So, it all started, according to my mom, that while in the womb, she sang in the church choir. From then on, I was in choirs and taking piano lessons during my formative years.
When I was 12 I remember sitting on the floor in my bedroom writing two songs that could possibly be the next hit on the radio. If I can ever find that piece of paper, I’ll post the songs. From ages 12-18 I composed simple pieces on the piano.
By the time I had been married about 7 years and was a mother of 2, I had just come out of a very difficult time. Songs started pouring through me. I was able to capture some of them. For some reason, it was never time to really nurture this gift. I didn’t know how or what to do with this phenomenon.
Every few years after that and after a difficult experience, songs would come. I struggled with confidence in my gift. Finally, last summer (July 2010) I had a meeting with my brain. It was just me and my brain in a very private discussion. It went like this:
“Brain, I am a songwriter. So, just know that I’m out of the closet now and I know my skills are not as good as they should or could be had I allowed myself to nurture them, but it’s time.”
My brain said, “Ok.”
Really, that was it?!
You know the saying, “When the student is ready the teacher will come.”
The next day I’m in Costco and there were pianos. We always love to look at pianos. I start asking questions to the ‘piano guy’. He was really nice and very laid back.
Suddenly he asks me, “So, do you write songs?”
….Uh, what did he say?…I hesitate. I may have stuttered. But I’d just had this declaration meeting with my brain and this was my first test.
“Why, yes I do.” Trying not to have it sound like a question. I wasn’t used to talking about it or ever being asked about it.
Then he asked, “Really, what genre?”
In that moment I kinda forgot music had genres. Am I a songwriter or not….“Well, just some dumb little inspirational songs.” I say.
HEL-LO! Get some confidence will ya? Sheesh.
He says, “That’s great!”
He goes on to tell me about a Hit Song Writer’s class that he offers 3 times a month and how once a month he hosts the local Nashville Songwriters Association International chapter meeting where we have a lesson and then listen to and critique each other’s songs.
I’m speechless.
How did he know that I’d just had this meeting with my brain declaring I was a songwriter? So, I went to my first NSAI meeting in Sept. (which is a hilarious story for another post).
To be continued…:)
They all sang songs last night, making it a memorable night.