My career as a singer had reached a plateau, and I knew I needed a more professional voice teacher. For years I had been in demand as a soprano in theater and opera productions. Never at the highest levels, mind you, but I was quite good and kept myself busy with concert dates. The years had taken their toll, and although I was still in my thirties, constant singing can damage the voice.
Madam Lavalle had the best reputation for voice instruction, and my husband encouraged me to I approach her to improve my aging voice. She was in great demand, and I had to wait quite a while just to gain an audition, and I felt lucky when she accepted me.
Her studio was in the city, on an upper floor in a swanky neighborhood. Inside was a spacious room with few furnishings. The room contained a grand piano, a sofa, a few chairs and music stands. On my arrival, I met Madam Lavalle and her accompanist, Jacques.
Madam was older, perhaps in her late 60s, but well preserved. She was trim and very stylish with beautiful gray hair. Her demeanor was no-nonsense and to-the-point. Jacques never rose from his piano bench. He only nodded to me when Madam introduced him.
We got right down to business. She had me sing several pieces while she listened, and Jacques played beautifully to support me.
After twenty minutes, Madam stopped me. "My dear, you have a lovely voice to go with your lovely figure, and I can see why you've had success."
I nodded.
"But," Madam continued, "It is also clear that your singing range is not so wide as it once was, am I right?"
"Yes," I agreed.
"Well, I think we can work on this to help you," and with that Madam handed me a contract for her services. I was surprised by the high cost, but I knew she was the best. The contract included the words, "Accompanist to assist as necessary." I looked over at handsome Jacques and smiled as I signed the agreement.
We met weekly, and Madam tried methods to restore a higher range to my voice. Soprano has many high and low levels, and I wanted to retain my coloratura high range voice.
Two months later, I was satisfied with some progress, but it seemed that recovery of my old higher range might not be possible. It was then that Madam Lavalle made a startling suggestion.
"My dear, I think we have exhausted the possibilities of conventional voice training, but there is one technique that has worked in the past. In a few instances, I have had success in a case such as yours with an non-standard technique."
Madam turned and took down a photo album. "Do you see these artists?" she asked. She spoke to Jacques in French, and I did not know what she told him.
"Why yes," I recognized some of them as well-known singers.
Madam said, "These are some who trusted my instincts and have had fantastic careers."
"Oh, Madam," I said, "I could never match the success of these women."
She turned to me and smiled, "My dear, you are a lovely woman with a near-perfect voice. Let me now suggest a way that you might gain a little extra ability."
I was all ears, eager to hear what this wonderful teacher might know and share with me.
"Dear," she said, "All singers know that we sing with our entire bodies, not just our voices and lungs."
"Yes," I agreed. "It's important to stay fit and be ready to sing from your deepest parts."
"Exactly," Madam agreed. "With some of these singers that you admire, I experimented with a more personal technique. She nodded to Jacques, and he brought her a box.
"Singing is the most personal of the arts," Madam said as she held the box. "It is so personal that advantages can come from any what that we can tap your inner emotions. This is a small thing that can make a big difference in helping you reach your highest potential."
I agreed, and I was very curious about the box.
Madam Lavalle explained, "In this box is an item that I want you to wear the next time you come for a lesson." She handed the box to me and walked me to her door. "Farewell for now, and we will see you next week. Open this when you get home. Wear this when you come back next week."
I took box with me, curious the entire commute to my apartment. Once home, I couldn't wait to open the box. Inside was a curious device that puzzled me. Then, I was shocked. It was a device that women wear over their most personal body parts, a "butterfly" device that stimulates the vaginal area and clitoris. What on earth was Madam proposing?
Luckily, I opened the box before my husband came home.
During the days before my next lesson, I read the instructions and tried fitting the device into proper place. When I turned the switch, a vibration began to stimulate me in the most delightful way. I had heard of these things, but I never would have used one. My husband was no Romeo, but I never considered using marital aids or masturbation devices.
And what did it have to do with my signing? Was Madam suggesting something improper, or what did she intend?
By the next week, I had learned to enjoy this new toy. It had options to vibrate gently or more vigorously, and for the first time in ages I had orgasm after orgasm. How would I discuss this with Madam?
I was quite nervous as when I arrived for the next lesson. Madam Lavalle greeted me at the door with a smile. "Come in, my dear."
I walked in to the familiar studio. Jacques was sitting on the piano bench, as usual.
"Ah, my dear, did you try the little gift we gave you?"
I was embarrassed but replied, "Yes, mam."
"And do you see how this might help your singing?"
"No, mam, I'm afraid that I am confused," I answered.