Realized this week that I've been using this phrase as an excuse -- A couple of dreams I have that involve having a lot of money are -- Creating a scholarship fund at the Conservatory so that the pedagogy program is fully funded (and retro-paying all previous students' loans and tuition). And producing new and exciting new musical theatre work -- others' and my own. And I thought -- what could I do that did a similar thing as the scholarship? I could give my knowledge away to the best of my ability -- what if I put everything I teach and have learned on YouTube for anyone to access?? That feels satisfying and possible. And the shows -- dang, I work at the freaking Boston Conservatory. I wonder where I might find some musicians and singing actors to workshop some things. I don't need the idyllic barn on my farm (yet). I want to see what I can do from the wealth I already have. What can you do today from the wealth you already have? Love much

I'm a teacher -- it's part of my calling, I believe. I also noticed lately that I've used teaching as a block to expression. I asked myself recently -- who am I so grateful for because they wrote that song, novel, poem, painted that painting? Stephen Sondheim, Victor Hugo, Emily Dickinson, Honthorst (a painter I was always drawn to at London's National Gallery). And endless list of folks -- Richard Rodgers, CS Lewis, Billy Collins, James Taylor, Joni Mitchell, Madeleine L'Engle............ Yesterday in a lesson, I thought -- here's a teacher, a student, and a collaborative pianist all gathered around "A Foggy Day" by the Gershwins. We're reaping the riches from this tune 100 years later. So, why am I holding my songs and stories back? Maybe one person might enjoy it or want to sing it one day. If I write a song, and it makes one person's day better, that's a complete sharing, and it's worth it to me. I have a recital date on the calendar at the Conservatory in October, and I decided it's going to be original songs. Most of them I haven't written yet. I'll keep you posted. What are your creative ways to block yourself? And what kind of thing will someone be so grateful you shared?

Do you find this Skool space helpful? Is it beneficial having this community here as opposed to a Facebook group where you'd see notifications pop up when there's a new post, course, or event? What's most helpful for you? Please add any specifics you need in the comments. Thanks

I'm curious -- Has anything frustrated, angered, or hurt you in your voice training experience? Or what's been tough as you looked for good guidance as a singer? Does anything drive you bonkers about the way voice (or any other artist) training is typically delivered/offered?

I went to an EPA a couple months ago. They were holding a call for The Queen of Versailles in NYC, and I was like -- that's in Boston all summer, I should put my face in front of them. I watched the documentary it was based on, decided there was one character I could be right for, and I decided to sing "Holding to the Ground" from FALSETTOS with a little lyric twist. I changed the key, transposed it myself in Finale, and rehearsed the shit out of it. I even did it for my students in studio class (and got some terrific feedback -- thanks beauties.) I took a train to NYC, didn't tell many folks I was going, and wandered around solo until my audition time. I got to Ripley Grier super early, rolled up to the ID counter, and saw I was standing next to one of my long-time LA kids (who's now very much an adult and kind of tearing it up in NYC these days.) We hugged big time, and she shared with me she was having some vocal scares after a big contract she'd just done. We grabbed a room, and I was able to give her some body work and SOVTs to work with until she could get in to see her NYC teacher. It was a gift to see each other, and it was hilarious that I showed up for an audition and ended up teaching. It's my purpose. My audition was successful -- I got an impressed, "Oh okaaaay" from the pianist :). I sang my song well. Carrie Gardner said "thank you," and I left. I didn't hear anything back, and I look back on the experience, and I did very good work. That was a successful audition. And I got to help a student and friend who I love very much.