And just like that we are in December and 2020 is wrapping up. For some, the new year cannot come soon enough, for others it’s amazing that it is already here. Whichever camp you are in, I think we can all agree this has been quite a year.
As I look back on this very unique year, I am trying not to think about all of the things that I missed out on due to an unexpected worldwide pandemic. Yes, I could be sad about the shows that didn’t get performed or the classes that needed to be cancelled, and I am sad about those things, but I am also choosing to look at a different view.
Thanks to COVID, I had to venture into the world of online performing. Since I couldn’t do live performances, I had to come up with my own way to scratch my performance itch. I had to get over my fear of internet trolls and some other personal insecurities. In this environment of overcoming fear came Sewing Room Opera, which I am so proud of. I am learning the foundations of filming and film editing and I get to work on my voice in a way that I have not done since college. I have grown and learned so much and I would not have been able to do it to the extent that I have if I had not been in quarantine.
Thanks to COVID, I had to switch to online voice lessons. I confess that I was not excited about this; however, a few weeks into quarantine, the economy came to a screeching halt and it was clear that many small businesses (similar to PVA) were going to have to shut down. I had to adapt and fast if I was going to survive. I am deeply saddened for all of the people that have lost so much. But I am grateful because I didn’t have to shut down. Yes, I had to cancel classes and I lost a huge portion of my students, but I am still in business. My students are growing and thriving. We even had 2 live-streamed student recitals this year! In case you missed them, here is Arya’s and here is Neer’s. They are definitely worth a listen!
COVID-19 has disrupted our lives. I lost my grandmother to COVID this year. It has been devastating to so many in so many ways. BUT many of us are still hanging on. Peak Vocal Academy is still here. We are still singing and will continue to do so as long as there are people who love singing. So, let’s look forward to the future with optimism, knowing that one day this will all be over and we will be able to sing together again.
Happy Holidays, Songbirds! Stay safe, keep singing, and I will see you in 2021!