Singing on Pitch

One, two, three – let’s waltz now. The Tennessee Waltz that is. Country music from my end of the pond to yours. I continue to sing and find joy in it. My homework assignment from my sister was to search out music groups in my area of Upstate New York. As luck would have it, a man from church mentioned an acoustic music jam at a nearby YMCA. My lifelong learning desire continues with this jam in mid-September.

When this music adventure began last spring, I commenced voice lessons with a voice coach, Laura Enslin, from Syracuse University. Laura has the most beautiful voice. Add to it her remarkable personality and brilliant teaching ability. She helped me with singing country music as I had requested, but more than that, she advised me to participate in music groups and to sing on stage in Washington. Her tips and techniques remain invaluable. My dear sister kept giving me advice on how to sing with her various jams and bands, and I found myself quite comfortable singing in front of people. Stage fright and nerves had disappeared.

I studied music theory, chords and some voice with a new teacher in Washington State, Jon Epstein. Although he mainly teaches banjo and other string instruments as well as bluegrass, country and folk music, he offered me helpful advice. My sister studies fiddle with him and then brought me along for three lessons. It was grand fun to learn from his perspective. Keeping an open mind to new adventures in life is key to enjoyment and success.

After several requests from my readers to hear how I sound in my foray into country music, I am providing a couple of YouTube links at the end of today’s blog. It is a big step forward to put myself out there in public for all to hear and see. Providing my written word is a totally different means of communicating with my readers. So I hope I provide all of you some amusement and light entertainment as you watch and listen.

Harvey Nelsen (sometimes spelled Nelson) is a Hall of Fame guitarist for Western Swing music with whom I sang at a senior center dance. I watched in amazement as 90 year olds danced to the music. My sister indicated that it was high praise coming from Harvey when he said I could sing on pitch. My wish for all my readers is to enjoy life to its fullest and keep singing!