Sally Walker
Like most people's, my life is a juggling act, and singing gigs have always
been one of the major pins, along with managing my music therapy business and
my family. It is one of the finest pleasures and privileges to step up to
that microphone, have a first rate group back you up, and let the music take
you away. While I have sung just about every genre of music that exists--
classical, country, rock--you name it, jazz is where my heart is. I feel at
home when I'm with jazz. The treatment of harmony, rhythm, the unbelievable
melodies...but I think what I love the most is the communication among the
players, and the unlimited possibilities for expression. And, of course,
when the players find the groove--wow!
While the rural hills of Floyd may not exactly be the hot-bed of jazz, it was
at a party here about, oh twenty years ago, that I had my "jazz-epiphany".
Some friends were playing some really hot Chic Corea fusion type stuff, and
it just hit me--I had to sing this music. I think I was singing with a
southern rock band at the time, but after that, I was in hot pursuit of jazz
and jazz only. Of course, I had grown up listening to a wide variety of
music, including lots of jazz, so I knew the music. But I approached
listening and learning with a new fervor. It's funny how things in life have
a tendency to come full circle--because we now have the "Floyd Jazz
Association" here!
I have been very, very fortunate to have had the opportunity to play with
some unbelievably talented players in this area through the years, as my main
base for performing has been the Virginia/North Carolina area. I am
constantly amazed--and thankful--at the quality of musicians that gravitate
to this area. I have been raising a family lo these many years, and that had
made long distance gigs unrealistic. However, having access to these great
musicians made it possible to stay based here and experience being a part of
some wonderful music...and to continue to grow musically, as well.
I have had the opportunity to play with some internationally known players who
frequently gig in the area...and I have had the privilege to play with most
of the rich pool of players we have here.
I suppose I have played every venue from Blacksburg to Lynchburg to
Charlottesville that has offered jazz--and they have come and gone through
the years. In the "early years", I had a rather large group--full rhythm
section, plus congas, horns, etc.--and there actually were some venues to
support that. We all have seen changes in availability of places to play,
and in the size of group a gig can support. So, I think by necessity, the
size of groups has scaled down. Large groups are fun, but I do like the
intimacy of a quartet, which is primarily what I work with now. Although, to
me, variety is the spice of life, and I perform in everything from duos to
big-band.
I am fortunate that my "day job" as a private practice music therapist allows
me to be involved musically full time, although there is a vast difference
in performing music as a singer, and using music as a therapist. I have been
performing music most of my life, and as all performers can attest, a very
profound thing happens between the performer and the audience when the music
takes over, and becomes bigger than both the performers and the audience.
There came a point in my life where I needed to explore that experience
further, and that is when music therapy as a career presented itself to me.
So I embarked on pursuing a music therapy degree at Radford University.
Up to this point, I had had formal voice training in high school, self-taught
guitar, and lots of field experience performing. My music therapy training
rounded me out musically in many ways--as a performer as well as a human
being experiencing and sharing music. Make no mistake about it, it is a
rigorous music program--music therapists are musicians first. The curriculum
is the same as that of any music major, plus classes in psychology, music
therapy, dance, anatomy, and a six month internship.
So, I survived the program, am a board certified music therapist, and have a
private practice, "Sound Health", independently contracting music therapy
services to facilities and individuals. The emphasis in music therapy is
using music experiences interactively, involving the individual in the music
experience for a beneficial purpose. Of the utmost importance is the
understanding of how music affects us-physically, psychologically and
spiritually. I think about this when I perform--how is what I do affecting
the audience--and how is it affecting me!
Of course, singing and performing, is my therapy! It's a constant growing,
learning--so much music, so little time!
Sally Walker
Photo by
John Byron Casler