The Thing I Swore I'd Never Do

As I write this I'm packing up to perform a solo gig at the Residence de France--the French Consul General's residence--in New Orleans (eek)!

It's pretty exciting to be visiting and reconnecting with the local Francophone community again considering that I have been to quite a few receptions at this house over the years, but not as a musician (my background is in public relations and tourism as a representative of the French American Chamber of Commerce-Gulf Coast Chapter and the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism).

I'll admit that after 5 years in Texas, my French is a bit rusty, so I'll be out of my comfort zone once again, but it's a good push.

Speaking of comfort zones...

I recently stepped out of mine in a new way--a way that I swore I would never do.

I've started giving voice lessons :)

Over the years many people have asked me to teach them to sing, and I always quickly shut them down. I never wanted to be a teacher.

But this time things are different. In the past few years I have gained a whole new level of understanding about my own musical voice, how to use it to its full potential, and how to EXPLAIN that to other people. And I've learned that I really do enjoy coaching others on their vocal skills! Learning how to sing was the first key to unlocking my own voice and stepping out of extreme shyness years ago.

I already love coaching people find their speaking voice, their creative voice, and their musical voice through the ukulele. Now we can also tackle the singing component together!

I have a limited number of spots available for in-person and virtual voice lessons, so let me know if you're interested.

With gratitude,
​
Ashley