Some people are born gifted, some not as much. In reality, it takes what it takes and differs from person to person.

Why should adults take music lessons? After all, they’re not going to be famous or make a living from it, so why bother?

• For the pure pleasure that music, singing, and/or playing brings.

• What joy it is to sit around the campfire and sing or play.

• How great to jam with friends and have them complement your singing.

• How invincible you feel singing in the shower — at least until the hot water runs out.

Music is healing, cathartic and not dependant on age. It is for everyone. Yet, if you are better at it, you derive more pleasure from it.

Lessons help you find that pleasure.

There are people who think opera is like a white elephant; an overdone, outdated art form, something not needed and to be found in a garage sale. 

I could almost understand this considering how few voice students are studying classical music these days compared to aspiring pop singers.

However, those who take the time to explore this type of performance are blown away by the beauty and complexity of the music, and the raw emotions that an evening of opera can evoke.

To be part of this type of art is heavenly. Words can’t explain the thrill of 40 people on stage, even more in the orchestra pit, the conductor co-coordinating everything and you alone  — acting and singing your heart out. That is living.

On my way to being a soprano, I learned a few things:

Humility – There is always someone better than you. Learn from them. There is always someone not as skilled as you, help them.

Joy – Singing with someone, singing with an orchestra is to experience true joy.

Camaraderie – Singing at 7 a.m. at an Alberta grade school is a lot of fun when shared with other fools like you.

My adventure with singing has taken me to some very strange and wonderful places where I have met stranger and even more wonderful people.

Surprise, there are many people just like me out there. People willing to volunteer hundreds of hours behind the scenes to bring art to you and a few fools who think singing in front of a thousand people is fun! Whee!