Phase 9

Living in Edmonton at age 26 was quite a venture as a full time music student. I applied myself to the max with my studies and regularly attended St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church on Sundays. I knew that going to Church and praying for guidance was an absolute necessity for my journey.

After a couple weeks of classes and orientating to the college, I notice a bulletin board with a sign saying: WANTED- A male or female to share a 3-bedroom apartment with Tim and Dale; within walking distance of the college. This appealed to me because I was presently living in a basement room a 20 minute drive from school. Without hesitation I pursued the apartment rental and moved in with Tim (a drummer) and Dale (guitarist), musicians working in bars and lounges, who had both attended Grant MacEwan College.

As a Performing Arts student my day was filled with classes about music theory, rhythm, harmony, sight reading, music history as well as functional keyboard training so eventually I could play a song and accompany myself or play a song to accompany another singer.

As a singing (vocalist) major, I was in a singing class with 28 others where we were expected to learn, memorize and frequently perform a new song in front of the class with a piano accompanist. This was very different for me because in the past I was used to playing guitar and singing at the same time. Now I was to stand, empty handed, and sing into a microphone. The singing instructors (Sam and/or May-Lou) would be there to listen and critique the performance, from sound quality to the involuntary movement of my hands as I performed a song. A few times while I was performing, the instructor walked up to me, tapped my hand and said “Keep on singing and stop moving your hand.” Eventually I did learn to stand still with arms by my side. Later on I was shown the proper way to hold the microphone and sing.

Phase 10

One hour a week I had a private lesson with the singing instructor. This included learning proper technique and singing musical scales. I was also encouraged to spend one hour a day in vocal training: singing scales and practising the technique I learned at my private lesson.

So, my days were filled with musical studies and I loved every moment of it.

One time my instructor suggested I learn the song “It’s In Every One of Us” and I said yes. This was a simple song which had a lot of meaning for me about searching for meaning and purpose in my life, for nurturing awareness, compassion, wisdom and understanding. The first time I saw it performed was on the Muppet Show sung by John Denver.  I am concluding with the words to this song.

It’s In Every One of Us – by David Pomeranz       

     It’s in every one of us to be wise.
     Find your heart open up both your eyes.
     We can all know everything without ever knowing why.
     It’s in every one of us by and by.

     It’s in every one of us to be wise.
     Find your heart open up both your eyes.
     We can all know everything without ever knowing why.
     It’s in every one of us by and by.