Over the Rainbow

I’ll never forget the day Marie walked into my studio. She was in her 70s, with silver hair swept into a loose bun and eyes that sparkled with curiosity, but also carried a hint of hesitation. As soon as we began talking, I could tell there was a story behind her quiet demeanor.

She told me she’d always wanted to sing. As a girl, she’d sing along to the radio, but every time she did, someone would tell her to “shut up” or “stop ruining the music.” Whether it was in school, at home, or around friends, the message was always the same: “Your voice isn’t good enough.” Over time, she began to believe it. She grew into adulthood carrying the weight of that belief, never daring to sing aloud again.

Now, decades later, she found herself at a crossroads. “I’m tired of being afraid of my own voice,” she said. “I just want to know if I can do it. Even if it’s just for me.”

Her honesty floored me. Singing isn’t just about hitting notes or mastering technique—it’s about connection, self-expression, and, in many cases, healing. I was determined to help Marie rediscover her voice.

The First Step: Breaking the Chains of Fear

We began our work not with singing, but with breathing. I wanted to help her feel grounded and connected to her body. “Singing starts here,” I explained, placing my hand over my diaphragm. We practiced deep, diaphragmatic breathing together, focusing on feeling calm and supported. This helped her relax and begin to trust herself.

Next, I introduced a simple humming exercise. Humming is gentle, non-threatening, and a wonderful way to feel vibration in the body. When Marie hummed for the first time, her voice was almost inaudible. “That’s okay,” I told her. “It’s not about being loud; it’s about feeling it.”

Over the weeks, we explored vocal exercises designed to build confidence. One of my favorites was having her sing vowel sounds on a single note, using words that carried positive energy, like “love” and “joy.” I explained that the goal wasn’t perfection, but expression.

The Turning Point

One day, I had an idea that would change everything for her. I asked her to bring in a song she loved from her childhood. She chose Over the Rainbow.

We broke the song into tiny sections, working line by line. I encouraged her to sing softly at first, as if she were singing to herself. When she hesitated, I gently reminded her, “This isn’t about being ‘good’ or ‘bad.’ It’s about telling a story with your voice.”

As she sang, I noticed something remarkable: her voice, though untrained, had a natural warmth and sweetness. I told her this, and she laughed, a little tearfully. “No one’s ever said anything like that to me before,” she admitted.

The Big Moment

A few months into our sessions, I suggested something bold: “Let’s record you singing Over the Rainbow.” She looked nervous but agreed. When she heard the playback, she was stunned. “That’s me?” she asked, her voice trembling.

“Yes, that’s you,” I said. “And you sound beautiful.”

For the first time, Marie saw her voice not as something to hide, but as a part of herself that deserved to be celebrated.

A New Beginning

Marie kept singing. She joined a local choir and even sang a solo during one of their concerts. She told me afterward, “It wasn’t perfect, but it was mine. And I loved it.”

Working with Marie reminded me why I do what I do. Singing isn’t just about music—it’s about helping people reconnect with themselves and find their courage. And for Marie, it was about reclaiming a part of her that had been silenced for too long.

Her journey was a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to start singing your song, no matter what anyone told you in the past.