Stay Awake

Much has been written about the spiritual implications of music, singing in particular.  Less has been written about Ms. Alison's other cunning capitalistic venture, I mean, educational initiative, "SINGtegration".  Website to be unveiled in the near future.

So yes, I teach voice.  And I have a couple favourite songs, both for teaching as they are pedagogically apt for beginners- and just because they are some of my favourite songs.  As I feel it is imperative that everyone have an easily singable, heartfelt song to take home from their very first lesson, I often start with "Stay Awake", from Mary Poppins.  After all, everyone needs a lullaby to call upon.

Last week my theory came home to roost.  I have a new voice student who is already a favourite due to her proclivity for adding beatbox to keep the rhythm of sequential reiterations of warmup patterns.  (Yes, teachers do have favourites).  She apologized for being late, then explained her Grandmother had just died yesterday, adding in the same sentence, "you know my new song?"  "Of course!"  I said, "it's one of the best songs in the entire world".  "I've been singing it to my Grandma all week.  I was singing it to her when she died".

Can there be anything more beautiful for a singing teacher to hear?  Yes- that student then singing for me what is now OUR favourite song, with more genuine expression and musicality in the first two syllables than any opera could ever hope to convey in two whole hours.

After just two lessons, she is now officially, definitely and irrevocably one of my all time most memorable (and favourite) students.