Meaning: Betty Buckley, a renowned actress, shares her experience and gratitude towards her vocal teachers, Paul Gavert and Joan Lader, through this quote. She highlights the significant impact these teachers have had on her training as a lieder singer, a genre of German art song that involves expressive and emotive vocal performances.

In the quote, Buckley mentions her 19 and a half years of studying with Paul Gavert, a distinguished lieder singer. This extended period of mentorship underscores the depth of her training and the strong influence Gavert had on shaping her vocal abilities. Lieder singing requires a high level of technical skill and emotional interpretation, and Buckley's training under Gavert likely provided her with a solid foundation in these aspects of performance.

Furthermore, Buckley emphasizes that she considers herself a trained lieder singer primarily because of Gavert's tutelage, indicating the profound impact he had on her musical development. This acknowledgment speaks to the importance of a dedicated and skilled mentor in the journey of an artist, especially in a specialized and demanding genre like lieder singing.

Additionally, Buckley reveals that she has been studying with Joan Lader since 1995, who also had the privilege of learning from Gavert. This continuity in her vocal education suggests a sense of loyalty and trust in Lader, as well as a recognition of the lineage and tradition passed down through her teachers. The fact that Lader herself was a student of Gavert further solidifies the legacy and expertise that Buckley has been fortunate to benefit from throughout her career.

Moreover, the quote reflects the interconnectedness of the vocal training community, where teachers and students form a lineage of knowledge and skill. This lineage carries with it the wisdom, techniques, and artistic sensibilities that are passed down from teacher to student, creating a rich tapestry of learning and growth within the world of vocal performance.

In conclusion, Betty Buckley's quote encapsulates the profound impact of her vocal teachers, Paul Gavert and Joan Lader, on her journey as a lieder singer. It serves as a tribute to the dedication, expertise, and influence of these mentors, as well as a testament to the enduring legacy of knowledge and artistry within the realm of vocal training and performance.

This quote exemplifies the importance of mentorship and the enduring influence of dedicated teachers in shaping the artistic development of performers. Betty Buckley's acknowledgment of her mentors' contributions sheds light on the transformative power of guidance and expertise in the pursuit of excellence in vocal performance.