that is all I have been able to do. (Basically, playing the guitar on the piano.) I was just so thrilled to have a way to play for myself while I sing! It has been great for me. But, with a desire to "get it" I have been trying to teach myself (using the church piano program) to really play the piano. So, outside of proper timing, I have finally realized my dumb hang-up ALL these years! What was hanging me up? SHARPS and FLATS! Duh! I just did not get it! So, now, though I cannot play like I would like, I can at least identify the notes properly! Which is huge, for me. And if I practice, practice, practice . . . I might just get it!

So, as I have been teaching Lydia voice, I have also been trying to teach her some musical theory. Last night she said, "I have learned more in one session with you, then I had all year in choir." It was probably the best compliment she could have given me. Because of my weakness all of those years in understanding music -- I know what can be a roadblock, and I can help walk her through it. Sometimes when people just "get it" and it comes naturally, it does not make that person a great teacher. Sometimes when you know what it feels like to struggle and overcome . . . that is where true teaching-power comes from.

Lydia has improved 100% from when she first started. I told her ahead of time, I have no formal training in voice, but I can sing, and I KNOW what sounds good (and what sounds bad!) We spend an hour once a week, singing new songs, learning music, and picking songs for performances. I basically just try and help her have the confidence to "let it out". I think that is the trouble with most people -- they are scared. Scared of what is REALLY inside of them. I feel it is my job to help Lydia "get it out". :-) It is amazing to be a part of that discovery. Most people who sing fair just need to be told to, "LET IT OUT!!!!" All that stuff inside you -- set it FREE! Do not hold back!

Last night was Lydia's first time performing in front of others. She performed at the Young Women in Excellence program. I had her sing the song, "What a Wonderful World." She did a really nice job. She said she felt like throwing-up right before she sang. :-) And she said she was sorry for not sounding like she did when she practiced. (An audience changes everything!) She may have been nervous but I think I was even more nervous for her! AND once again, I found myself behind the piano, playing in public -- which to me is ridiculous! It was never in my stars . . . and yet, that was the second time I have played at a young women's program! (Last time I played and sang for myself.) Crazy!

It has been a really good experience for me (and I hope for Lydia, too!) I have really enjoyed helping someone learn to do something that I love. I love music, so much. It fills my soul with great joy.

I believe that our voices are a window to our soul. They come from inside -- deep inside of us. Even our speaking voice is an indicator of who we are. Some are loud and harsh, some soft and pleasant, some are soothing, others troubling, etc., etc. Next time you listen to someone speak or sing, consider how their voice makes you feel -- it is really interesting. I have always felt that singing is an outward expression of the inner spirit. And because of that, music is very powerful. In my life I think the very strongest impressions of the Spirit have been through beautiful music...

Just the other day I almost had to pull the car over because the song, "The Christmas Shoes" came on the radio. Tears were streaming down my face at the chorus:

Sir, I want to buy these shoes for my Mama, please

It's Christmas Eve and these shoes are just her size

Could you hurry, sir, Daddy says there's not much time

You see she's been sick for quite a while

And I know these shoes would make her smile

And I want her to look beautiful if Mama meets Jesus tonight

- I love that song. I ALWAYS cry!

Music is one of the greatest gifts of God. I am so grateful for it!

It is the season of beautiful music.

May the spirit of the season fill your heart with overwhelming joy and gratitude.

If you sing . . . let it out!

(If you don't sing, you are just not trying hard enough!)

Allow your inner voice to come out!

Sing! Sing! SING!

It will make your heart happy.

(And those around you, too.)

SING!