Just before Christmas, I received a call from a young lady who was calling on behalf of her mother, who didn't speak English, but who wanted to give singing lessons to her husband as a Christmas gift. Over the years, I have had several inquiries like this, usually via my website or through recommendations. These kinds of requests literally make my day. Often, the person inquiring about lessons will tell me how much their spouse loves to listen to and make music. Each story of music's role in a person's life is different and beautiful, especially when told through someone else's eyes.
Let me let you in on a secret. I am really horrible at gift giving, mostly because most people I know are like me -- we all have too much stuff in our cupboards already. In addition to music lessons, there are so many gifts that are very affordable and don't take up any room in our cupboards! These include an encouraging card, a walk in the park, or a home-cooked meal.
Many of my students have young children at home and/or jobs requiring them to travel, and I always admire their dedication to something that is in most cases, ¨just a hobby.¨ Even more so, I admire their spouse's generosity in not only giving lessons as a gift, but providing space and time for the learning to happen. And perhaps that is the greatest gift of all -- encouraging another to pursue the things that are most closest to their heart.
If you are interested in singing lessons, feel free to check out: www.singinglessonshelsinki.wordpress.com.
