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Music career takes off for 71 year old Frances shelley
Celebrating the amazing lives and achievements of women in the next chapter of their lives is central to the Rocking the Journey platform. We believe that the only things that can truly limit our dreams and aspirations is our own mindset. Taking risks and pushing out of our comfort zones, re-visiting those childhood dreams that were thwarted for one reason or another - we believe that life can be extraordinary at any age.
We are so inspired by the story of Frances Shelley, a composer and pianist based between East Anglia and Sintra in Portugal, whose musical career did not take off until she was in her mid 60s.
This is Frances’ story as told to Debbie
“As a child making up your own music was definitely not encouraged (who did I think I was?). and the piano lid was banged down on my hands at school if I was caught playing anything other than the classics. I didn’t know anyone else who made their own music … so it became a sort of closet activity, something I felt a bit ashamed of, but couldn’t stop doing.
In my late 20s I realised other people made music , but by then I was riddled with feelings of inferiority and felt unable to share mine. Or mention it. I became pretty unhinged. I was making a lot of money as a fashion model in the 70s for Models One agency, travelling the world, spending money and becoming addicted to mood altering drugs and alcohol. There was a rock bottom and thank God an old boyfriend got me into Rehab in 1980 (way before it was fashionable).
Being clean was a big step forward, but I still burned with the desire to make music, and still felt the shame around it. I married and divorced and had two daughters - throwing myself into single parenting while starting a wedding and events business in order to survive financially.
Eventually, approaching my 60s I enrolled on a 3 year course at Colchester Institute, ending up with a BA Hons Music Degree.
I’m so excited to share what can follow from a simple decision made by someone who is not only a woman but ‘older’
Ten years later, I find myself living the dream! I was honoured to be listed by the She Said So group on their alternative 100 music power list in 2017 and was signed by the prestigious composer agency and publishers Manners McDade in 2019. I have played on several major stages across the world.
I am so excited to share what can follow from a simple decision made by someone who is not only a woman but ‘older”.
My fourth album Songs of Possibility is due for full release this July and the first single in out on April 22. With this album I wanted to focus outwards and challenge self limiting beliefs. My music is always reflective of what I am experiencing on the inside, so with these tracks the music travels through the realms of regret, grief and loss towards optimism and a sense of excitement for living
Throughout my long and eventful life, two things have always kept me more or less sane. Making music and my connection with nature. I’m also a passionate Wim Hoff freezing cold morning swimmer.
Covid has forced big life changes on me - the closure of my events business after 25 years and having to move from my beloved home. However, the silver lining is clear to see, I’m excited to see how the next chapter of my life will unfold.
To sample some of Frances’ extraordinary music you can find her at www.francesshelley.com.
If you have an inspiring story you’d like to share please contact us at debbie@rockmyage.com or erika@rockmyage.com.
Ok, so it is our own work - but we can love it too!…Our new ‘Guides for the Seasons’ launches today with the first of three guides; ‘Eating our way to Health in the Autumn’. Lots of great nurturing recipes and ideas and insights into how our wonderful seasonal food can be so good for our immune system and our overall health and wellbeing. You can download our guides at: https://www.rockingthejourney.com/store
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We created Rocking the Journey for women who like us - women like you - who want to live life to the full - joyously and with courage.
