Dear Dad,
It has been a little over a year now since I last saw you. I keep thinking about how we used to have conversations about being business owners; developing new ideas, creating new products, and keeping our business names associated with quality and trust. Even though our industries were so different – you as a Factory Rep and me as a Musician – we always had plenty of ideas to exchange.
I remember you telling me the story of joining the choir in elementary school, where they quickly put you into the “listeners class.” You struggled with pitch, but never let the stop you from belting out your own renditions of beloved classics like Randolf, the Green-Nosed Turtle (sung loosely to the tune of Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer).
I remember you traveling at odd hours to get home from your business travels, making it to nearly all of my performances. Even if you did doze off now and again, you were always a huge fan of my music.
You never let the negative opinions of others throw you off your path. Can’t sing in tune? Sing louder! Can’t find your voice? Live louder. Don’t like the way the world is going? Love louder. At least that is what I got out of watching you my whole life.
I’m frustrated, dad, with the sadness and pain in the world. I feel helpless. While I admire those who are fighters, I feel I am wired to offer kindness, an ear to listen, and something to look forward to. So, today, on what would have been your 88th birthday, I am launching a new music campaign. I want to spend one year teaching as many people as possible to play the violin. Every Sunday, I will post a new video lesson, taking students through the basics of violin playing. After one year, I will invite students to a virtual recital where we will record a song I wrote for you, and that will be edited into one big concert video.
I will call this campaign – Love Louder.
Over my 32 years of teaching, this will be the biggest teaching project I have dedicated myself to. I have so much to learn, but I feel confident that the creative team will come together to help me pull this off!
In this world of uncertainty, I want to give future generations a beacon of hope. I want them to see there is so much in this world worth preserving, and we can start by sharing our love for one another through music.
Love always,
Laura
READERS:
If you wish to join me on this campaign, subscribe to my Youtube Channel. (https://www.youtube.com/liquidc2)
First lesson will be posted on 25 May 2025.
