songmid test

"I'm not a singer. I've never been one before, let alone written a song.
Writing a song with Louise's skilled assistance was so much easier
than I expected. And it was SO moving that I found myself filled
with joy, singing pieces of it to myself all week. I feel empowered.
I feel filled with joy, knowing I really CAN sing, write music,
and deeply access and express personal truths
in a form I never could before."
--R. Simons, Chicago

"Thank you, Louise, for demystifying the beautiful bond with my special one!
An incredibly heart-warming experience. How simple it was
to communicate with my unborn child in such a meaningful and
fundamental way: through song."
--C. Koenig, Chicago

"I found the song-midwifery process surprisingly deep and moving.
It helped me clarify beautifully what I wanted to express."
--P. Denney, Chicago

"Working with Louise in creating a song about our lost firstborn son
opened up channels too-long closed, and allowed the tears
to clear the guilt, so only love might flow."
-- P. L., Evanston

"Louise's work cut right through the pain and lethargy,
transforming them into life-affirming strength and joy."
-- P. Battaglio, Chicago

"My work with Louise truly helped me find my voice with regard to an
important relationship in my life. I had never considered myself a singer
-- much less a songwriter -- but Louise worked patiently with me until I had
uncovered my truth. She then drew out the melody that was already
within me and helped me set my words to it. The song has become
my new 'soundtrack' with regard to this relationship,
replacing feelings of self-doubt with clarity and strength."
--R. Lindell, Chicago

"Who knew there was a composer lurking inside me?
Through Ms. Cloutier's gentle yet well-informed guidance,
I have learned what it takes to turn my life into music.
I now have a thorough understanding of chord structure,
how a song is put together, and how to tell a story through song.
Working with this class, I have penned and notated several songs,
and have even performed a few of them at venues around town
--and all this with a limited musical background!
Most importantly, I have found a way to turn my trials and triumph
into a lasting monument to the human spirit!
Brava, Louise!"
--Juarez Hawkins, visual and performing artist

"Finding the song within --that's what I am learning to do...
Having never written a song or melody, I am, four songs later,
awed by this experience, excited about the possibilities,
and grateful for the talents of Louise Cloutier."
--Y. Jeffries, Chicago