I was recently reminded of one of the main reasons I teach voice lessons. So many adults have had singing trauma in their childhood. Perhaps it was a young man going through puberty right during the run of a show where he had a difficult vocal passage, or maybe it was the girl who was told to mouth the words during her choir concert. Whatever the event, it saddens me to think about the weight of that being carried around for years by these beautiful souls. Sometimes the right help wasn't available at the time of the event, or maybe there was shame that kept people quiet. Each story and situation is unique, and no less important than the next. One of my greatest joys in life is to help people recover from these stories. To give them a new experience where they are encouraged, heard, guided, and taught. I am thankful for this reminder, and the gifts I can share with those I meet on my own journey.