I wake up quite early because I always want to have some personal time before I go to work. I make sure to prepare hot coffee and a good breakfast so that I have energy until noon. I turn on the radio or put on the player my favorite Vembo song, which always brightens my day: “In the morning you wake me up with kisses …”. As soon as the clock shows 07.30, I get ready, as the school bell rings at 08.15 and I should already be in the classroom, ready for the daily lesson with my students. Fortunately, the music school I work at is very close to me, so I can steal a little more time for myself.

I study at the Lamia School of Music where I teach violin. We rehearse intensively with the students who make up the student orchestra, as there are many events happening in different places from time to time. My students participate in many different musical groups that are created within the school, and they always have to be ready. Around 12 I have a small gap. I use this when chatting with colleagues or preparing for tomorrow’s lesson. Of course, many times I will enjoy a cup of coffee while reading a book. Lately, I’ve been aiming to read at least 40 minutes every day. These days I started an amazing book, the author of which is my favorite singer Jovanna. The book is called The Knot, and so far I find it fascinating.

I give myself time to cook and relax. When I am very tired, I can order food from my favorite restaurant, but since I really enjoy the process of cooking, I do something relatively easy and quick. I especially love pasta! I usually have a movie playing too. Recently, I can safely be called a movie buff. Recently, let’s just say, I saw “Blonde” about the life of Marilyn Monroe, which divided the audience quite a bit. Personally, it shocked me… Looking at it from a different perspective, it definitely provides some life lessons.

“Several times on a walk I also take my camera with me. I love capturing my moments.”

I dedicate an hour a day to my fitness, go to the gym or just go for a walk. I really like walking along my favorite central streets of Lamia. I calm down from the stress and obligations of the day and at the same time do good to my body, which helps me every day to be combative in everything I do. Several times I take my camera with me when I go for a walk. I love capturing my moments. I love photographing landscapes and images that evoke emotions in me. I distinctly remember the last time I took my camera with me, I came across a cute brown dog with a shiny coat sitting in the middle of the uphill road. At first he was frightened and growled a little at me. Later we found them and with his beautiful eyes he gave me the best click of the day.

I’m starting my studies at the conservatory. I give voice and violin lessons mainly to children, but often to my older friends as well. Plus, it’s never too late to start learning music! The room where I receive my students is my personal refuge, as I can spend hours immersed in the melodies and children’s laughter of the students. I sometimes go crazy with their funny questions! And sometimes I think about how quickly the years pass, and I remember myself as if it were yesterday, when I was at the conservatory in the early evening without noise.

A full 3 hour rehearsal begins as we prepare a new program for our upcoming performances in Athens. A program of high demands both for me, vocally, and for our musicians. My new single “Romance” has given us a strong motivation to create something special, always with a retro aesthetic and feel. In the meantime, when needed, I’m in the Music Row Showcase to listen to or record some of the new songs we’re preparing for the completion of our soon-to-be-released album.

I will talk to my family, make sure to watch the movie on Netflix, and relax with a glass of wine and a light dinner until I fall asleep. Unless I made arrangements with my friends to have a quick drink without breaking the clock too much, because… uh, when is the next day?

Janelle recently released the fifth single from her upcoming album titled “Romance” with lyrics and music written by Pennis Baltazzi.