The pandemic was a moment of pandemonium and strife for many. It is during these times that hope and new beginnings emerge and find their way to better the world as a whole. I remember the first days of the pandemic and lockdown there were no cars on the streets and the world looked barren. Despite this barrenness that plagued the world I did not feel alone. I found that due to the pandemic I was able to share what I always wanted to share. I was able to share my voice. I was still singing for those around me. I was still able to perform albeit in very socially distanced ways. It felt good, it felt as though I was doing what I was meant to be doing in the world. I was sharing the joy and gift and privilege of music and singing. The pandemic had made me feel seen and heard.

Human life and culture have always been centered around what is arguably the most important thing in society. That thing is the power to change. There are moments in life where things are stagnant; where it seems as if there is no meaning anymore. Then suddenly something catches the eye or ear and that thing seems to connect and stay for years and years to come; always finding some little part of life to influence. Music is one of these things. Music has become a daily factor of life. That you cannot believe that you are just now hearing it. A moment that comes to mind is the first time that I heard “La Foule” by Edith Piaf. It was a gloomy evening, an evening that was filled with still air and sullen dreams. When I came across this marvelous song. It was a song about two people who had met by chance but had connected with one another immediately only to be cast away from each other by the end of it. For some reason, I was inspired. The song was gloriously happy but also beautifully sad. The motif in the piano mimicked that of a merry-go-round further immersing myself within the song. The stern and plaintive timbre of Piaf’s voice made me shiver with excitement. It was at that moment that I knew what I wanted to do. I had not understood a word she sang, only knew the background of the song, but the music was still able to make me feel something. I wanted to be able to do that. I want to make people cry even if they do not understand my words. That had become my goal and had set me off on my journey to better my voice and musicality.