Feed me now and evermore

I vowed to take a break from blogging in my last post, as I found myself waffling, lost for inspiration to write meaningful, fruitful, encouraging and inspiring insights to the life of a Church Director of Music, who also works in Hospitality, and is Trans.

I intended to let life take shape a bit more before filling you in again. But often: "Music is Life" and you find inspiration from somewhere completely unexpected to keep going.

This writing will certainly take more than one helping, and we are already coming back for seconds... Please Miss, we want some more!!

Yes, This blog is about the best singing teacher I have ever met in my life!! Sorry Adrian!

For those who settle down at nights with a bit of telly, may have been tuning in to Masterchef? Perhaps the last series with Torrode & Wallace as the experts, who knows?

But following the end of the programme on Wednesday evening on Two, a Masterchef Quarter-Finalist just happens to be the best singing teacher I have ever met. Beth Hodgson! or, Chef Beth.

Her smile, laughter, energy, and creativity, brought the best out of Hundreds if not Thousands of young up-and-coming musicians, who looked up to her for inspiration, I was extremely blessed to have her from "Junior Boys" until I couldn't stay around any longer because of very complicated family reasons.

My first days at NMPAT (Northamptonshire Music and Performing Arts Trust) were under the joint team effort of Beth Hodgson and Steve Hollingshurst, and the excellence of those two were enhanced by the absolute genius sitting at the piano. Richard Holloway - Sir!

We were incredibly blessed!

We sang many pieces, including Adiemus, Free, Ain't No Mountain High Enough, and even John Rutter's The Lord Bless you and Keep you. I still have the CD rehearsal file that Beth sang exquisitely for us.

Beth sat at the piano once in a while as she taught us the warm up "1,2,3,4,5" and "Hallelujah"

She encouraged a rivalry against Mr Taylor who switched from Boys Choir with Beth to another choir, Most of my peers were taught by Mr Taylor during Peripatetic Lessons at school, or were in the choir led by the pair of them the year before, which spurred us on even more, it was like the Klopp v Pep rivalry!

Beth as a teacher and a vocal coach can only be described and honoured at the highest level, because she is the best singer, best story teller and the best role model. She pushed us out of our comfort zone, but encouraged us each step to be us, be confident and be proud, whilst developing a choir full of fantastic and eloquent musicianship.

It was only a week-or-so back, that I celebrated 10 years working in church music, and at the celebration service, I publicly thanked as many people as I could, who have contributed massively in my upbringing in music.

Beth and NMPAT didn't get the mentions that day, but Beth personally inspired me and challenged me to "sing as good as her!" and I can only express my utter thanks to her for that.

More than a tear came to my eyes when it was announced that she was leaving NMPAT!

Now Beth,

It is time for us very grateful students of yours to sit in front of the telly,

with the popcorn,

watch you sweat,

and step outside your comfort zone.

I am quite sure I speak for everyone

who's lives and musical careers have been blessed with your support and encouragement, that We are all cheering you on.

Be proud of yourself,

You are absolutely amazing,

Thank you!!!

The Best Singing Teacher Ever!

And now... Masterchef Quarter-Finalist

Whatever next!!

Until next time folks....

EJW x