A Joyful Leap: How Jazz Helped Me Find My Voice

For over 25 years, I’ve had the joy of guiding young students through their very first steps into music. As a piano teacher specializing in elementary-aged beginners, I’ve built a world around structure, patience, and the quiet magic of helping others grow.

But recently, something unexpected happened—I started growing, too.

The story begins in early 2024 with A Joyful Little Band, a family project that quickly turned into something more meaningful than any of us could have imagined. Together we explore traditional jazz together, and for me, it’s become a new chapter in my musical life—one filled with unfamiliar chords, spontaneous moments, and the kind of soulful expression that doesn’t rely on printed sheet music or precise technique.

It’s a far cry from the piano bench where I spent decades making sure every note was “right.”
And that’s exactly what I needed.

Though I’ve always sung privately, stepping up as the lead vocalist—and the face of our band—was something I never imagined myself doing. The idea of standing in front of an audience, with no music stand to hide behind, and letting my voice carry the melody felt terrifying at first. But over time, I’ve learned that letting go of the need for perfection is where the real music begins.

One of the most transformative parts of this journey has been shifting my inner dialogue. The voice in my head used to ask, “Am I doing this right?” and “What if people don’t think I’m good enough?” But now I’m learning to ask different questions: “Am I connecting? Am I present? Am I enjoying this moment?” Traditional jazz has taught me to trust myself—not just as a musician, but as a human being in the middle of a messy, beautiful creative process.

I know I’m not alone in this. So many of us—teachers, artists, introverts, lifelong learners—carry performance anxiety and the fear of being truly seen. We worry that stepping into the spotlight will expose our flaws rather than our gifts.

But I’m here to say: there is freedom on the other side of fear. There is joy in releasing the need to be perfect. And there is immense growth waiting when we embrace the unknown.

If you’re someone who’s felt held back by self-doubt, I hope my story reminds you that transformation doesn’t always come from mastering something new. Sometimes it comes from letting go of what’s familiar—and trusting that your voice, your presence, and your courage are enough.

This is just the beginning of my new adventure. And I’m learning, more and more, that the unknown can be a very joyful place.