Singing in the Key of Me
Over the years I have written for many other people and organizations. This is a space for my own voice, ideas, and words.
The title was inspired years ago by the controversial actor/comedienne Rosie O’Donnell whose sheer exuberance in her own singing was undeterred by wrong notes or not quite reachable high notes. As she launched into a spontaneous song on a late night TV show, the band leader, trying to be helpful, asked, “What key do you sing in?” Rosie shrugged and replied, “I dunno. I just sing in the key of me.“
Born to be creative
I have been a teacher since I lined up my childhood dolls and stuffed animals and taught them to “read”. (They were an unruly group, especially the stuffed elephant.) I have been a performer since I won my middle school talent show in 7th grade playing and singing “Jean” from the film “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie. (A film I probably shouldn’t have been allowed to watch.) I have been a writer since I was poet-laureate and editor-in chief of the Derby Elementary School newspaper. Those were pretty heady titles for a 6th grader. (I imagine I can still smell that purple ink from the mimeograph.) Creativity was in my blood and my parents always encouraged my artistic endeavors, even if they didn’t quite understand it. Over the years, my joy of teaching, acting and singing, and writing has never waned.
“The gift of working with Cynthia is something every artist should get to have at least once in their lifetime. She has an incredible ability to see the person and well as their talent and help for both simultaneously. She will push you to grow as a person and a singer, in a way that makes you feel supported so that you can be successful. She is capable of helping those just beginning in the same way as she is with those who are years down the road. She makes every student feel as if their lesson is the most important thing she could be doing at that moment. She will listen to your concerns and desires and map out a plan to help you achieve the things you want out of your time with her.”
—Sarah Moody, adult student