Even though I’ve known what field I wanted to be in my entire life, I didn’t really know the best way of going about pursuing music.
Until now.
The field of music therapy has unexpectedly come waltzing into my life. I had heard of it before, but kind of brushed it aside, never really giving it serious consideration. But the more I think about it now, the more fitting it seems to be for me. I realize I would not feel like a sell-out at all, and that’s the truth. Feeling like I’m settling is my biggest concern with any future career.
I completely and whole-heartedly believe in the power of music to heal. Not just because of the scientific evidence behind it, but because of my own personal experiences with music in my life. Music has always been my reason for everything, it’s what I’ve always turned to. Music has been my lifelong cheerleader and inspiration They say smell is the strongest sense linked to memory. But music is a close second, and since I actually don’t have the sense of smell….music is the strongest sense linked to my memory. The physiological and emotional reactions it has the power to cause never cease to amaze me; the goosebumps, the chills, the sense of being transported to another time, another place. I could go on forever. Which is how I know this is the career I was born for.
AND I’M FINALLY DOING SOMETHING ABOUT IT.
Ok, I’ve been here before. Getting all motivated and excited about taking steps for my future, and then after months, even years of preparation, being dashed back to square one. Several times. Getting the courage to go through this again has been really hard for me, and it has taken me a long time. But I’m finally ready. Nothing in life worth having is easy. So I actually had my first voice lesson last night with a vocal coach I found in Silver Spring. I’ll be taking 45 minutes lessons once a week. So excited. And my voice teacher seems to think I have potentialJ She said I have a “very good ear and nice tone.” I mean, obviously she’s not gonna say nasty stuff to me, but it still makes me happy. She also gives me “homework” related to reading music, which is really good for me. It’ll hold me accountable to really work at this each week.
I am also registered for a fall music class at the local community college. It’s an introductory music theory, musicianship, and keyboard skills course. With a lab. This course doesn’t mess around. The one hour, 50 minute lecture is twice a week, followed by an hour and 20 minute lab. I’ve never taken a class like this. I’m finally getting the formal vocal training and music theory education I so desperately need.
It’s looking hopeful again. And though I’ve been fooled before, I have to have faith that this is the real deal.
