Voice Lesson #38

Today's lesson was filled with great info. My problem is getting all that info out of my head and into my body! I feel like I am still trying to hold my breath and also I have so much tension, and can't seem to keep the correct shapes on the inside, with my palate. Very frustrating, for sure. Sometimes I wonder why I keep trying. It would be so much easier to just give up, and continue singing incorrectly, but then I remind myself that if I were to give up, at that moment I will have lost. If I continue on, I will eventually get better. I knew this wasn't going to be easy, but it's even more difficult than I expected. I will not give up, though. If I stop giving it all I've got, I will never improve. I have to remind myself that a year is not long at all in learning classical voice, especially at my age. I know I have a long way to go, and a lot of work ahead of me. I have to persevere, no matter how difficult it is, and no matter how discouraged I might get. And don't get me wrong, I am not in a constant state of discouragement, but I do have my moments, especially lately. I have to stay positive, though, and forge ahead...it's my only option. A positive attitude and practicing everyday, even when I don't feel like it, is essential. I will improve, eventually. If you want to pursue classical voice study, start NOW! The longer you wait, the more difficult it will be to learn. I do thank God for the opportunity to study, and to study under such a brilliant teacher. I am grateful for her patience with me, as well. I know I am a challenge for her. So, I guess this weeks blog is just one about feeling a bit down.. yes, I do get down, every once in a while. BUT, chin up and continue on... Thank you, Jesus, for keeping me focused on the learning and trying to improve, and mostly, on YOU..and not on the things that frustrate me. All the glory to God!

Voice Lesson #37

This weeks lesson was great! Lots of awesome info! I think the relationship between the soft palate, vowel shapes, muscles, and an open throat is finally making sense. It takes a tremendous amount of concentration at this point, and I can't seem to hold the soft palate continuously, but I will get it, sooner or later, and at the rate I'm going it will be later. It's going to take training those muscles, and a lot of muscle memory! The only way to get there is practice and lots of it! So, I forge ahead, as usual! My teacher was asking me which song I would want to do at the recital, so I told her. She agrees with my choice, but really would like to see me do two..the second one is undecided. We started a new one this week, and I think it may be the one, but am really not sure. I am finding that even with an open throat, the tongue is still giving me trouble, especially on AH and A. AH tends to be an easier vowel for most, but not me. I also still have a huge issue with furrowing! Concentration and worry show up on my face, all the time! Continuing on, with much dedication and determination, and a very positive attitude is still key. Practice everyday and never giving up, is also key. Without all of these things I won't get anywhere. My teacher is fantastic and continues to have so much patience with me, which I am so grateful for! One of these days I will make her proud :) I am, as always, so thankful to God for allowing me to do this, at all. He has blessed me so much! I am truly and forever grateful and faithful to Him. Thank you, Jesus for all you do for me, everyday! Without Him, I would not be doing this at all..that's the truth!