Mark Hansen Music - LDS Rock Music - Free Downloads

Mark Hansen Music - LDS Rock Music - Free Downloads
Get the new CD, "The Third Time" HERE




WARNING: Listening to this music doesn't require parental approval. It's a bit of clean rebellion. It keeps your outlook up and your hope alive. It's got strong drums and screaming guitars. It pumps you up and drives your life. It's a hunger for exploration. It chooses the right and returns with honor. It's music you don't have to confess to your bishop.

It's not your parents' "Saturday’s Warrior".

It's "A Joyful Noise"

Sunday, December 19, 2004

I had a wonderful experience yesterday morning. Linda, my old voice teacher gave me a call a few days before, saying she was going to sing at a Christmas party, and could I run sound for her.

Now, whenever I can, I jump at a chance to mix for her. Let me tell you the story. Several years ago, in '98, I think. No, '99. Summer of '99. Anyway, I had started the Mark Hansen Music website (it was called "A Joyful Noise" back then), and I was doing some gigs. I was discovering that I was a lousy singer! I'd sign up for shows at festivals in the summer, and after three or four songs, my voice was shredded. I can only imagine what the audience was going through.

My wife was an old friend of Linda's sister, so we knew the family pretty well. I called her to see about her prices. As we negotiated, we talked about doing the lessons on trade, where I would do sound for her, and any studio work she or a student needed. For years that went on, and I think that she got the bad end of that deal. She gave me far more in lessons than I ever gave her back.

Plus, she gave me confidence. How can you pay someone back for that?

Anyway, About a year and a half ago, for some reason, the lessons stopped. I don't really remember why. I think it was some scheduling issues, and then I figured she was done with essentially giving me free lessons. She called a few times to do some recording or have me set up a PA for her. And in the meantime, I keep using the practice CD's I'd made of our lessons to work out.

So, she called me to do this Christmas gig, and like always, I jump at the chance to "even out the ledgers" a little bit. We got to talking. She's going through a bit of a rough time, and it was fun to listen to her through that. And at the end of it all, she asked me to call and set up another lesson. I thought that was nice of her. She certainly didn't have to do that. I'm not sure if I will, because she certainly doesn't need ONE MORE student with her current stresses.

But it sure would be great!

Anyway, so I guess this post is a tribute to her and all she gave me. I mean, I'm still far from a great singer, but I'm a lot better than I ever was before, thanks to her instruction and patience.



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