Nicole sat at the piano when I brought the coffee.
“Carl will be here in an hour, and if you’re comfortable, you could sing with us.”
I handed her a cup. “I’m not sure I’m ready for that, but we’ll see.” Stranger things had happened. She started with her usual scales, and I sat next to her on the piano bench comfortably and sipped my coffee. Soon it was my turn, and surprisingly after the first set of scales my voice began to assume a comfort level. We sang together slowly and gently at first, then increasing the range and volume.
“I’d like you to stand if you will, and we’ll work a little on your breath control. Start with the ‘ah’ sound up then down. Do the same with ‘e.’” I followed her directions as she moved up the keyboard in half steps, singing along with me.
The vocal tone was
