Learn, Remember & Sing!

The most recent 'Tip of the Day" is 'Learn History & Be Grateful.' It's such a short explanation underneath, that I decided to delve into this a bit. As a performer, student and teacher, I know that attitude makes a world of difference. With a determined, positive attitude, always looking for the next great opportunities and acting upon them make life so much more fun and fulfilled. I also believe that having gratitude makes a wonderful difference as well.

Has your grandmother ever told you of her days as a child, teenager or her early years of marriage, etc.? It's probably to teach you gratitude because, in every case, you've got it so much easier than she ever did.

I love history for that reason. To study these people who came hundreds of years before I did and realizing that, without them, I would not be living in this fine country, or I wouldn't have freedom, or these nice clothes, a nice job & home or have the luxury of going to school, etc. There are so many things that our progenitors have done for us, including giving us the arts as we know them now.

We can practice any type of skill we desire, including music and we can choose to go anywhere with it. How lucky we are that we can afford such a luxury! Thomas Jefferson once said (in better words than I currently recall), "We learn warfare so our children can learn the sciences and that their children can learn the arts." So learn of these great artists and fighters who came before you. The music you study, practice and perform were created by them. So thank them by learning, working and doing your best.

I would like to leave you with a quote from on of my heroes--another artist of many things. He, too, had a passion for life, for freedom, for the arts and being your best with a great attitude and I echo these simple, but inspiring words: "Life is one grand, sweet song, so start the music" (Ronald Reagan).