Some Good Observations During Voice Practice...

If you read my last lesson post, you'd know that my teacher is taking the next two weeks off for some much deserved rest, but in the mean time, I will post what I observe during my practice sessions. I've been taking lessons now for just about 7 weeks. The first couple of weeks I was practicing 40 minutes or so, each day. From the third week on, I was practicing a good hour, everyday. For the past two weeks or more, I have been doing a good hour and a half, everyday. The first couple of weeks I was finding myself very hoarse after 40 minutes, during the third week I noticed a small improvement. However, now, at 7 weeks, going for an hour and a half, each day, I am finding that I have very little to no hoarseness. This is huge!! It tells me that even though I am not doing everything correctly yet, I am improving and doing things closer to correct, than I was previously. I also noticed something yesterday that I hadn't noticed before. I always use a mirror when practicing and also at my lessons, per my teacher. It's a great tool!! So, I was practicing yesterday and noticed that when I sing certain vowels and as my pitch raises, my tongue backs up, which in turn raises my larynx, which creates throat tension. (Consonants cause tension too, but that's for another day). We have been working on throat and tongue tension quite a bit, but I had not noticed this before, like I did yesterday. My teacher already knows that my tongue is backing up, but for me to SEE it, was a good thing. I made some notes (questions) to talk to her about at our next lesson. I think that if we can resolve this tongue tension, it will greatly help with the throat, as well. These observations may not sound like much, but for me, they are huge! I think at this rate, I will have two pages of questions and observations for her by the time I see her again! :)

Voice Lesson #6

So, lesson #6 was today, and I am sooooooooooooo frustrated with myself!! My teacher is great..it's just all me! Again, I am having issues with head alignment, shape of the mouth with vowels, and of course my arch enemy...THROAT TENSION!!! I can't seem to shake it! She told me today that because I've had so much singing experience, for so long, using my chest voice only, that I have to be patient. I know this is true and I will continue to be patient, focused, and determined... I will NOT give up! My tongue is also giving me fits. We are working on all of these aspects and sooner or later, I will get there. There have been some small improvements, but it's taking time. I suppose it would be worse if I wasn't making any progress at all, but that is not the case..it's very slow going, however. Phlegm is not helping either..it is not my friend! My teacher told me today that though I am getting into my head voice easier than I was, I am still not comfortable with it, which is true. It will take more time. I understand what she tells me, I hear what it should sound like and understand how I should get to "that" sound, but my body won't let me do it, just yet. But oh, trust me, I WILL win! I will not be defeated by bad singing habits! Proper technique will win out, for sure! I will continue to practice and work on everything she tells me to do..I trust her completely. I know that I am in good hands :) Like I always say, with a great teacher and Jesus, I WILL do this! And for anyone who may be wondering, I practice over 6 hours a week. My practice sessions go anywhere from an hour to an hour and a half, six days a week (lately an hour and a half). I do not practice the day of my lesson, but I do listen to it afterwards. Also, no posts about lessons for the next two weeks, while my teacher takes some much deserved time off! :) I may post about practice sessions, though..we'll see.

Voice Lesson #5

Today was voice lesson #5. I seem to myself to have made about an atom's worth of improvement, from last week. My teacher said, however, that I am getting it and WILL get it. She is always so positive..I love that! No matter how horrible I sound, she always has something good and constructive to say. She really is an excellent teacher..and I am trying to be an excellent student, though the results are slow. But that is no reflection on her..it's all me. I am having trouble mostly, at this point, with keeping tension out of my throat and neck. The sound MUST come from below. I get that, intellectually, but executing it is a whole different matter. She told me today that it does take a long time. She said, even singers with no previous singing experience have a hard time with it, because the natural tendency is to want to sing everything in the chest voice, which is improper technique. So, me, having a lifetime of singing experience, and singing everything in my chest voice, I have an even MORE difficult time with this concept. But again, she assures me that I WILL get it..and I trust her. She is the expert. We did some different exercises today, a bit more difficult were some of them. We also worked on the tongue and did some exercises for that. The beginning of training it to do things it doesn't naturally want to do. We went over vowels, too. We talked about the "EE" vowel, which is the most difficult for me, especially in one of the songs I'm learning. She demonstrated how the "EE" should sound when done properly..WOW, you should've heard that note! Amazing! I can only hope to sing at that caliber some day. So, to sum it up, I am still struggling, yet still incredibly determined to learn this and do it properly and sound great when I do it. Like I always say, with Jesus and a great teacher, I can't fail! Oh, and the good news..I didn't delete my lesson, today! :)

Voice Lesson #4

Well, today I had voice lesson #4. There was a lot of great info in this lesson, but unfortunately, I DELETED IT!!!!! I will be kicking myself ALL week for this! For anyone who says, "why on earth would you delete your lesson?"..I didn't do it on purpose..it was a complete and horrible accident! Some of you may be thinking, "what's the big deal?..it's just a lesson". Well, no, it's not "just" a lesson. It's what could make the difference between progress this week or not. It's a very big deal. Now, everything that was said and shown to me; every bit of direction and instruction, and every sound I made, every question I asked and answer I got, is gone! Oh, I feel sick! But, there is nothing that can be done about it. I will simply do what I can remember and work on the same things from last weeks lesson, which yes, I still have. Anyway, the lesson itself was great, except that I still sound hideous. However, my teacher said she could hear progress, which is good, no matter how small it might be. I am still struggling with Larynx placement, breathing, vowels, head alignment, chest/head voice break, and the list goes on..so, everything, I guess. Plus, today we started working on the tongue. A very stubborn muscle! Learning classical voice is extremely difficult. My teacher told me today about someone she knows who thinks classical singers make way to much out it, that it isn't difficult at all. Well, that made me laugh because being one who is starting at the bottom of the singers latter, I know first hand that is it no easy task to learn this stuff. Well trained, classical singers, like my teacher, just make it look and sound so easy. I wish it WAS that easy! However, for me, these are not only lessons in singing and correct technique, but it's lessons in discipline, endurance, determination, humbleness, trust, steadfastness, and being a good student..it's learning that no matter how hard it is or gets, there's no giving up! Like I've said in previous posts, I am in this for the long haul! With God and my teacher, I can't help but get it! But man, I wish I had my lesson!

Voice Lesson # 3

So, today was my third voice lesson. Had to miss last week because of Memorial day. Anyway, I must say that after my lesson today, I was feeling quite discouraged. Not only is learning to do everything different, quite difficult, but I was also battling extreme Phlegm, today. Gross, I know, but a fact. As for technique, I am having a lot of trouble getting the sound to come from my abdomen, as opposed to my throat. I have extreme tension in my throat that just doesn't wanna give up! My teacher reminded again, though, that making "bad sounds" is just about as important as making good ones. Good thing! hehe! Now, not only did we go over some different vocal exercises, but we also started a song, which is fun, but difficult! The range is quite high for me...but my teacher is trying to keep me in the head voice, at least most of the time. That is where most of my problems seem to be, though we haven't explored the chest voice much at this point, but I'm sure there will be issues there, as well. The good news is that when I got home, I began to listen to my lesson and slowly found encouragement in her direction. This is what is so great about recording the lessons..not only do I get to go over everything we practiced, but I get to hear all of her direction, again and again. Just the reminders, of what to do and what NOT to do. Each week there seems to be more, seemingly small things to do..adjustments, here and there, but they make a huge difference in the long run. It's all part of technique. There is just so much to learn and so many bad or incorrect habits for me to break. I am reminded again today, that I am in for the long haul. This is going to be no easy feat, getting me to sing properly AND sound good. All I can do is keep practicing the way I am being instructed to, and hopefully, at some point, it will pay off..actually, I know it will, it will just take some time..ok, maybe a lot of time, but I will not give up and will not be discouraged...well, maybe for a moment I might get discouraged, but it won't last! I will not give up! Thank you, Jesus for a great teacher who is willing to take on a challenge!

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!

The Moment… A small piece of my experience as a member of the Chapelle Chorale

I’d like to share with you, a moment…a very special moment. Let me start by saying that I have very fond memories of my high school years at Archbishop Chapelle, with the fondest of all coming from my time in Chorale. Last night, April 22, 2013, my high school had its annual spring concert, but what made it extra special this year, is that some of the Chorale Alumnae, from the 80’s, made a very special appearance. Yes, under the direction of our former music teacher/director, we sang again, to honor her, and her up coming retirement! I was amazed that having not sung together in nearly 30 plus years, and with only 30 minutes or so of rehearsal, we sounded amazing! This is a direct result of having such a wonderful and skilled teacher, all those years ago. Getting back to, “The Moment”… My husband and I were talking about how great moments always have to start somewhere, and there is always going to be work involved. You won’t come by a memorably great moment by sitting around waiting for it to happen…you have to move! I’d like to share with you how last nights moment began, for me. Back in November of 1981, my mom and I attended an Open House at Chapelle High School. I knew nothing about the school except that my aunt, who was an alum (Class of ’77), seemed to have had a wonderful time there, and knowing it was the best school in the area, it seemed like a given that I would go there, too. At the Open House, we listened to different speakers talk about the wonderful aspects of the school, and the friends and memories to be made there. It was all very nice, but then it happened… the Chorale took the stage! I was mesmerized! As this group of singers was being lead and directed by their fearless leader, who I would later come to know as Mrs. Frosch, I knew that I had to be part of this elite group, as well! I grew up around opera singers, which included my parents, and had always been very interested in music, singing, and songwriting, so I knew this is where I needed to be! I took my placement test and to my surprise, did well enough to be accepted into the school! The making of the moment was moving ahead! I remember my first day of music class. Our classroom was located above the gym, of all places. I was excited and nervous at the same time, because the only music class I had ever known was my grammar school “once a week sing along and play various percussion instruments, badly”, class. I knew THIS was going to be a serious music class, and I was thrilled! When we met Mrs. Frosch for the first time, I knew she was a great teacher. She was obviously extremely knowledgeable about music and singing, but also was not going to put up with a lot of horsing around! She was a tough cookie and I was glad! I learned a lot about music during my freshman year and even more as a sophomore. As Sophomores, we were officially the Chapelle Chorus. I remember we got to wear the green robes for performances, which to me and I’m sure all the other girls, was a very big deal! We were moving up! Then finally, when we became juniors, we joined forces with the seniors and officially became the Archbishop Chapelle Chorale… black dresses and all! We had made it…I had made it! We were the singing “stars” of the school! By this time in our singing “careers” we had moved from the room above the gym, to what used to be the convent, aka, “the round building”, and we also knew Mrs. Frosch, very well. Not only could we read her Choral direction to a “T”, but we could read her as a teacher and a person, as well. We were a very close group… we spent a lot of time together working as a well oiled machine, with Mrs. Frosch at the controls. I can remember, many times, we’d be sitting on the risers at the beginning of class and everyone would be talking away, having a great time... my friend Barbara and I just sitting there looking at each other, just watching and waiting for it to happen, as Mrs. Frosch sat behind the piano, appearing to be calm and aloof to all the chatter…then it would come… the dreaded, yet classic piano “BANG!”, directly followed by the attention grabbing, “LADIES!!!!”. All talking would cease in an instant… It never failed to get our attention for the rest of class. Mrs. Frosch was brilliant, that way. So, for the next two years, she continued to teach us and make us a better and better group of singers, appreciators of classical music, and most importantly, young women. As a result of Mrs. Frosch’s amazing skill, we went to State competition two years in a row and took superior ratings both times. I know she was very proud of her girls, and WE were proud of her! I know that I speak for every girl in Chorale when I say that we had such pride in her being our teacher. She was ours! So, in 1986, we graduated, and for me, having to leave Chorale was bitter sweet. It was the most wonderful part of Chapelle. But all of this has led to the moment I was talking about earlier. Last night, April 22, 2013 a few of our 1986 girls, along with some other ‘80’s representatives came together to sing, once again, under the amazing direction of Mrs. Frosch! It was wonderful! For me it was like stepping back in time. Mrs. Frosch still commands attention and is still the same outstanding director she was when we were in school. None of that has changed! She began by warming us up with vocal exercises, just as she would do so many years ago… and what was so amazing to me was that no one skipped a beat… not Mrs. Frosch and not us. It was as if we had never left her class. We practiced our song, “Hitch Your Dreams”, which we had all sung under her direction in school, and we sounded amazing… all credit to Mrs. Frosch! After practice we all headed over to the gym, a place I had not been in since 1986…it was like stepping back in time. We all took a seat and the concert soon began. We watched the present music teacher direct her girls through various numbers, and they were wonderful! Watching them, I kept being brought back to when I was their age and standing on that stage under the direction of Mrs. Frosch… such truly wonderful memories! Then came our turn… the alumnae would take the stage. We walked up and took our places on the risers, with all eyes glued on Mrs. Frosch…our leader. We began our song, and I have to say, I savored every moment we were up there. I can’t even explain in words how wonderful it was to be there in the gym with old Chorale members and our teacher, doing one more time what we worked so hard to do all those years ago. It’s a night I will always remember and cherish. The look on Mrs. Frosch’s face, when we finished our rendition of “Hitch Your Dreams”, seemed to be the same look she had when we would compete at district and state competitions… a look of, “that’s my girls”…a look of pride. That look means a lot to me and I know we gave her the same look because we could not be more proud of our teacher, Mrs. Frosch… then and now! Maybe I am far too sentimental and nostalgic… maybe to a fault, I don’t know… but what I do know is that my years in Chorale with Mrs. Frosch meant more to me than I can express. Not only did she teach me the technical aspects of music theory and singing, but she taught me to appreciate discipline and hard work. She me taught me what it meant to be a team, and what good music is comprised of and how to perform it. She was a role model and mentor to me... and I know, to so many other girls as well. I am thankful to God for Mrs. Frosch and the days and years I was able to spend with her… and I am I thankful that they led to last night’s moment. A moment I will always, always treasure. Mrs. Frosch, I wish you all the best in your retirement and want to sincerely thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for all you taught me and for putting up with me all those years ago! And thank you for including us, your girls, in your retirement celebration the way you did. It was an honor to be your student in the 80’s and again, last night! I know I speak for every Chorale member when I say… we love you with all of our hearts!

New CD is...DONE!

Well, I finally got the new CD done. Eleven songs for your easily listening pleasure! There is no charge for it. If you'd like one, just send me a note through my facebook page, and I'd be happy to send it to you. I have already started working on the next one..so stay tuned!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Well, It's about 2 weeks before Christmas and I have been working like crazy in the studio! Jesus has been blessing me with song, after song, after song! The new CD should be out soon! What a blessing it is to write songs, knowing they come from Jesus and knowing that He is going to use them as He sees fit! WOW! I deserve nothing from Him, yet He gives me everything! I am also working on getting ready for Christmas, which is such a wonderful time of year..a time to celebrate the birth of my Lord, Jesus, and such a precious time with my family! :) I just wish I had more time to spend in the studio! hehe! Well, I wish everyone the Merriest of Christmases and hope that YOU see Jesus this year! He loves you! Stay tuned for the CD!

Back At It!

Well, I'm back in the studio, and loving it! It's been a good month and a half at least, but our two little kitties who were recovering in there, from surgery, are all healed up and are doing fine. Now I have my space back and I'm picking up where I left off..and also starting some new songs. I am so blessed with the ability to write songs..it's such a pleasure, and something I absolutely enjoy doing. When Jesus saved me, back in 2003, He changed my life..and my music, and I am so grateful for that! I'm writing songs that I know I would have never written if it wasn't for Jesus doing such a major work in me! It's like, my brain works differently now..and I love it! It's a change that I can't really explain, but it's something that has made a serious difference in my writing. When I was a kid, I listened to a lot of Captain and Tennille, and I still do, today. Something that God showed me is that, when I was kid, and still now, when I listen to C&T, some of their songs are very wholesome, just really sweet songs. Songs that I really enjoy and that anyone could listen to..from small children to seniors. Jesus showed me that ALL of my songs are like that. They refelct Him, though they are not blatant Christan songs, they are sweet, wholesome songs that anyone could listen to. For me, that is so awesome! That Jesus would allow me to write the kinds of songs that I've enjoyed all my life. And it's not just C&T, but ON-J, Glen Campbell, and so many others who wrote and performed songs that knew no age. Again, just sweet songs. And I take no credit for the songs that I write..the inspiration always comes from God..and any talent I may have, comes from Him, as well. He is so good to me and I am forever grateful for all that He has, does, and will do for me! Thank you, Jesus!

A Blessing...

Well, I have a couple of weeks before I can get back to recording. I was on a roll, then something happened that definitely took precedence. Ya see, back during the winter, a small, sweet little kitty decided to adopt us, or was it the other way around? Either way..we quickly bonded with her. Well, a week ago, she didn't show up at her usual time, so I began looking for her. After a brief search, I found her lying underneath our wheelbarrow. She wouldn't move..which for her, was very unusual. I went to pick her up and could tell she was in pain. I quickly noticed that one of her front legs appeared to be broken..my heart sank for her! We took her to the vet and found out that her leg was not broken, but in fact, she had been shot and her little shoulder was shattered..to the point that it could not be repaired. Our vet, who is awesome, told us that the only option was to remove her leg. I was devastated, sad, and angry..angry at whoever made the decision to shoot a poor, innocent, little cat! ...So, her only option was to lose the leg, and ours was to take her in and show her love, like she'd never known before.

Well, she had the surgery last week and is home and doing well. She is occupying the studio until she is healed up, and we can allow her to mingle with our other cats. She is, without a doubt, a huge blessing and we are thrilled to have her as part of our family. She may have lost a leg, but she has gained being spoiled, and we gained a wonderful little family member! She can have the studio as long as she wants! Sometimes other things take precedence..it's not always about us, in fact, it usually isn't. Jesus loves you..and all of His creation!

Little By Little...

Little by little...that's what a friend of mine told me today, and she's right. I had said that I didn't get as much done in the studio, today, as I had wanted to..though, I was pleased with what I did do. It seems, so often, that I go into the studio with the intention of getting "so much" done, but only to realize, hours later, that I only actually got one track down. This comes from not only making lots of mistakes, but trying to figure out the different parts for the song I happen to be working on, on a particular day, and also from being distracted..It seems I often start coming up with new chord progressions, lyrics, and very often ..songs, when I should be recording. The question is, though, how I can I be given something that sounds so good to my ear, and cast it aside, just like that? The answer is, I can't. I lose studio time that way, but I'm always happy to have a new song to work on! So, little by little seems to cover it... it'll get done in due time. However, with each track, I am one step closer to a finished product..and with each track I am happy with what I hear being created. I don't like to rush, or settle for something that I think could be much better..though, with every song and every track, I have to, at some point say, OK, that will do. Otherwise, I might never finish! So, it's little by little...thanks for the reminder, Mich! Y'all remember, Jesus loves you, and wants to know you! :)

What's Happened To The Song?

For a long time, I've been sort of frustrated and a bit sad over the fact that music is not really music, and a song is not really a song, anymore. Sure, there are a handful of songwriters out there who are actually writing really good, original stuff, but most of them seem to be trying to imitate what they hear on the radio, which in my opinion, is not worth imitating...unless of course, you're listening to XM's Sinatra channel, or some oldies station, playing songs from some of the great writers, such as Jimmy Webb, Paul Williams, or John Farrar, etc.. Writing is an art. It takes some semblance of talent and ability, but it also takes, in my opinion, the state of mind on the writers part, that he/she is going to be him or herself. The writer has to be able to know what he or she likes..what type of music, what type of subject..and the other thing, if they're a songwriter AND singer, what THEY sound like! I get so tired of listening to singer/songwriters who are so obviously trying to sound like someone else. They don't have any idea what THEY Sound like. And what's with the lack of good melodies these days..what's happened?? The Melody is so vitally important to the song..it can change a lyric! A great melody can bring to life an otherwise, mediocre lyric..it can create pictures in the mind, that otherwise, with the lyric alone, would not exist. The melody is such a very powerful part of the song..it can also create a feeling that a lyric cannot do on it's own..it can take you to a time or place. A great melody will bring life to a song! However, the Melody is not the only important part..the lyric, the phrasing, the feel, etc..are all important and work together to create a well rounded, and excellent song. Is it more important to write a song that may make money, or to write a great song?? I say it's more important to write a great song..if you're truly about the art of songwriting!! I am blessed to have grown up with fantastic music, and the writers who brought it to me..and I am blessed to know and be friends with some the best writers in the country. No, you probably have never heard of any of them, and that is sad, because most of the greatest writers will never "make it". What does that say about the music industry these days? They want cookie cutter, and I for one, and many other writers will not do cookie cutter. We appreciate what it takes to write a good song! Keep writing, y'all.. and remember, Jesus loves you, and wants to know you! Have a super day!