Chapter 1

Summary: Kurt and Blaine return back to school for Spring semester after Christmas break. They're both students at NYADA. They have never met. They're both from Ohio. Both graduated high school in 2012 and entered college in the Fall. They nailed their audition on the first try. Even though they've seen each other occasionally around campus last semester, they never spoke to one another. They didn't have classes together or run in the same social circles. Both were busy maneuvering New York City, classes, work and studying. Kurt and Blaine didn't meet each other until now….January 2013. They met in class and became partners for the entire semester. What could possibly happen in one semester?

Blaine returns to New York City a week earlier than expected. He returns to his apartment on the Upper West Side. He decided to come back early since his parents had gone away for the holidays. The house back home was just too quiet, too big. There wasn't much to do around Westerville, Ohio anyway. He visited his friends and caught up with everyone. Even attended a couple parties his Warbler brothers had thrown. He spent time with his former boss and friend, Mr. Bobbitt, before he and his wife left to spend the holidays with her parents. So back in NYC he cleans his apartment, goes shopping for food, and decides to see a Broadway show. He purchased his books for the upcoming semester and got a headstart on the reading. Blaine was ready for school to start. He is excited about a new year, and a new school semester.

Returning back to New York after Winter break and spending time at home with his parents, Kurt is looking forward to the new year. He spent a whole month back in Ohio with his parents, Burt and Carole, and his friends. Christmas was different this year for all of them. It was their first Christmas without Finn. There were periods of melancholy. They cried and hugged one another. Still, they did the best they could to celebrate, to honor Finn and to keep moving forward. They decorated the tree, and shared funny stories of time passed. To keep busy, Kurt helped his dad at the shop, and helped Carole make dinner most nights. He was happy to hang out with Mercedes who was home from Los Angeles, and learn all the latest gossip. Now back in New York, Kurt is so looking forward to school, a new year, a new semester, new classes, meeting new friends, and new possibilities.

"Welcome to the Spring semester of Music History. My name is Dr. Michael Howell. I'm an alumnus of Juilliard. I've spent fifteen years on the Broadway stage. Performing was my life. After a bad fall and knee surgery, I hung up my dancing shoes. I went back to school to help teach the next generation of performers, YOU. After retiring, I earned my Master's and PHD from NYADA in Music Education. My credentials are posted on the last page of the syllabus. You'll find every show I ever worked on there. My phone number, email, and office hours are at the top of the syllabus here. You can make an appointment, or drop by. You're expected to attend all classes, participate in all discussions and assignments. If there's an emergency and you'll be missing class, email me immediately. Otherwise three unexcused absences in this class will earn you an automatic fail. If class is canceled due to weather or for whatever reason the school or I will email or text you immediately. Always check your email and texts before leaving home. Once I pass out your syllabus, I'll go over the assignments with you. The required book for this class is listed here. If you don't have it already, you will need to get your book ASAP. If you have problems getting your book, see me after class. Any questions you may have, today's a good day to ask.

"Alright, now you know about me, I want you to tell us a little bit about yourselves. Since this is mostly a freshman course, tell us your name, major, and something interesting about you. We will start with you." Pointing to the young lady right up front…

"My name is Chelsea Hairston and I'm a freshman. I'm undecided on a major but I know I want to perform in some capacity.

"Great, next?" The professor said.

"My name is Blaine Anderson. I'm a freshman majoring in Performance and Production. I play five instruments and have a love for ballads. I'm interested in being on stage and behind the stage working in producing shows and music in the future."

'Wow, he has a very nice speaking voice.' The young man sitting next to Blaine thinks.

"Double major?" The professor asked.

"Yes, sir." Blaine replied.

"Great, next."

"I'm Kurt Hummel. I'm majoring in Performance and minoring in Fashion Design. NYADA is known to be the best at both. I would love to perform on Broadway, I also love designing clothes just as much.

"That's great, ever think of costume design?"

"Yes, that's a possibility, but not definite. I'm more interested in designing men's clothing."

"Keep that door open, there's a great future in costume design. Next."

'Fashion and performance, talented. Seeing what he's wearing, I'm not surprised.' Blaine thinks to himself.

'The professor goes around to everyone in the class.

"You're mostly freshmen. It's okay if you're not sure of a major just yet. You still have time. Now that we've all been introduced, let's go into the lessons. Since next month is Black History Month and there's also Valentines Day, we're going to implement the two together. Your assignment is to find a love song or a ballad by an African American artist or group from the 1960's-1980's era. There's so much rich culture in music during that time. We have the civil rights movement, the fight for equality that spanned for decades. How many of you have heard of Motown record label? Dr. Howell goes on."

Blaine looks around and counts ten hands going up, including his.

"Motown was the most famous and successful record label for Blacks during that time. Motown started in Detroit and was responsible for the careers of Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, and the Supremes, Marvin Gaye, the Commodores, the Jackson 5, to name a few. Motown gave us so many talented artists and great music. So for the entire month of February we will study African Americans' contribution to music." The professor continues.

"This is sad." The young man sitting next to Blaine whispered. "My mom sang Motown songs to me before I was born!"

Blaine looked up and saw the most beautiful blue eyes he has ever seen in his life! Startled, he stutters over his words..."M..my name is ..is Blaine." As he held out his hand.

The young man takes his hand and says, "Kurt. It's nice to meet you." Blaine smiles as he lowers his head looking bashful.

The professor starts to speak again, "Okay, you have one month to find a song, tell me why you chose the artist, or group. Do your research. I want to know the record label, and why you chose that song. Step out of your comfort zone and to just have fun performing! Make sure it's videotaped. No exceptions and no make up assignments. You all have plenty of time. Check your syllabus daily for reading assignments. As you can see there's a quiz bi-monthly on the assigned reading. Now, back to your performance, I want you to perform your song in front of an unfamiliar crowd, strangers even. Such as a Karaoke bar that you've never visited, maybe a church, a restaurant, or even a group in the park. It really doesn't matter where. This is a way to learn about different audiences and to sing accordingly. I'll be watching to see how you connect with your audience."

The class moans and sighs.

"You all are here at NYADA because you want to perform. Many of you want to perform on Broadway, television, or become a recording artist. For those of you who still suffer from stage fright or just freezes up before a performance, this is to find a technique to help you relax and lose yourself in song. Make sure to have someone to tape your performance. After I have watched your video and deems it appropriate, we will watch it in class. This will count as 30 percent of your final grade. So, put thought into this." Dr. Howell continued to go over the syllabus while answering questions about assignments and due dates.

Blaine subtly looks over at Kurt as he takes notes on his MacBook. He notices that Kurt is well dressed for class. While most students grab a sweatshirt and jeans, Kurt's ensemble is immaculate! He's wearing Marc Jacobs black leather knee high boots, Black Levi's and a Marc Jacob pink and black checkered wool cashmere sweater. His hair is perfectly coiffed high on his head. He looked like he stepped off the runway! Kurt catches him staring and smiles at him. Blaine quickly looks down and continues to take notes.

Kurt thinks to himself, 'He's kinda cute.' Blaine is wearing Brooks Brothers plaid maroon suit, Ralph Lauren white polo, and a silk black and maroon bow tie. 'Are those Johnston & Murphy lace up shoes? Oh, he pulls it off so well! Concentrate Kurt.' He says to himself.

"Lastly, you will work in pairs often in and out of class. I believe the feedback you receive from each other will be crucial to your growth as a performer. So, I suggest you grab a partner near you and exchange numbers before leaving today. Get to know each other. You will be spending quite a bit of time together for this class. I'll explain why next time! Have a great afternoon!"

"Will you be my partner?" Kurt and Blaine asked simultaneously. They both chuckled.

"Yes, I'd like that." Blaine replied.

"Okay, hand me your phone." Blaine hands his phone over to Kurt. Kurt puts his name and number in contacts and then texts himself. "Well, I'll see you soon." Kurt says.

"Yes, see you soon." Watching Kurt walk out of class. 'This semester is going to be interesting for sure.' Blaine chuckles as he prepares to leave class.