The Power of SURE!

The Power of "SURE"! 

This mini-blog was originally a post I put up on Facebook about three years ago. I think it deserved a second outing. It's about a teaching philosophy, yes, but more so it is about optimism and opening doors for others. 

I'm so proud of former students conquering Canadian opera companies, singing on the stages of the Met, Royal Opera House, Opéra de Montreal, Canadian Opera Company, Paris Opera, and so so so many others; students conducting opera and musicals on and off Broadway, appearing on major television shows and in movies, directing and stage managing professionally from the west coast to the east coast; students starring in shows on and off Broadway, at Carnegie Hall, and in London's West End. So so so so many wonderful talents have graced me with their presence, work, and artistry. 

I've been asked if there was "a secret" to these successes. 

 And there is a secret: They were odd. 

They didn't fit the mold. Many were thought of as flawed in some fundamental way by others who were also a part of their education and training. Many had interests beyond their major (voice majors now conducting or directing, pianists now singing, music theatre majors interested in opera and vice-versa). Many were actually quite unsuccessful, initially. Many saw their peers fly high way before them and wondered if they should even pursue their interests and dreams. 

But almost all, when I actually sit and think of them, did something extraordinary at some vital point: They imagined a future with them in it, doing something no one might have expected them to do. 

Their worlds of success came from pure imagination, and - importantly - from being allowed opportunities based on potential, hard work ethic, and often simply just showing up and trying. 

At least that's how I see it. 

And it makes me so darn proud to have been a small part of opening initial doors to let them peek inside and catch a glimpse of what potentialities might lie ahead - beyond how they might've been viewing themselves at the time; beyond how others were viewing them or putting them in boxes. 

They taught me never, ever to toss students into boxes of "they are THIS" or "they are THAT". Pedagogues need to see beyond the snapshot presented to them each day by their students in order to help them imagine a future beyond their present self-images. 

A simple but courageous request by a Freshmen organ major or a senior music theatre major: "I'd really like to be a part of opera rehearsals", could easily be turned down by many who have rules and structures that might not allow it, or who are worried they have no experience or expertise to offer. Instead, my answer, "SURE" (which is always my answer) sent them off on a path that led both to international opera careers. 

Avoid, or better yet, ignore, those who tell you you're not ready. Walk away from those saying you should be more realistic with your goals or that you shouldn't over extend yourself. Knock on other doors and ask the question to someone else if you're getting a "not now" or a "you should focus on your major, on your voice, on your technique, on your....." 

And if you are the one being asked, try "SURE!" as an answer next time. It totally works for everyone, even if it doesn't work out or there's a failure involved in the pursuit of whatever they were attempting. Everyone gains from the answer "sure". Believe me! 

See its power in action! Unseen career paths can be illuminated with "sure". Unknown doorways are unlocked with "sure". Futures change with "sure". 

It's a word of power that gives power to others without taking any power from those saying it.