Voice Lesson #41 & #42

Been working toward singing at recital. It went well, for the most part. Some aspects went ok, and some didn't. All in all, though, I am very glad that I did it and will continue to take advantage of every opportunity to perform in that type of venue. It is a very different type of performing than I have ever been used to, and despite my nerves, I do enjoy it very much. Progress is slow but sure. I think a big part of my issues is that I am just not confident with the technique, so when I am singing in front of anyone, whether it's my teacher, a judge, or at recital, or anyone else, my nerves and lack of confidence get in my way and inhibit any ability that I may have to execute the technique in any sort of proper form. My teacher said, and I agree with her, that the best way to conquer that is to continue to perform in front of people at every opportunity. So, this I will do! We are going to look into doing some Italian songs, which my teacher is hoping will help me make some progress. I am looking forward to this! Well, we forge ahead, as usual, giving glory to God, all the way! Without Him we can do nothing! I thank Him for the progress I have made, for the difficulties I have, for the opportunity to study classical voice with a brilliant teacher and for the ability to sing, at all. My God is awesome!

Voice Lesson #40

Hey, gang! So, my 40th voice lesson was chock full of great information, but what's new, right? That darn Passaggio is still giving me lots of trouble, but sooner or later, it is going to have to submit. My focus right now, though, is getting through this next week. I am very anxious about recital, though I know that no matter how I do, it is good for me to do it. It's good for me to put myself in uncomfortable singing situations, like recital and Festival, because the more I sing in front of people the better it is for me. I think we have settled on the two pieces I'll be doing, but you never know, there is always a chance of a late breaking change in songs. The reason for a change would be that one of the songs is just not sounding good enough. There is one other song option at our disposal..if we have to play that card, we have it. Other than that, I am very slowly noticing some improvements. Not so much with my overall singing, but I am aware of more and more things that are inhibiting me with the technique. This is good, but it's still very difficult and will take a long time to break habits and put all aspects of the technique together, at the same time, in the form of a song. It seems that everything never all works together, correctly. In other words, I may be breathing well, but my placement is off, or I don't have the internal space. Or maybe my placement is right on, but I'm lacking support. All of these aspects of classical technique have to be correct, and work together, otherwise it just doesn't happen. I will just continue on, practicing and singing at every recital and festival, no matter how much I don't want to, because I lack confidence in my ability. I know some of you are thinking, "aww, she shouldn't lack confidence", but seriously I am not good at all at the technique yet, I'm not feeling sorry for myself, I just am truly not good at it yet. It will be a long time before I am. My teacher and I both know this. It's just the nature of classical voice. It is not something that is learned and mastered quickly. I love it, though and will keep on, keeping on! Praise God for giving me the determination, discipline, and desire to this, and for an amazing teacher who has more patience than I deserve, and an amazing husband who stands with me all the way! I love you, Jesus!

Voice Lesson #39

So, today's lesson...really great! I did not sing well, but we did do some exercises that helped me get my placement in a better spot, which is always a good thing! I have been doing the same exercises during practice this week, so I am happy to say that practices have been going well! We also pretty much decided that I am going to do a different song than what we thought, for recital. I am just not there with this one particular song, and I know it. As far as I know, I will be singing two pieces for recital. I am very nervous but I know I need to do this. I feel very inadequate next to these kids, but I will survive, I suppose. I also am still having great trouble with the Passaggio. That is an area that just won't give in...very stubborn. I will continue to plug away at it though, just like with every other aspect of classical technique. As I've said before, if you desire to get into this, start now! It will takes years to get good at it. I am at a year now, and have such a long way to go, yet. I love it though, I really do. Every aspect of it. I truly enjoy it. Thank you, Jesus for the opportunity to do this and for the people you've put in my life as a result of it. I am so blessed and thankful! I give you all the glory, Lord!