Voice Lesson #32

Today's lesson was great, as always! We started out with exercises to warm up with, and then worked on a new song and I was given music for 2 others, which makes 4 new songs that we're working on. One of them is in one of my books. My teacher chose songs that would not take me to far to my top, so as not to strain my abs just yet. The two that we worked on, lie pretty much in the Passaggio area, which is still very difficult for me. I am really trying to work on that. Engagement is getting easier, though when I really tighten those ab muscles, I certainly feel the pain, still. I am getting there, though! I am excited about working on these new songs..each song we do is always a challenge in many ways, and now I have next years Festival to look to, and work towards. Each year we have to advance, so next year will be more difficult, I'm sure. I am looking forward to the challenge! The bad news about this weeks lesson, is that I did not realize that my recorder was low on memory and so it only recorded 15 minutes of the hour lesson. I realized something was a miss when I went to turn the recorder off and it was already off. I asked my teacher if she had turned it off, which is fine with me, if she does...I just didn't remember doing it and was trying to figure out what had happened. Well, I realized what went wrong, when I got home and went to transfer the recording to the computer. UGH...only 15 minutes!! I was sick over it! But it taught me to always check for memory!! I will not forget again! Well, that's all I have for this week. Y'all have wonderful day and keep your eyes on Jesus..and if you don't know Him, what are you waiting for?? :)

Voice Lesson #31... First Time Since Surgery..and Judge's Comments!

Decked out in sweat pants, because it's all I can wear right now, I happily went to my lesson, today! It was my first one since I had my surgery. I couldn't wait! I missed it so much! It was great to see my teacher and catch up on things, and to be taught again! I was really surprised that my singing wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be. I think my teacher was surprised, too. I had only been practicing for a little over a week, on a regular basis, which means that I didn't sing for almost three weeks! It was not easy to get back into it. My voice did not want to cooperate with me..not to mention my lower abs had very little strength. It's been difficult to engage for breath support and control, but it's getting better. The more I heal, the stronger they get. It was a great lesson, as usual though, but extra special because I had been away for so long.. Now, I know festival was last month, but yesterday was the first time I got to see the judges sheet for my performance. I did not have my glasses with me, so my teacher read me the comments...I was really very surprised! There are certain categories that you're judged in and for each of them you are given a plus or minus. I got only one minus, which was under breath support. This did not surprise me at all. This is an area where I need a lot of improvement. I was however, very surprised that I got plus marks in everything else. The comments were all great except for a couple, which were helpful, for sure! I could not believe that this judge, who is a wonderful opera singer and has sung professionally, around the world, gave me such great comments! I was happy, too, that she was very specific. Now, believe me, I know that I have a lot of improvements to make and a lot to learn, but this was definitely encouraging! I sure hope I made my teacher proud! All the glory to God for allowing me to have such a great teacher, and for giving to her such talent, knowledge, and ability to teach. My teacher has an amazing voice and truthfully, if I can someday sing just half as well as she does, I will be thrilled! Praise God, for the life He has given me and the people He has put in it! I am blessed beyond measure!

Week Two, Post Op... No Singing Yet

So, had a wonderful time at the NFMC festival, and received a Superior rating...incredible! Then I had surgery and I'm on my second week of no singing. I can take the pain and the boredom, but it's the not signing that's driving me nuts! My doctor did not give me any restrictions concerning singing, but I have tried and my abs are not yet ready to engage. I have spoken to a couple of ladies on a Hysterectomy thread who are classical singers and they said it was at least three weeks before they began easing their way back into it. I am planning on trying again, this week. I have given a couple of vocalises a try, but I can't get very far. Not only is it painful, but I do not want to risk hurting myself. I have severe lifting restrictions and I know that strain on the abs, no matter where it comes from, is not good at this point. I have an appointment with my Doc this week and will ask her about it. I will explain in greater detail, the role that the abdominals play in classical voice technique, and see what she says. I certainly want to heal correctly the first time, but not being able to practice is the worst part of this! I know that probably sounds crazy, considering I had major surgery and have who knows how many stitches, internally..but singing and music is what I do..it's my thing and I miss it. It's going to take a little time to ease back into it, too. But as soon as I can I will, and I won't give up! I am hoping too, that by the time I get back to my lessons, which hopefully won't be too long, I will be able to show my teacher what I can really do, and not just somewhat. She is an outstanding teacher and deserves to hear what her teaching is doing for my singing. I want so much to be good at this and it may be taking me longer than some, but I will not give up..I will keep on, keeping on and eventually, be the best darn classical singer I can be! Before my surgery my teacher told that I would be fine, because God is on my side..she was right and He is also on my side with voice. He led me into it and will continue to lead me just as He's done with my surgery and everything else in my life! I am nothing without Him. I thank and praise Him, everyday, for all He does for me! Thank you, Jesus! Hopefully, by the time I post here, again, I will be back into my practicing! :)