My blogging has been sporadic: forgive me, dear readers. I have been up to all kinds of new tricks, including riffing, death metal growls, jazz stylings and country twangs. I attended the CCM (Contemporary Commercial Pedagogy) Institute at Shenandoah University (birthplace of Patsy Cline! And yes: I visited her house) in July, and it was an incredible journey. I cannot even begin to recount all the things I learned, re-learned, un-learned and felt validated on. It was truly a remarkable 9 days of singing, learning, teaching, improvising, sounding, and investigating our artist selves. I felt renewed in both spirit and purpose.
The past month has been spent not only in processing the vast amount of information I gleaned, but also in replenishing my emotional, physical and pedagogical stores as I prepare for a new year of teaching. I feel the growing urgency to pass on what I know, to inspire the next generation of singing artist advocates, disruptors and amazing humans that I will encounter in my many travels both near and far. I’ve been poring over my notes, preparing syllabi, planning workshops and retreats and so much more. I’ve spent time in the wilderness (literally), had countless inspiring conversations with other singers, teachers and friends, and generally tanked up all the power I can muster to hit the ground running when classes start next week.
I can’t wait to pass on my discoveries, and continue on the incredible teaching/learning path I am on with my students. They inspire and educate me daily. They are the future.