My mom gave me the gift of music. Some of my most cherished early memories include sitting side by side on the organ bench as she played and we sang together. She taught me beginning piano and basic singing technique, put a $50 piano in my bedroom, and set me loose! I was inspired by her beautiful voice as she sang solos in church, and copied her super-fun stride piano style. I internalized a deep sense of rhythm listening to her play jazzy standards on the organ as she very nearly danced on the pedals. In our home, it was not uncommon to fall asleep at night listening to her music-making. She was my earliest musical influence, and I am forever grateful. Mamma also became my biggest fan! She loved me “like a rock”. Surely her supportive presence is with me at the piano as I write, and in the studio as I record. She must be thrilled to hear me making an album of inspirational originals. Writing songs, singing, and playing piano is a huge source of joy in my life… Thanks Mom. I love you always, and Happy Mother’s Day.
Similar Posts
Letter to a Special Student
ByCynthiaDear (Adult Student Name Withheld), After several tearful sessions, it’s no wonder you would be thinking of “taking a break” from your singing lessons. Usually when a student quits, my response is, “I understand, and it has been a pleasure working with you.” This is different because I have grown to care about you as…
One Person At A Time
ByCynthiaRecently I got swept up in the state of the world. It’s not like me. I’m a kind of “head in the sand” person who doesn’t generally partake of the news. For the sake of my amazing recovery from chronic depression, that’s the way it needs to be. So anyway, since mortal reality reached out…
Couldn’t Wish for More
ByCynthiaAs it turns out, the audition video for America’s Got Talent can now be 2 to 3 minutes instead of the previous 90 seconds. (I never did figure out how I was going to do the “minute and a half thing” without hacking my precious original to death!) Once the song could be a little longer, it was…
66
ByCynthiaI came with the intention of loving everyone. It was easy. The holding room at the Phoenix Convention Center was wall to wall with brave people living their lives fully. Some of the younger people looked a bit like they were headed for the guillotine, and my heart really went out to them. It made…
It’s Fall and I’m Havin’ a Ball
ByCynthiaAdventures in music continue as my inspirational originals album moves along. Amidst recording sessions, mix-downs have begun. And next week, I’ll be turning over a finished piano/vocal to the arranger. Can’t wait to hear what he does with it… So Fun! Simultaneously, I’ve been editing the avalanche of videos generated by the jazz gig…
Creative Adventure
ByCynthiaPhotos of Mom & Dad are proudly displayed on my mantel in honor of their special days. I like to believe they’re watching over me, and trying to help from the other side. Hopefully they feel as proud of me as I felt when “my” kids played their pieces at the Annual Spring Recital last month. My…