Q and A: Aubrey Pousson

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Last Modified: Monday, June 16, 2014 at 2:16 p.m.

Big Fun on the Bayou correspondent Thad Angelloz recently had the opportunity to interview 31-year-old Aubrey Pousson of Cut Off. Pousson is a certified voice teacher, wife of Billy Pousson, and mother of an 8-year-old daughter and 14-month-old son. To learn more about Pousson or watch her in action, visit vocalsinging.com.

What was your earliest memory of singing and what was the song or tune you sang?

When I was around 5 years old, I was visiting my Paw-Paw at his little country store in Bourg. He asked me to sing, “Oh What a Beautiful Morning,” for some people who were from Oklahoma. I remember singing the song for them, and they gave me a few quarters for singing. I immediately went to the candy aisle and picked out a candy to buy with the money. The musical “Oklahoma” was one of my favorite movies to watch as a child.

At what point did you realize you had a gift for singing?

I realized that I was gifted when I would get most of the solos I tried out for at around the age of 9. After singing a solo in our school play in fourth grade, a lady walked up to me and told me that I sang well. She was the children’s choir director at St. Genevieve Catholic Church, and she recruited me to join the choir.

What are your thoughts about the plethora of singing shows on TV these days? Are you a fan or not?

I like them, though there are too many shows for me to keep up with every week. My husband and I also enjoy watching other TV shows and movies. There just aren’t enough hours in the day to fit them all in. Thank goodness for DVRs!

Did you participate in choir as a child or in high school?

Both as a child and in high school, I was in choir. I participated in the St. Genevieve Catholic Church Choir, Evergreen Junior High School Choir and H.L. Bourgeois High School Choir. It was during my eighth-grade year that one of my teachers from school heard me sing in church. She recognized me and had me tested for Gifted and Talented while at Evergreen. I tested into the program and received a private voice lesson each week all through my junior and high school years. I also participated in all the District VII Honor Choirs from ninth through 12th grade and participated in the All-State Choir my junior year in high school.

Talk about your days at Nicholls. I saw you were a vocal major and won an award in 2007. How did your college experience help you to become a better singer?

I loved my years at Nicholls. The program was a perfect fit for me, and the vocal training I received truly transformed my voice. I learned how to sing with less effort by learning how to breathe properly. What I loved about Nicholls’ Music Department was that they were so personable and easily accessible. The year I graduated, I received the “Vocal Music Major of the Year” award that is chosen by the Music Department’s faculty. I was very honored to receive this award because my name was added to the plaques on the walls of the music department. I have an 8-year-old daughter who is also a talented singer. She recently tested into the Talented and Gifted program for singing. Seeing my name on the plaque at Nicholls inspires her to do her best, and that warms my heart.

What is one of your more memorable performances and where did it take place?

My senior recital at Nicholls is my most memorable performance. Voice majors must give a concert their senior year. I sang 17 songs in four different languages, including English, Italian, German and French. It was an amazing experience to put on a concert for all of my family and friends.

Discuss your website. When did you start up your business? Also, is this your full-time job?

The website was created in November 2009. I chose a name that would be easy to remember and was amazed that vocalsinging.com was available. I created the website in the hopes that it would get the word out and help people choose me for weddings and funerals. At 14 years old, I began playing the organ and singing at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Montegut to earn money. I did this for about 10 years at various churches in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. Now, I mostly sing at St. Genevieve Catholic Church a couple of weekends a month. I have been teaching voice lessons off and on for the past 10 years. My business is a part-time job. I am a stay-at-home mom and teach voice lessons three days a week for about three hours in the afternoon. I also sing for Masses, weddings and funerals on occasion.

On average, how many times do you perform each year and how many people have sought you out for lessons?

I perform about 30 times a year and absolutely love it. I’ve probably had around 50 students total in the years I’ve taught voice lessons. I would love to perform more and teach more students. I especially love to sing for weddings.

Singing seems like it is a natural talent where you either have it or you don’t. In your opinion, can anyone be made into a good singer with enough practice?

Most people can learn to sing better with enough practice, but not everyone. There are certain qualities that make for a good voice student. It is good to have an open mind to trying new techniques and different styles of singing, especially classical music. A person must also be able to tune into their body since it is our instrument for singing. Another important quality is a good ear for listening. In my experience, some people get used to singing a certain way and are not willing to change even if it is damaging to their vocal chords. It is like breaking a bad habit, which can be very difficult for some people.

Did you ever have any interest in trying out for one of the many singing/talent shows on TV?

As much as I love performing, I have never had the desire to try out for any talent or singing show on TV. Many family members and friends have told me I should try out, but I have wanted to be a voice teacher since I was in the eighth grade. I have never wanted to be famous for some reason. I am very blessed to be living the life I’ve always dreamed of living. I have a wonderfully, supportive husband and two precious children.