Growing up as one of four children of a single mother, I know what it was like to not have extra money. We didn’t have the name brand clothes. We didn’t have cable television. And I didn’t get the coolest new electronic device until it had been out for several years and the price had dramatically dropped. Although we had a roof over our heads, clothes on our bodies, and food on the table, it seemed like we had nothing. But now that I look back on it, my mother sacrificed a lot for us.
My mother always thought that music was important in her children’s lives and she made sacrifices in order to make it a part of our education. My oldest sister, Lee Ann, began taking piano lessons when she was 5 years old. She went on to attempt to teach her two younger sisters, Karen and I, how to play the piano. Neither one of us really seemed to be very interested at that time. But it is obvious now that the seed had been planted. Karen began playing the clarinet in the fifth grade band. When I got to the fifth grade, I chose the flute.
Even though we didn’t have a lot of money, my mother was able to buy me that flute. It was apparent from the beginning that I loved it. I participated in everything that the band did. I went on trips with the band and auditioned for camps and ensembles as well. When it was evident that I wanted to pursue a music career, I started taking private flute lessons. I learned so much more from my flute lessons than I ever did in band. With the help of my flute teacher, I auditioned for music scholarships at two different universities. Although Austin Peay offered me a bigger scholarship, I decided to go to Tennessee Tech. My mother, knowing she would have to sacrifice more, still chose to support my decision.
While in college, I pursued my bachelor’s degree in music education. It was at this time that I was “forced” to try the piano again. I had much more interest in the piano this time around than I did when I was little. And yet again, my mother surprised me with a keyboard so that I could practice in my dorm room. As my college experience came closer to an end, I met my future husband. When I finished college, we moved to Antioch and got married. We now live in La Vergne with our cats and dogs. And I am doing what I love the most, teaching music lessons.
I now look back and think of what my life would be like if my mother wouldn’t have encouraged and sacrificed for my music education. Where would I be now? What would I be doing? Would I have even met my husband? Would I have my children (my cats and dogs)? And would I be doing something that I enjoy? Music has shaped everything my life has become. I often hear parents say they want to get their child into music, but they can’t afford it. These same people set aside money for fast food, the movies, and cigarettes. They could instead put aside $2 a day to further their child’s education. In return, they will be getting something that can last a lifetime and the pride of knowing they are doing something great for their child. My mother made that sacrifice for me. For that, I will always be thankful.
