The Musical Development of A Hub Writer

At the age of six, my Mom arranged for me to take music lessons. I was following in the footsteps of my two older brothers.Mother's plan was to keep us occupied in something that could develop over time and to keep us out of idle trouble in later years.

I loved my first piano teacher, Sister K. She taught music in my school, which was exclusive Catholic private school for girls. She had the patience and the warmth that a Mommy could have. She would never yell or be rude. She was so impressed one day when I came in with the little composition book she gave me to learn how to write out my musical notes. Instead of writing out the notes she had given me in assignment, I wrote my own song instead.I soon became eligible for my first piano recital at the age of seven. I was not nervous, and I even memorized my pieces. I made my parents very proud.

At the age of eleven, I received my very own guitar.I have fond memories of a high school student letting me strum the strings of her guitar at the age of seven. I will never forget that experience. When my oldest brother got his first guitar, I knew I wanted to play it too.. Soon after my Mom found out that I had potential for the instrument she got me one with nylon strings. Immediately when I started taking lessons my teacher taught me classical style, with reading music and fingerpicking.style. I comprehended well and had an easy time learning

At the age of twelve, I started creating my own compositions for classical guitar and I even put lyrics to my own guitar music. I tried to get on television at the local station here in Baltimore at the age of thirteen. The show was called Showcase 13. The television producers of that show accepted me for an audition. I sang and played guitar, Unfortunately, the man listening to me said, "Don't call us, we'll call you." I went home, feeling sad, remembering my Dad say, "It was a waste of time." No matter what, I kept on playing guitar and singing and writing songs. I continued taking classical guitar lessons all through middle school into the second year of high school

My opportunities for playing music for others flourished. . I joined the Folk Music Club, and for three years in a row, I was elected the President of that Musical Club. We played guitars and sang for the Monthly Liturgies that were for the entire school body and faculty to attend. A Liturgy is a Catholic Church Service. I became well known for that. I felt a zeal within me when I finished playing. As the President of the Folk Music Club, I organized the First Coffee House at my high school as a social activity. A coffee house event is when you invite other local high school students to play their favorite and even their original acoustic music in an informal setting while they quietly eat light refreshments and visit their peers.

My future in singing and playing guitar was quite bright, because I also performed in other Coffee House events in other local private high schools. My most memorable event was singing and playing guitar with my own brother.

I Take My Music To College

When I went to live in the dorm in my first year of college, I made sure that I brought my guitar with me, along with my creative writing of lyrics. I call this my landmark in songwriting because I produced over a dozen songs in that only year of school there. It was a landmark year for me, too, since it was the year I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior. Every song I wrote was written because of God bringing me new life in Christ.

When I was attending college, I found a music group that also played for Acoustic Liturgies that were offered in the dormitories around campus for the students who wanted to attend. It was my weekly religious obligation fulfilled as well. I made a lot of friends through my music. I remember, my friend, T. H. ( I place initials here to protect his identity) encouraged me to play more and his love for Dan Fogelberg music became mine. Then in May of 1979, I was able to perform at a coffee house at "the Loft" on the college campus. The cassette tape I have from that experience is still intact and I had it converted to CD. A true keepsake!

My Adult Years In Music

For Christmas, the year my daughter was born, I received an electronic musical keyboard by Yamaha as a gift. It was wonderful to know that my musical gift was going to expand. Immediately, I started to compose more songs. I found a new avenue for getting to play music. It was on my days off from working in the Nursing Homes as a nurse, that I would bring my keyboard in and sing and play for the residents.

I also played guitar on Music Day for my daughter's entire second grade at her elementary school. I was a bit nervous for that. I did not have a microphone for my voice and I only expected 25 students, not 90 students. Altogether, it was fun to get out there to enjoy.

In the last few years, I have been able to share my original music with special events at my Church Ministry and when available, I have been able to play in accompaniment with other musicians. I have also taken out the time to teach some private music lessons to young people as well

WHAT'S NEXT?

Reaching a maximum audience online is a new and possible way to have a new audience. I am getting closer to my goal. Having time, the proper equipment, and the confidence is all I need. My room is quiet and I have more privacy. I Look forward to entertaining all of my favorite audience.