Interview with Grace Thomson
1. What was your first job?I started babysitting when I was 12 years old. As a teenager, I worked summers at a local mom-and-pop natural/organic grocery.
2. My current job is...
I teach private voice lessons to students in the Greater Nashville area.
3. What inspired you to pursue a career in music or music education?
I was fortunate to be born into a very musical family- I grew up immersed in many different genres of music, and was always encouraged in my musical pursuits. My biggest inspiration, however, was my high school choir director, Gary Lewis. He was a catalyst in my life, and an incredible example of what it means to be a teacher.
4. My first car was a...
1990 Mazda 626 that my friends called "Doris Betty".
5. My current mode of transportation is...
a 2005 Mazda 6... do we see a pattern here?
6. My dream car is a...
...car that's fueled by household garbage? A fine four-fendered friend? One that flies? As long as it works and isn't an environmental nightmare, I'm happy.
7. The last book I read was...
Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris. Right now I'm in the middle of Awareness Through Movement by Moshe Feldenkrais.
8. Who is the most famous person you have ever met?
I've had run-ins with a few famous people while living in Nashville.... the most memorable was Imogen Heap - I had the opportunity to perform alongside her at the Ryman a couple years ago.
9. If you could meet any person (dead or alive) who would it be and why?
Wow... this is a tough question! I would choose to meet my maternal great-grandmother, who I'm named after. It would be neat to have memories of her.
10. When I need inspiration, I...
a). Turn off the technology b). Run to nature c). Leaf through an old book d). Exercise e). All of the above
11. The educator or teacher that has left the most lasting impression on you...
I've been blessed to have some truly incredible professors and teachers, both in and out of formal academic settings. There's no way I could pick just one! Truly, the most lasting impression of my educators is that now, as a teacher myself, I have the opportunity, capability and privilege to leave a truly lasting impression on my students.
12. I've never...
gotten a speeding ticket.
13. What is one thing that very few people know about you?
I was an instrumentalist first - I played viola years before I ever took singing seriously.
14. My favorite experience as a performer would have to be...
traveling to Dortmund, Germany to compete in the first BinG! 2012 World Mixed Quartet competition. My quartet (Mixed Feelings) was the only American quartet! We had an absolute blast and came home with some pretty cool silver medals!
15. My favorite meal is...
fresh, homemade, gluten-free and ethnic!
16. I am terrified of...
clowns and drowning accidents.
17. If I could vacation anywhere in the world, where would it be?
I would love to spend time in the Mediterranean!
18. The last thing I purchased was...
a new Santoku chef's knife.
19. My radio is most often tuned to...
NPR.
20. My favorite singer is...
Donny Hathaway. Joan Osborne. David Phelps. Patty Griffin. Chet Baker. Fairuz. Gal Costa. Leny Andrade. Tony Lucca. (This list goes on...)
21. Musical instruments I enjoy playing include...
viola and (a little) piano. I also play a pretty mean egg shaker.
22. How old were you when you first started singing?
There are recordings from as young as age 2, but I grew to be a rather shy kid. I always could sing, but never liked to sing in front of people. I didn't actually take singing seriously until high school. 23. What do I like most about being associated with Nashville Singers?
They are a fantastic and fun bunch! They are true performers, and are passionate about their philanthropic mission. I have had the opportunity to work with them in coaching sessions as well as venturing into schools and the community to promote music education. I always walk away energized and inspired!
