I have been singing all of my life. I can remember being in a church choir when I was a teenager. We performed “Godspell” which is still one of my favorite musicals. I was never up front as a soloist but confidently following the alto line. I’ve been in our church choir for 30+ years.
Recently I’ve felt a weakness in my voice. Sometimes nothing comes out or notes crack. I never know when it’s going to happen, but I wanted to conquer it. Get my voice back. I made a play list on my phone I titled “I Have a Voice.” It includes songs like “A Beautiful Noise” by Alicia Keys and Brandi Carlile and “Little Voice” by Sara Bareilles. I’ve been singing along for a year. My brother, who is a professional musician, told me I just needed to sing more often. He suggested, “Set a time of the day that you will sing, like on your way to school.”
In the spring, I received an email from our local community theater offering voice lessons for the summer. I thought, “why not?” Lanie, my voice teacher, is young and talented. I’ve watched her in the theater’s musicals and she has a voice. What I didn’t know when I started was whether or not she could teach. She can! We’ve worked together for four weeks. Most of all I have gained confidence. I still have instances when my voice catches, but now I know not to panic. I relax my throat and move on.
Last Sunday I sang a solo of one of the songs on my playlist, “Little Things with Great Love” written by Audrey Assad. Her songs are poetic. They are not traditional, but they are thoughtful and deeply spiritual.
I was able to tell Lanie with a glimmer of tears in my eyes that I was proud of my performance. I don’t plan any kind of career in singing. I just want to “make a beautiful noise” and perhaps touch others with my voice. I think I accomplished that on Sunday.
Reflections on the Teche 
Sounds beautiful, Margaret.
Oh, Margaret. Hooray for this sweet embracing and overcoming the I don’t knows of when your voice will go away or crack momentarily. So, did I read that right that this was maybe your first solo? The song you chose to sing is so peaceful and lovely. Blessings as you continue to use this great gift to touch yourself and others with this “beautiful noise.”
Denise, not my first solo, but I sang one at Christmas that really disappointed me. I wanted to be stronger. I’m getting there with these lessons. Thanks.
If there was one thing I wish I could do and do well, it would be to sing. You touch so many people with your words, and now you are blessing them with your “beautiful noise.” What courage and what a gift!
What a beautiful journey from “I don’t know if I can do this” to “I have a voice.” And a testament to the truth of accompaniment 😊
Oh Margaret, this is beautiful. I’m happy for you. You are such a giving person with your writing and being a teacher, I can imagine how much your light shines when you sing and the joy that you bring to people, yourself, and your family including those that have passed on but are listening to you. Congratulations overcoming this obstacle. That song is lovely and beautiful. I have always liked Alicia Keys and Brandi Carlile’s music. Thank you for sharing your inspiration and joy.
Margaret, congratulations on re-finding your voice. As St. Augustine says: “He who sings prays twice.”
Margaret, it must be so exciting to let your voice fly to the sky without any doubts. This is a lovely goal: “I just want to make a beautiful noise and perhaps touch others with my voice.” I can see you now singing like an angel. I will cherish this thought from the video: “Do little things with great love.” I hope this weekend your voice will be filled with the spirit of the Lord.
Margaret: Congratulations on your solo and on facing your challenge head on. Yes, I have been in the same situation. A friend reminded me that our voice is a muscle, so using it, practicing, will help. Yes, I’ve been singing most of my life also. Still in choir, still following the alto line. Sometimes there are only 6 of us. God help us, we keep on singing. Thank you!
Wow! You did something about your concerns. I understand that concern with nothing or just squeaks coming out. I love how you started singing more and then took the leap to take voice lessons. I love that you’re continuing to make a beautiful noise. Congrats on your solo!