Classical Music
by Donna Rose Stewart

I first became interested in classical music while in college as a vocal performance major. I had never heard this type of music or singing before; and as it seemed the ultimate way of singing, I had to do it. Coming from a very small town and from a poor family, I had not had the opportunities that my new classmates had. I felt and was, indeed, very behind and disadvantaged in my new endeavor of studies.

However, I worked very pointedly, listening to only classical music, classical singers, opera and opera singers. I immersed myself and saturated in it, in order to move forward past so many obstacles and habits of a different way of life and singing. I was dedicated and very committed to being the best singer that I could be - everything I did, I did for singing. I vocalized and sang five hours each day. I attended every recital and concert that I could manage. I ran, worked out, meditated, and worked a full-time job (at a music store). All of this, I did (after my first two years of college) while attending to my marriage and husband. I loved my life!