Keepsake

Last year I attended a thoughtful memorial for my voice teacher, Helen Hodam.  At the conclusion of that event, a sweet recording of her was played–one many of her students wanted, including me.  I sent a few email messages to various parties but received no responses.  Then, just this past Friday, I received an email message with a link to this video and recording of that very performance, Loch Lomond, as recorded by Ms. Hodam on 8 August 1947.  Enjoy!

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October 11th, 2009 | Alecia
Category: Helen Hodam, video | No comments | Subscribe to the quest | Email This Post

Analogy

Today was a curious study in music and life.

This morning, I celebrated a life-to-be and one of my dearest friends. She’s someone with whom I’ve sung and performed professionally, and with whom I share much. Her baby shower was a lovely fusion of musicians and laughter and gifts and friends and food, filled with memories of events that were and conversations of those special moments to be. On my way there I was serenaded by a homeless man who wanted to sing just for me. I obliged him.

This evening, I celebrated a wonderful life-that-was: that of my voice teacher Helen Hodam. A memorial concert and reception were given in her honor at New England Conservatory featuring several of her former students. I was not one of them. Again, it was a lovely fusion of musicians and laughter and gifts and friends and food, filled with conversation and memories of events that were. I … Read more »

September 20th, 2008 | Alecia
Category: Helen Hodam, New England Conservatory, life, music | No comments | Subscribe to the quest | Email This Post

In memoriam

One of my voice teachers, Helen Hodam, has died. This is what she looked like mid-life:


She was so cute. This is how I remember her:


She was still cute. She had a petite voice, a warm smile and a twinkle in her eye.

My first voice teacher, Darlene Wiley, warned me she was “persnickety” but a good teacher. And she was right. Ms. Hodam had a very clear goal in mind for each of her students and was persistently resolute in ensuring that goal was present in each lesson. She was also very outspoken and forthright, never hesitating to tell someone exactly what she thought. As a result, she produced some very amazing students.

She was one of the hardest-working and most independent people I’ve ever met, and I knew her in her 80s. At that time, she kept a full studio at New England Conservatory and would also teach privately on weekends at her home … Read more »

June 13th, 2008 | Alecia
Category: Helen Hodam, New England Conservatory, singing, soprano, study | 3 comments | Subscribe to the quest | Email This Post