Being Teachable...

In the three weeks that I have been taking voice, I have realized something. I've realized that there are three people that I am completely vulnerable and uninhibited with...One of them is my husband, Jeff, and one of them is my voice teacher, (all the ladies should know who the third one is). I was telling this to Jeff the other day, and being the former high school/college football player that he is, he said, that's what makes a person coach-able. I couldn't agree more! However, there is one other thing that makes a person "coach-able", and that is being able to admit to yourself that you know nothing or very little, and NEED a teacher in order to become the best that you can be in whatever it is you're involved in...football, voice...whatever. When I was 18 I took voice for a short time, but I wouldn't and couldn't admit to myself that I needed to learn, which in turn, caused me to be inhibited, and consequently, unteachable. I regret that now. I just wasn't in a space though, where I felt I needed help with my singing, after all, I was going to be a rock star, so who needed to learn technique or classical anything, right? Well, let me tell you, everyone who wants to sing should know technique..it's what's going to allow you to not only sing well, whatever type of music you get in to, but most importantly, it's going to allow you to keep your voice for a lifetime. Singing without proper technique has made a lot of people a lot of money, but in the long run, it will undoubtedly destroy their voices..it's just not worth it, in my opinion. So, if you sing or you aspire to, do yourself a favor and find a qualified voice teacher, who knows what she's doing. But first and foremost, you've got to admit that you NEED a teacher..and then allow yourself to be vulnerable with her..THAT is the beginning of great technique!

Voice Lesson # 2

Voice lesson #2 was great! My teacher is awesome and I am loving learning how to sing correctly! I feel like a sponge, just soaking it all up! If I could go every day, I would! I am working on breathing and learned about some new muscles to use. She is also teaching me about chest voice vs head voice, and what makes them different from each other. She got me two notes higher this week than I could go last week..awesome! She knows what she's doing! I have started recording the lessons, so I can go back and listen and remember everything. It's great! I listened to the whole thing today, in the gym..it's a great tool, to have that recording! I have much to work on, and incorporating everything is a challenge, but I am working hard to do it. One great thing is that she has me practicing in a mirror so I can watch for certain things. The key, I believe, is doing exactly what she tells me to do, and PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE! I know Jesus wants me doing this, so He will help me. He is awesome, and I am thankful for the opportunity and desire to learn to sing with proper technique, and for a super teacher.

Caroline Krieger/Songwriter: If You Sing, Do It Correctly!

Caroline Krieger/Songwriter: If You Sing, Do It Correctly!: If you've ever read my bio on this page, you'll know that I do not consider myself a singer, though I used to. I say that because at...

Voice Lesson #1

My first lesson was great! Well, not great as far as my singing, but great in that my teacher is awesome and I am sure I am going to learn a lot as time goes on! I was nervous but we got along great from the get go, so it made it easier for me. She took me through some vocal scales (exercises) to determine my current range, and also started to teach me about proper breathing..along with more vocal exercises. I realize that even after signing in bands and studios, and in front of audiences, most of my life, at age 45 I am a total rookie when it comes singing correctly! I am ready for this journey, though, and excited to learn to sing properly. I want to access the full potential of my voice! I want to be the best singer I can be, for my music, and most importantly, for Jesus! He gave me a voice but I am responsible for taking care of it and for too long, I have not. Now is the time! Stay tuned for next week's voice lesson post!

If You Sing, Do It Correctly!

If you've ever read my bio on this page, you'll know that I do not consider myself a singer, though I used to. I say that because at age 45, it's very difficult for me to sing..my control is almost non existent. It's quite frustrating! This is a direct result of singing incorrectly all my life. When I was 18 I took lessons for a short period of time, but again I was 18, so who needed technique...I DID! So, Monday, I begin voice lessons with a wonderful teacher!! I have GOT to do this if I want to continue to sing, and do it well. Right now, I do not do it well..and I know it. When I was much younger I could easily get away with singing, without using proper technique..but no more. I say this to encourage ANYONE who sings, but does not do it correctly, to go take some lessons from a qualified voice teacher! You will not regret it!! If you do not learn correct technique, someday you will surely regret that!