With a background in music and a passion for helping people reach their musical goals, a local voice instructor will take up her newest role at First United Methodist Church (FUMC).
Veronica Hodgson, the new director of music ministry at FUMC, said she’s excited to be apart of FUMC and their long-tradition of outstanding music.
“I’m just thrilled to be apart of that,” she said.
She said this month, she had the opportunity to visit with those involved in the Bell Choir and Chancel Choir.
Hodgson said when she first heard of this opportunity opening up, she learned the church needed a pianist. She asked if they were seeking out a music director as well. They were.
After many conversations, Hodgson said she interviewed and it was a good fit.
Hodgson said she started her music journey at Brigham Young University and received an “outrageous number of credits” while attending university.
After marrying her husband, Hodgson finished her degree up at Cameron University, where she graduated with a degree in music.
She’s sang her entire life, from the age of four.
“I’ve never stopped,” she said. “I really, really loved performing when I was younger.”
She said she’s done a lot of opera and musical theatre over the years and while in college, Hodgson discovered and fell in love with directing.
“I started directing opera and opera scenes while I was in school and that just opened up a whole new world of creativity,” she said. “I loved that aspect of it.”
Hodgson said she also pursued her musical passion through church by playing the organ and conducting church choirs for years.
“This dove tails nicely with what I’ve done in the past, but is certainly going to give me new adventures,” she said.
Currently, Hodgson owns Hodgson Studio of Music and Drama in Duncan, where she teaches private voice.
She’s taught voice for around 30 years.
“It’s something that I love,” she said. “I love being apart of people discovering their talents and helping them reach their goals.”
Hodgson said she’s ready for this new opportunity at FUMC.
“I spend most of my day with children, teens and young adults and many of our members are more mature,” she said. “I’m excited to be able to help these folks reach their musical goals there.”
With the Christmas Cantata at FUMC in its planning stages, Hodgson said they are just in the beginning stages for the upcoming season.
Tanya Case said Hodgson began her new role on Aug. 1 and they are excited for this new journey.
“Duncan First United Methodist Church is very blessed that Veronica Hodgson has joined us as our music director,” Case said.
