ASTRID JORGENSEN - In perfect harmony

THE AUSSIE HAS MADE CHOIRS OUT OF HER AUDIENCES ALL OVER THE WORLD

- Emma Levett

Astrid Jorgensen always knew she was musical. She could sing in tune and intuitively play a song on the piano.

However, four years of violin lessons with a teacher who was verbally abusive left her feeling confused and unsure.

“She told me every week I was an idiot and the worst student she had,” Astrid, 35, tells WHO. “It was this consistently negative presence and heartbreaking as a child.”

Eventually, her father witnessed what was happening and took her out of the lessons. But the damage had already been done and Astrid found herself pulling away from music.

“I didn’t feel welcome in music,” Astrid says. “And I wasn’t exceptionally good at anything – I wouldn’t make it as a performer, singer or concert pianist.”

Even after studying her craft at university, she wasn’t confident – and her time as a music teacher only confirmed that that also wasn’t for her.