Why I sing and how I can help you free the song in your own heart

Hello again; I just recorded another video for my podcast about the amusement industry and the equipment my clients have for sale. Its called Calliope Corner, and you can find my videos on youtube.

For those of you who haven’t seen any of them I should tell you that I start off each one with me singing and then I introduce the show, mention the website and contact information; then go into whatever ride, game, inflatable, etc I’m talking about.

Its been a while since I recorded one of these videos. I was launching the new site and dealing with some minor health issues. But I had forgotten how much I enjoy recording the videos. More importantly I forgot how good I feel when my friends write to say how nice my voice is and how good I sound. One friend even suggested that my singing could make me famous.

I am happy with my singing, but it wasn’t always that way. A very short time ago I wouldn’t have had the confidence to sing in public much less on youtube where millions of people could see and hear me.

Some history

You see, on my dad’s side of the family most everyone can sing or play a musical instrument or both. My grandfather J. V. Ivey was a great finger picker guitar player. He also sang mostly country and had a radio show in their home town of Union, South Carolina.

My dad Maxwell Ivey Sr. played the guitar and sang too. He was more of a strummer. Him and his brothers and friends had at least one band when he was a teenager.

Being a daddy’s son I wanted to do what he did. When me and my brother Michael were young he bought us both starter guitars. He put different colored finger polish on the frets of mine to help me make the chords. i could make the sounds but couldn’t make music.

I could sing or at least my mom and dad never complained. Me and my dad would sing along to radio, 8 tracks, and later cassettes while driving to and from events, family outings, scout meetings etc. We liked the same music and sang together.

When I lost confidence in my singing

In junior high school I was in the school choir. and it was about this time that I lost most of my vision as well as my confidence as a singer. And yes they were related.

You see I have retinitis pigmentosa which causes the loss of night vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and effects your ability to see in three dimensions.

I used to love singing along to the tv variety shows like the donny and marie show. To me it looked like they were singing without moving their lips or not very much at least. When i tried mimicking them people made fun of me.

Also, the choir I was singing in only had sopranos and altos. I could still sing alto. But at one of the school competitions for our choir someone jokingly said I sounded horrible and should just move my lips. Didn’t realize the mistake until later, but that’s what I did.

Later the director and I talked and she told me I should have just said something earlier in the year and they could have moved me to their other group that included teners and bases.

Another issue for me is not being able to read sheet music. And this was before the internet, so I couldn’t just go online and download the lyrics of any song I wanted to sing. And so a lot of times I wouldn’t sing a song or could only sing a short part of it for not knowing more of the words.

Good memory of my dad

This actually brought back a good memory of my dad. I once complained to him how hard it was to learn the words to a song. He said he had the same problem. He said when they had a band it wasn’t unusual for someone to say hey play such and such and I’ll give you a dollar. He said we usually had to tell them well we don’t know the whole song how about we sing the first verse for a quarter. lol

My dad was a great kidder and a heck of a story teller. we never knew if he was being straight with us or making it up. And I believe his attitude towards life is where I get a lot of my positive nature from.

Regaining my confidence in my singing

So, for years I thought no one wanted to hear me sing. If I was singing for myself and someone walked up on me I’d quit or at least start singing softer. As I got older other people would hear me sing and complement me on my voice. I gradually started gaining confidence in it again.

Desperation is the mother of invention

Then we come to december of 2013. I was wanting to start recording videos for my website. I had the headset, and a couple of people had sent me ride videos to work with. But I didn’t have an intro. I had already put this off for over a year and had set myself a goal of doing it by new year’s day no matter what.

So, I sat down and tried just to see what my voice would sound like. I recorded me singing the christmas song by Nat King Cole. I told people about my progress recording videos and how I planned to do more in the future showcasing equipment for sale. And people liked it.

It probably didn’t hurt that I did my first one during the holiday season when people are in a more charitable mood. But people have generally liked all of them. I usually get at least 100 views, and more people watch the intro than watch the rest of the videos.

As I have been working to build my coaching practice and get my name out there I’ve been trying to think of products I can offer for free or for donations. So last week I got the idea of recording my own online album. Of course, this idea has the advantage of sharing a time when I faced my own fears.

So, I sat down and recorded full length versions of four songs The River by Garth Brooks, Love Me by Colin Ray, One Good Well by Don Williams, and Honky Tonk Moon by Randy Travis.

I plan to record more songs. Some will be the ones I have used in past youtube videos. Others will be those that have special significance to me or that I believe have a positive uplifting message.

Where to find them

I have uploaded these songs to Selz. I have also uploaded a video showing me singing parts of the songs so people can get an idea of what they will be downloading. They have a pay what you want option that I have combined with their free listing option. So, you can download the songs for as little as you like. I have actually encouraged people to grab them for free and if they like them; they can always go to the donate button on my website and make a contribution. πŸ™‚

And I want to take a moment to mention the great people at Selz.com. Their site is very accessible using a screen reader. And they have gone out of their way to show me that they would make it accessible if it weren’t already. Their coding department is actually looking into some suggestions I gave them. And they have replied to tech questions quickly even one I sent during Thanksgiving week.

As for the service it is very robust. You can list unlimited physical and electronic products. They offer templets to customize your store area. They don’t charge a monthly fee, they only take five percent of your grosses, and they pay you every week regardless of how much you have coming. The only negative I can find is their fees are so low they don’t offer an affiliate program.

The lessons

Yes, I have gone from self conscious about my singing and down right afraid at some points to being proud of it and now sharing it with the world. And who knows where this might lead. I’m hopeful that it will bring attention to my videos and help me make a name for myself online; but who knows. I’ve learned not to put limits on God.

I’m sharing this to point out that when someone tries something new and scary they are very vulnerable. They are like a new born child. It doesn’t take much to crush their spirit and kill their dreams. And you would be surprised just how little it might take.

Words have power. They can cut and cause injuries that last. Lots of people are dealing with big issues that started as small slights and little insults.

This is why support groups are so important. If you are stepping out on that ledge or tight rope you don’t want anyone telling you how high up you are or how badly you will get hurt if you fall. You want someone telling you not to look down, just put one foot in front of the other; and you can make it I know you can.

So, get out there and start doing those things that make you happy. If you like to sing, then sing the louder the better. Maybe its gymnastics, karate, ice skating, amusement parks, sky diving, body building, whatever. If dancing gets your blood pumping literally and figuratively, then dance like Ellen. If there has ever been anyone who dances like no one is watching its her.

If you need help overcoming those past hurts and blocking out the voice of your child that reminds you of how many times you have failed in the past; then I’m here for you. I can help you get clear on what the goal is, determine the steps needed to accomplish it, and be there to help keep you motivated and on track. I know you can do it. Lets do it together.

Sharing is caring

This post is unusual for me. It required me to share some personal stuff with you that I haven’t talked about much in my life. I think it could really help someone. S, please share this with your friends, family and coworkers. I also hope that you will post it to your social media networks. I think you owe it to that person who reads your posts who you know could really benefit from reading this post.

And I live for your comments. Its how I know if what I am writing is what you need to be hearing. Its how I connect with you and find out what is driving you crazy or making you happy as the case may be. The search engines only know my blog is worth reading if people leave comments. And you do get those lovely back links to your website and latest post for leaving your thoughts.

Well, that’s it for this time. I really do love hearing from you. If you aren’t comfortable leaving a comment then drop me a line. You don’t have to have a question or problem. I enjoy a good conversation with a new friend at any time. Thanks so much for reading and take care out there, Max

 

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20 thoughts on “Why I sing and how I can help you free the song in your own heart”

  1. What you are talking about here is what I did with skating over Christmas. It felt so good to get back on skates, even with the ever-present risk of falling and breaking something. I do like to take a good risk now and then, however I am seriously considering investing in a good pair of knee and elbow pads, just so I can take even more risks.
    πŸ™‚
    Now if only I could find the nerve to try a few other things on my list, I’d be off and running.

    Reply
    • Hi Kerry; What a great reply. I hope people will share more of the things they are wanting to tackle or that they have recently overcome. love that you want to get pads so you can do even more. i would like to try ice skating. I don’t have sky diving or bungee jumping on my list or anything else crazy like that. I do want to travel more as do you. Wondering what some of the other things are on your list. thanks for reading my posts and leaving such wonderful comments. take care, max
      maxwell ivey recently posted…Why I sing and how I can help you free the song in your own heartMy Profile

      Reply
    • hi jeannette; thanks so much for everything reading the post leaving an encouraging comment, and actually paying for my singing. woot woot and yep i’m mostly an old country singer. its what i grew up on people like muhrl haggard george jones johnny cash and later goerge straight randy travis and asleep at the wheel. yes i will definitely keep it up. harleena says i could end up being famous. told her maybe the podcast will? you are such a sweetie. xoxo max
      maxwell ivey recently posted…Why I sing and how I can help you free the song in your own heartMy Profile

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  2. Max, I think it’s wonderful that you have a newfound confidence in yourself and your ability to sing. Even if you think it’s sometimes an “inability.” LOL

    I enjoyed your stories about the guitar and the singing. My dad used to love to sing, and still does. He’s 73, and it’s nearly every day that he will start singing a verse from a song from out of nowhere. It is quite entertaining, really, to listen to him.

    When I was a child, he’d get us kids singing, too. I learned most of Hank Snow’s “I’ve Been Everywhere.” That song is quite a challenge and I’d dare you to try singing it!

    If you post a video to YouTube of you singing it, I’ll do the same. And we’ll have a good laugh about it. Because I can’t sing either.

    But I’d be willing to embarrass myself just for you. πŸ˜‰

    Lorraine
    Lorraine Reguly recently posted…Getting Recognition as an EditorMy Profile

    Reply
    • hi lorraine; glad i could bring you a good memory. my dad used to sing that one too but i think he did the johnny cash version. either way i know I can’t sing it. I can’t sing the auctioneer either. My younger brothers michael and patrick can play guitar. Of course, they play rock. ;( Several of my nephews play too. and my friend aaron morse told me I sounded good. He said it would have been even better if I had the music behind me. I told him maybe I’ll check into getting some kereokee audio files. the post was more a way to show people that even though I was afraid I still did it and it turned out just fine. Its a real face your fears step out of your comfort zone moment. Now, I need to decide if I will post a video I just recorded to this site as part of the home page. what do you think? thanks again for your support and encouragement. ps pick a different song and we’ll go on Skype and record a duet.
      maxwell ivey recently posted…Why I sing and how I can help you free the song in your own heartMy Profile

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  3. Hi Max,

    You know you have a lovely voice, and that’s just what I mentioned when I heard you first, once you shared this video on the other site. πŸ™‚

    Yes, besides the self confidence, it’s even a great outlet – a nice way to emote, just like an artist who paints, isn’t it? I liked the story you shared behind it. I never gave it a try (singing) – all I manage to do is hum a few lines – more of a bathroom singer…lol…but yes, it’s a nice form of expression, and we hope to see more of videos from you, singing now.

    Thanks for sharing. Have a nice weekend πŸ™‚
    Harleena Singh recently posted…What Does The World Need TodayMy Profile

    Reply
    • Hi Harleena; you remember how hard it was for me to believe that i was an inspiration. well believing that my voice is good enough that people want to hear it even look forward to hearing it more will take a little getting used to too. yes singing painting dancing are all good methods of expression. I will be recording more videos. next on my list is one for the book. I’ve also gotten great feedback on the intro video. have uploaded it to my site, but am planning a three part video to replace it. and yes it does give me even more confidence. thanks so much for your love and support my friend. xoxo max
      maxwell ivey recently posted…Why I sing and how I can help you free the song in your own heartMy Profile

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  4. My dad also plays the guitar. Childhood memories when dad plays and sings, and we listen to his children – some of the best memories of my childhood. The ability to play on a musical instrument or singing skill, helps to realize themselves in life.

    Reply
    • hello; so glad i could bring back some good memories. my aunt has some cassette tapes of my grandfather playing and singing that she has promised to upload soon. and yes music be it playing an instrument or singing does have positive effects on people’s lives. it can also help to foster a sense of community. thanks and take care, max

      Reply
    • Hi James; Thanks for your comment. I agree that a professional recording space with proper equipment and an experienced engineer are ideal; that they should never be used as an excuse for not recording. Hoping that someday we can record together, Max

      Reply
  5. I am not talented in the music department whatsoever, but I do love and appreciate music. It is so important to teach our kids to appreciate the arts so we do not lose them one day!

    Reply
    • You are so right. Appreciating music and the other creative art forms is very important to a healthy culture. I will always get nervous when I sing, and I will probably always doubt my ability to move people with my voice. But I will keep doing it either way. Thanks for following my posts and for leaving your comment, max

      Reply

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