To my one and only voice teacher,

When I first met you, I will admit I was anxious. All singers have an irrational fear that their teacher won't like their voice and will be let down by you in some way. So when I walked in to my first lesson with you, needless to say I was nervous. But when you opened the door and greeted me with a smile and an enthusiastic personality, I knew it would be ok.

I have learned so much under your instruction. I learned I don't breathe nearly as much as I should, and my "V"s come out as "F"s way too often. You tell me I can reach that high "A," and that low "F." You sit patiently with me and help me pronounce Italian, French, and German words. If I didn't have you, I would sound like gibberish when singing in other languages. Your knowledge and talent is immeasurable, and I am amazed by all I have learned from you in such a small amount of time. You give me "tough love" that motivates me without defeating my spirit. If anything, it inspires me to be better so I can show you I am capable of doing it.

You taught me weird physical things that will loosen me up and help me concentrate. I love jumping around like a crazy person when I walk through your door and stretching excessively. It now seems normal to walk around campus massaging my face to wake up my muscles. I have learned that straws are not just for drinking, but also for learning how to properly breathe. We have developed a relationship that is professional and personal, and I consider you a friend. I get excited for our lessons and look forward to finding new repertoire from the 10 bookshelves of music in your office.

I can only imagine how frustrating it is for you when I make a mistake I know I make all the time and need to fix. Or when I don't come warmed up, even though I should. I appreciate you being patient with me and understanding. Thank you for dealing with me when I am sick and I know I must sound like a croaking frog. You push me to want to be a better performer, a better singer and a better person. In a singer's life, rejection is all too well known. You are always there to reassure and influence me to continue working because hard work always pays off. Your constant support and encouragement inspires me to be the best artist I can be.

You have given me warmups that are suitable to my voice and will properly develop my abilities. Singers know all too well that a bad warmup is the wrong way to start off any lesson. Thank you for sitting down and talking about life with me when I reach my breaking point. When the stress starts to pile up and overwhelm me, you are always there to listen and comfort. You know when to tell a joke, when to laugh, when to be serious and when to offer consolation.

You inspire me all the time to practice and perfect a craft that is so special in my life. I can trust you with everything and I wouldn't be the performer or person I am today without you.