Lessons #47, #48,and #49

Well, I can't say much has changed at my lessons. Still struggling to produce the sound I know I am capable of. I am making fairly steady progress at home, but it seems to stay right there...at home. I will forge ahead and not give up!

Lessons #45 and #46

Well, I'm getting close to 50 lessons! Wow, how time flies! Lessons 45 and 46 were not very different, as far as progress goes, but there is always awesome info that I need to hear! However, at both lessons my teacher and I discussed the fact that I can sing much better at home, alone, than I can in front of her or anyone else..including my husband! This has got to change, but how? Well, at this weeks lesson, she asked me to record some of my practice because she wanted to hear what I am doing and what I am hearing, at home. So, while Jeff was away, I did. I recorded one of the songs that we have been working on. I sent it to her and received a reply that began with, "Success!". I know she must have been pleased with what she heard, as compared to what she usually gets to hear me do at our lessons. I definitely struggle with aspects of the technique, at home, and have a long way to go, but I am improving and I am glad that she was able to hear that improvement. Maybe this will help me to do better at my lessons. We'll see. This was a big step for me, though, because I do get frustrated at times, at my lessons, when I know I can do something but can't get it to happen for my teacher. So now, she knows what I am capable of. Yahoooo! I thank God for allowing me to get that recording done for her! He knows how much I wanted her to hear it. Jesus is so totally cool and blesses me beyond measure! Thank you, Jesus for always being there to help me! Does He help you, too?

Lessons #43 & #44

Well, recital is over, and now I have the Christmas Recital and Festival to work and look forward to! We have begun some new pieces, which hopefully will help me make progress. We will be beginning an Italian piece soon, too. As slow as my progress seems to be, I was listening to my second lesson, the other day, and realized that there has definitely been progress made! Going back and listening to that gave me a good perspective. This weeks lesson was very good. Well, every lesson is awesome, but having listened to this weeks lesson several times already this week, there are some things my teacher said that hit me a bit differently. That is what is so great about hearing the same things over and over..eventually, something's going to hit me! I told my teacher a long time ago, to PLEASE keep telling me everything over and over, and over again! I need to hear it all! So, today something she said hit me, as I was driving. It made an instant difference in my singing..this includes airflow, space, vowel shape, just about everything. I was very excited and look forward to more practice! We have the next couple of weeks off for vacation, but I will continue to update on my facebook page about practice. God is so good! That He allows me to do what I do, have the friends that I have, have the husband I have, and all the other cool things He has in the works...wow, I am blessed! Praise God! He surely takes care of His kids! See y'all soon!

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!

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!

Voice Lesson #36

Hey Gang! I am getting closer and closer to it being a year since I began Classical Voice training. Yesterday's lesson was great in that, as always, my teacher had great info to share, but unfortunately, my allergies have been acting up and hindered me. We worked on all the usual suspects, but I am having particular trouble with the AH vowel, in all parts of my range. Now, at my last lesson, my teacher snuck a G at the top of the staff, into one of our exercises. When she told me, "that was a G!", I was really surprised because up until that point I couldn't get passed the F. So, yesterday we're going through a particular exercise, going higher and higher and I was thinking to myself, "I wonder if she's gonna take me to the G, again?". Well, we hit the last high note and she pauses, looks at me, and says, "that was an A flat". I said "no kidding?!!" We both laughed because it was surprising and exciting! And the really amazing thing is that it didn't seem that high! It makes me wonder how much top I have up there! Ok, so we also worked on songs, and started a new one. The songs are always more challenging that the exercises because you have conconants thrown in, to deal with. It doesn't seem as though it should make singing that much more difficult, but it does. We also have the summer recital coming up soon, so I am really trying to have something ready for that, but ready or not I WILL be performing in it. I need to, it will be good for me. Oh, how I love this journey! God is so cool, that He would allow me to do something that I love so much. Before I began, almost a year ago, I had no desire to learn classical technique, but He has truly put a passion in my heart for this. I will not give up, but forge ahead, and ahead, and ahead! I want to be the best classically trained singer I can be, for His purpose! And yeah, plus it's just darn fun...challenging, for sure, and requiring a lot of hard work and determination, but just plain fun, too! I know, I know, some of you are asking yourselves, how in the world can learning "Classical Technique" be fun?...well, it just is! Praise Jesus, He is awesome!

Voice Lesson #35

Finally!! I feel like I am making some progress! I figured out, last week, that my tongue was causing me to lose space and height when I would sing. It's as if my tongue causes the sound to cut off. My teacher and I have been talking about this for a couple of weeks, I guess, and I mentioned at this weeks lesson that I do think it's the tongue. She was in full agreement, but I know she knew that already. It was good for me, though, to realize it. We worked on the Passaggio and the top, and the tongue, this week. I feel like it was a great lesson, not only because my teacher had great info, as always, but she said she is hearing some good things...and also, I hit a G! Now, the highest I've been able to hit is an F, but she snuck this G in on me and I didn't even realize it! It really motivated me! The work on the tongue was really good, too...very encouraging. So not only did I have a super lesson, but the past two practice sessions, since my lesson have been great! I can really hear some improvement. Very exciting for me, and I know my teacher is happy about it, too! I am just really feeling so motivated, right now. Of the five new songs, we have been focusing on two, and one of them, I feel like is really coming along..the other is more difficult and I'm not hearing as much improvement but that's ok..there is improvement, overall, and that is awesome! Also, I am finding that I am slowly getting past my issue of not being able to sing at my lessons, like I know I can. Praise God, thank you, Jesus!! I love this journey! Oh, and there won't be a lesson blog for next week because we're off for Easter, but I may comment on my practices. Stay tuned! And speaking of Easter, please remember that Jesus died and rose for YOU! He loves you and wants a relationship with you....so, what are you waiting for? He makes all things new! :)

Voice Lesson #34

I figured out, last week, that I lose space and height when I am singing. I mentioned it to my teacher, so now we are working on my muscle memory. I really think this is a big problem, of many, for me. I have to get those muscles trained so I can consistently keep the right amount of space available for the sound to flow through. When I lose space, the sound drops to chest and gets caught in my throat. Not good! Also, still working on the Passaggio area..always a difficult zone, for me. I do really like the songs we're working and think that at some point they will sound good. They are definitely a challenge, though, which is good. We have the summer recital coming up and I will either be participating in that or singing with my teacher for the old folks, at a home, which would be fun! I am working to sound decent for one of these events. Singing in public is something that I need to do as much as possible, even though it makes me a nervous wreck! The more I do it, the better...and every opportunity gives me a goal to work towards. I WILL get good at this.. it does, and will continue to take time and work, but I sure do love it! Thank you, Lord, for such an amazing opportunity! I am so blessed :)

Voice Lesson #33

This weeks lesson was chock full of great info, which is certainly not unusual. I was singing terribly, though! Trouble with the Passaggio area was not helping and my chest voice is a ham..it always wants the attention and has to try and dominate all the time. Well no more, chest voice...you're outta here! At least, that's my goal :) I was thinking today, that I need to pretend that my chest voice doesn't even exist, because how can I continually pull it up, if it's not there, right? I really have to concentrate on space, height, and head voice! Not that I don't think about this all the time, anyway, but more, more, more! I have Festival in a little under a year and the summer recital, which I think I might do. It's yet another goal for me to work towards and another opportunity to sing in front of a group. It scares me to death to think about it, but that's just another reason to do it. How singing in front of a group of parents and kids makes me more nervous than singing in front of a Festival judge, who is an expert classical singer, and critiquing everything I do, is beyond me...but it does. I believe though, every opportunity is a part of progressing and improving, potentially. I need to take each one, whether I feel comfortable or not, and whether I am afraid or not. I do feel a little weird though, about singing for a group of parents who are there to hear their child perform. I am sure I would be the only adult performance, but this will be good for me. We have 5 new songs to work on and have started 3 of them..I am sure one of them will be for the recital, but so far , they are all a challenge. I suppose though, that if they were not challenging, what would the point be?..I am learning. :) Thank you, Jesus, again, for being so awesome and allowing me to be involved in classical voice. I don't know what your plan is, but I am loving every moment of it, even when I have very bad singing days. Failing will always be a part of improving. Today's practice was much better than it has been in a week, so that is good! It's all a blessing! And I thank again, my teacher and my husband for being so patient and encouraging!

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! :)

Voice Lesson #30 ...Festival!

During this weeks lesson, I was trying to fight off a cold..it's been a battle for sure! However, I went to the ENT, today and got loaded down with medication to fend it off..I think I may win! Please God, let me win! I CAN'T be sick!! NO, NO, NO!! So anyway, my lesson was great, as usual. I always leave with a wealth of information. It was a bit of a bummer for me though, because it was my last lesson until sometime after my surgery. I don't know how long I will be unable to sing, but I am assuming at least a few weeks because the abdominal muscles are so greatly involved with classical technique. So, that means no lessons AND no practicing..but I will ask my Doc about it and see what she thinks. In the mean time, my teacher gave me some great speaking exercises to do, while I am recovering. I will most definitely work on that! Now, let me get to Festival. I participated in my first NFMC Festival, last weekend. How can I say this?... I LOVED IT! I was one of two adults, I believe, that participated.. the rest were kids, but it was a great experience for me. I began performing in front of audiences when I was just a kid, and have always been comfortable doing so. The last performance I gave was after the oil Spill, a few years ago, in Grand Isle. It was fun and I really wasn't very nervous, but I also wasn't trying to sing with classical technique, and it was also not in front of a judge, for a rating. It was just my guitar and me, entertaining a crowd. Festival, however, is a whole different ball game, and different type of "performing". Here's how it goes.. as a student of classical voice, I had to learn two pieces. One was a "required" piece from the NFMC festival list, and the other was a chosen piece. Fortunately, I already had two that I knew and had been working on, that I could use. I was sure I would be a nervous wreck as I was going over my pieces, again and again, on my drive in. When I got there, I signed in, saw my teacher, was introduced to my accompanist, and put in a room with a judge. I really had no time to worry too much, and though I was nervous, I was not as nervous as I thought I would be. I kept thinking that if I could sing as well there, as I do at my lessons, I'd be happy with that. Well, I think they came out a tad better..certainly not great, but I was pleased. I think a big part of it was because I knew I only had one shot..blowing it completely was not an option. The most difficult part though, was "selling" the songs...performing them and not just singing them. As my teacher has told me, the judge is there to see me perform, not watch me worry about the technical. I had to be the characters for the time it took to sing these two pieces. That was not easy because my brain wants to concentrate on the technical, and my teacher knows I have this issue. She kept reminding me, "whatever you do, sell them!" I needed to hear that over and over! So, I went in, not having practiced with my accompanist and it went really, very smoothly. She followed everything I did. My teacher said she was great and she is. So, all in all, I was pleased with my performance, and my teacher seemed happy with it, too, which is very important to me. I did the best I could do, at the time. I won't know what type of rating I got until later in the week, but I am not expecting much. I am however, looking forward to any criticism she gave me. I want so much to improve! I was extremely motivated before festival to work hard, to be the best classical singer I can be, but now, I am over the top motivated. I loved doing this type of performance, regardless of how it came out...I can't wait to do more. I can't even really explain it, but it was so different than anything I have ever been used to, and there is something about the classical essence of it that I am drawn to. Maybe it's all that opera that my parents made me listen to as a kid, that is finally coming to the surface, who knows. What I do know is that I love learning classical technique, practicing, learning what it means to perform in a classical sense, the people that I have been able to meet, I love the whole environment that I am being exposed to. It takes me back to when I was kid, in the 70's, and I played a "choir boy" in the opera, Tosca. There was something, even then, about the people I met and the rehearsals, and just the general atmosphere that I loved and felt drawn to. I remember meeting for the first time, Roberta Palmer, who played Tosca.. I was mesmerized. I believe it was a dress rehearsal, when I first met her. I went to her dressing room and she was so nice. She gave me an autograph and I was in awe. I remember she was wearing one of her costumes at the time and she was larger then life, to me. I'm really not sure what drew me away from that and into bands, and that type of musical environment. Though I loved my band days, and have great memories of them, and am still friends with a lot of the people I played with, there was always something about the classical that I guess was buried inside somewhere. Whatever happened, I am thankful that God has pulled it to the surface and put a fire in me for this! He has put me on this path for a reason and I am loving the journey, the people, the experience! I have such a long way to go and so much to learn, but boy, am I enjoying it! I am so thankful to have God, my amazing husband, and my brilliant teacher, on this road with me! Thank you, Jesus, for letting me do something so awesome!

Voice Lesson #29

Today we went over everything concerning festival, which is coming up this weekend. We went over my pieces, times, what to expect, what to do, etc... I think this is going to be a great experience for me, regardless of how well I do, or not. I know the nerves are going to kick in, in major fashion, so that won't be a surprise. I just hope I can sing as well there, in front of a judge , as I do at my lessons (which is not great). If I can do that, I'll be happy. But regardless, even if I completely fail, just making it through will be a huge accomplishment for me. And there is always next year, to try and do better. My teacher is a great support and I am so thankful for her. She has taught me so much that I otherwise would not have learned. Granted, I still have a very long way to go, but I have begun the journey and intend to continue on. Festival is sort of like my first big hurdle, and once I make it over this one, I can move on to the next hurdle. I am nervous, yes, but excited, too! I'm sure this doesn't seem like a big deal to most, but to me, it's huge! My husband has also been a great support to me. He's been cheering me on from the get go. I will do my best and see what happens. I am prepared for whatever criticism they give me, and I will use it to improve in the future. Thank you, Lord for this awesome opportunity, and all the terrific people you've put in my path! I am so grateful!

Voice Lesson #28

So, festival is coming up in less than two weeks. I have one more lesson before it gets here. If I can sing my pieces as well as I do at my lessons, which is not great, I will be happy. The thing I think I'm most concerned about, is selling them. I have to relay the songs with my expressions, basically...become the character and convince the listener of what I am saying, through body language. It's performance on a whole new level for me. I am used to singing the songs that I write...but now, I am singing someone else's songs and have to translate them through the performance..not easy for me. Thinking about the character and breath support at the same time is no easy task. But, we'll go in there and I'll give it my best shot and see what happens. I still have a long road on this journey of learning classical voice, and there is always next years festival to show improvement. I am still struggling with singing in front of other people. Now, as y'all know, this was never a problem for me when I was singing incorrectly. It's only since I have begun classical voice that I have this issue. Maybe I am afraid to show that I can do it, who knows. I am still trying to figure it out. I WILL get past it though, I am sure of that. Even singing in front of my husband causes me problems with the technique. Maybe if I practice in front of him all the time, It will help. I tell my teacher all the time, "I can do it so much better than this!". Well, I'll just keep moving ahead and continue to practice and improve, and one of these days, it will come out at my lessons like it has never come out before and my teacher will be amazed! :) And I think then, we will move to a whole new level of singing and learning. I look forward to that day..I know it's coming! I am truly learning so much from my teacher, I just need to be able to show her. I thank and praise God, though, for the struggle I am having. If this was all a piece of cake, it wouldn't be much of a victory, would it? Failure and struggling is all part of learning something new. And as the saying goes, if it was easy, it wouldn't be worth doing. Thank you, Jesus, for the trials and the opportunity to learn, struggle, fail, and improve. And also for the wonderful people you have put in my life, on this journey of classical voice.

Voice Lesson #27

This weeks lesson was great, as usual! Not that I sang well, but always great info and instruction from my teacher! My middle range, the Passaggio area, is still giving me trouble. I suppose someday I will conquer it. I struggle there, with the chest voice..it tends to want to dominate. My muscles can't seem to figure out which way to go..head or chest..they need to go with head voice! I will keep practicing and plugging away at it, and one of these days, it'll work! I also realized at this weeks lesson, that I am limiting myself...I may even be limiting myself when I'm practicing at home too, not sure. I found with this weeks practice that when I really think about support and really apply that support..wow, what a difference! Support is everything...EVERYTHING, with classical voice! I cannot emphasize that enough. We worked also on the festival pieces, which are coming along.. they are better at home, but still coming along at lessons,too. I am still struggling with "selling" the songs. The performance is key at festival. The judges want to see me perform, not think about all of the technical. As my teacher said, I am there to be the characters singing the songs, not someone trying to show what I can do, technically. I am looking forward to this, I think it'll be a good experience for me. I am off next week, so will only have two more lessons before festival. Y'all have a wonderful week and remember to thank and praise God for all that He does for you, and allows you to do! He is an awesome GOD! Thank you, Jesus!

Voice Lesson #26

I'm sorry this lesson post has taken so long to get up, but I have had a bit of a stressful last few days. Anyway, my lesson was great! As usual, we went over plenty of info. We even got into acoustics, a bit. I still struggle with that Passaggio area..it's a brute! My singing is definitely improving though, I just need to get better at singing at my lessons. Mentally though, it's good for me to hear improvement. Now, festival is coming up in just a few weeks. I have been planning on going, but 2 days ago I found out that I am going to have to have surgery, soon. I don't know when yet, but I'm hoping it is after festival. I really want to get this under my belt. I think singing for a judge, no matter how badly it might come out, is going to be good for me. My teacher and I have been working on the songs that I'll be performing, and that's a key word, performing! She told me that even if they don't come out well, I still have to sell them. The judge wants to see me perform, not think about the technical. I have to get that through my head! One thing I'm nervous about is that I won't be able to sing for several weeks, at least I assume that I won't, after my surgery. Classical voice uses all the ab muscles, and more! It's very physical, so I'm pretty sure it'll be out of the question for a few weeks, anyway, so I'd love to get festival in! So, I will see y'all next week for another blog post. Keep your eyes on Jesus...He loves you!

Voice Lesson #25

Well, My lesson this week, didn't go so great, mainly because I am still trying to get past this cold..or the back end of it. And unfortunately, my teacher has it too. Neither one of us needs to be sick! I am still having some trouble with navigating the head and chest voice in the Passaggio area, so we worked on that a bit, along with some of the usual stuff. But I just wasn't able to hit some notes and my head voice was not really there this week. Oh well..it happens. We did go over my two songs for the competition/festival, in February. They should go ok, if my nerves don't get the best of me. Originally, my teacher was going to accompany me on piano, but as it turns out, that won't happen. I will be by myself in a room with an accompanist and a judge that I do not know. Yes, it's scares me a bit, but I think it will be a good experience for me. I would love for my teacher to be there..it would surely make me more comfortable, but maybe this is what I need. We'll see how it goes. Of course, I will give a full report when the time comes. Not much else to report this week. It's only a week until Christmas and I have much to do, plus of course, PRACTICE! Praise God for Jesus, our Lord and Savior being born!! I love this time of year! Merry Christmas to you..and a very Happy New year! I have two weeks off from lessons, so I'll see you soon! Enjoy your holiday!

Voice Lesson #24

So, I'm on the back end of a cold, and had to miss last weeks lesson because of said cold. I really didn't think my singing would go very well this week but to my surprise I had some pretty good moments. My songs didn't go too well, but some of my exercises were not bad. I'm really trying to do better at my lessons, and get over my mental block..it IS getting better, praise God! Yesterday, we worked a bit on the mixed voice, which I have been having a lot of trouble with. It's the Passaggio area. It's as if my muscles do not want to do what I want them to do...they have sort of a mind of their own, but I am working on getting past that. My teacher assures me, I will. We also worked on my top a bit..well, not my very top, but close. The cold was a bit of a hindrance. We have one more lesson before Christmas break and then, when we come back, we will begin working on the songs for the NFMC festival. It's sort of a competition against yourself. The student sings in a room, before a judge. The only people in the room are the accompanist, the student, and the judge. The judge then gives you a rating on your performance. You have to sing two songs from a given list. You're given points over a period of time, (if you continue to participate) which can lead to a trophy. My teacher asked me if I would be interested in doing this and after thinking about it, I thought it would be a good thing for me to do, though I am completely terrified by the idea! So, once we come back from Christmas break, we'll have a month to prepare. Thankfully, my teacher will accompany me on piano. I really have to get my head straight, and remind myself that I can do this. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Though, the thought of singing before a judge in order to be given a rating, really makes me nervous, I'm actually sort of looking forward to it. For most of my life I sang in bands, performing in bars and clubs all around town, and the Gulf Coast. I was and still am friends with plenty of musicians. However, this is a whole different ball game. This is Classical Voice. It's a whole new world for me. I have begun making friends in this new world and I like it. They are just as wonderful as my band friends, but it's just a different part of the "musical world". I feel like I'm branching out into a whole new area. The old area, I know very well, but this new area is exciting for me and I am looking forward to meeting more people in the classical realm of music. It's just something completely different for me. I sang classical Choral music through out high school and we attended competitions and festivals, and I Loved it. But then, after graduation that world ended for me and a whole different musical world opened up. Bands, clubs, studios, songwriters, musicians, gigs..it was thrilling. But now at 45, this classical world, which is just beginning, is just as thrilling for me. I praise God for this opportunity! Though the learning is a long road, it's exciting to look ahead and to take in every moment. I truly feel like this is where I'm supposed to be right now. Thanks you, Jesus for your leading!

Voice Lesson #23

Today was a great lesson! We talked about and worked on some different issues, one being the mixed voice, which I have trouble with. I tend to want to be head or chest, but often times, I have to be mixed and my throat won't allow it. My teacher said that's a good thing...it shows my brain and throat are struggling with what to do, which is better than being all chest voice. She assured me I would get past it. We worked on my "EE" vowels, too, though all of my vowels need work. We also talked a little bit about how stress can greatly affect a singing voice. It can really hinder the technique. I noticed this all last week.. I was having so much trouble with a closed and tight throat...yep, stress can do that. Also, we started a new song, a really beautiful song by John Jacob Niles. I'm hoping I can do a good job with it. There is so much to work on! Now, one of the interesting things is that my teacher mentioned to me about a competition coming up early next year. It's with a teacher's organization, and they have it for kids and adults. Now, she didn't say it, but my teacher and I both know I will not do very well at this, if I decide to go, but I have been around her long enough to know that there is always method to her madness. I will talk with her about it and find out what the potential goal is. I think I may know what it is, but either way, I think it would good for me. The way it's done is the student, the accompanist, and the judge are the only three in the room, and you are given points on your performance. Of course, my teacher would accompany me. As much as the whole idea of being judged on my classical technique (or lack of), terrifies me, I do think it would be good for me to do it. We'll see.. I just think a conversation about it, is in order :) Oh, I do love this journey, as difficult as it is. I thank God for it, and for the people I am surrounded by, who encourage and support me in it. Praise Jesus!

Voice Lesson #22

I am still having trouble with "nerves". I am getting better, but it's still difficult for me to sing at my lessons, the same way I do at home. Not that what I do at home is great, but it is certainly, usually better. I told my teacher that it's got nothing to do with her, and that it wouldn't matter who was sitting there, which is true. I'm getting better, though. Today we worked and focused on breathing and trying to get in and stay in the head voice..also the shape of the mouth. What was good is that when we started working on songs, I showed some improvement when my teacher had me try different things. One thing was, she had me do some physical activity while we singing. We've done this many times before, and it usually, if not always makes a difference. It helps keep the breath moving and also helps to keep my mind off the technical. Just sort of keeps me loose. So that was a good thing! I was instructed to practice this way all week. We also tried something interesting.. She had me sit in a chair and sing as if I was talking to someone. It made a pretty big difference... she was happy, I was happy! It was a good vocal moment. This also helps to keep the mind off the technical. She mentioned to me that she knows I work hard on all the technical aspects, but sometimes it's good to not think about them so much, and that way, it helps me to relax so that what my body has learned, it can do on it's own without me getting in the way. Despite the fact that I get a case of "nerves" at my lessons, I am so thankful for my teacher. It is a blessing for me to be taught by her. She is brilliant at what she does, has an amazing voice, and much knowledge and patience. I am learning so much, and as time goes on, I will get better and better, and more and more comfortable with the technique, which will allow me to show her what she is teaching me. It's all a journey and a process, and I am in it for the long haul. My husband is a huge blessing to me, too. Without his support and encouragement, and apparent hearing issues, I could not do this. I know he loves me more than I realize..and Jesus loves me much more than that! I am grateful and humbled by all that God has given me... Thank you Jesus!

Voice Lesson #21

Really great lesson, yesterday. Not only was there great information, as usual, and much learning, but we had some good laughs, too. I enjoy everything about my lessons, including the good clean fun, we often have. We did work on AH's, OH's, and OOH's...oh, and of course the EE's. I've been struggling with tongue position on all of these vowels, so we discussed that to some length. I learned a great deal yesterday, now it's just putting it into practice. We also started a new song, by John Jacob Niles. He wrote some really beautiful songs...simple, yet complex. I'm excited about working on this one and others, in the future. We're using his "Low Voice" book, to work on moving the breath and vowel shapes and tongue position, while I work on finding out about my TMJ. My teacher wants to aggravate it as little as possible. I found too, with some exercises that my problem is more moving the breath, rather than the vowels themselves, which is good. I am still though, struggling with a high larynx, which we've determined is most likely caused by tongue tension. And also my diction needs work. I need to learn to exaggerate my diction. Right now I struggle with it because it doesn't "feel" natural..but the goal is for it to become second nature..and it IS getting better, I just have a long way to go. Learning classical voice is like be a Christian and running my race for God. There will be victories and failures, but I will be running that race until I reach the finish line. And the race takes endurance, patience, and discipline...so does classical voice. I will get there, though..I just may not be at the head of the pack, and that's OK, because I am IN the race. As long as you're not in the race, you can never win. Praise Jesus for the races in this life!! Thank you, Lord! Go get in the race!!

Voice Lesson # 20

Well, today My teacher and I spent some time discussing my TMJ, which is a problem with the jaw. Stress makes it that much worse.. and I've been under a lot of stress. I brought with me an excerpt from a blog I found, concerning TMJ and classical voice. I believe it was written by a voice teacher. She mentioned some of the problems it can cause a classical singer or student of classical voice. I seem to have most of those problems. Some of which are trouble with low and high notes, closed throat, tongue issues which create larynx problems, slow progress, etc..So, we discussed it a bit and then began doing vocal exercises, as usual, but the TMJ topic kept coming up. Then we actually began looking up the subject in some books on classical voice, and we found it. Yes, TMJ does cause problems. Most people are not aware of the extent of those problems, though. I began telling my teacher the issues I have that are not vocal involved, and she was surprised at how long the list of symptoms is... Most people would be. Aside from jaw pain and clicking and popping, it can cause ear pain, hearing issues, sinus problems, neck and shoulder pain, headaches, eye pain and pressure, numbness in the arms and hands, teeth pain, sore throats...and the list goes on and on! I have most of the symptoms. So, I told my teacher that I was going to start at my dentist, and go from there. She is going to consult her chiropractor for me. I already have a bite guard, but it is not enough. So, in the mean time, we are going to start working on songs that will be less aggravating to the jaw, (i.e. lower ranges) until we find out how to resolve this issue..or at least make it better. My jaw actually hurts as I type this. It's no fun, but I thank God for the struggles, because it will make the victories all that much sweeter! Thank you Lord Jesus for all the difficulties I am facing with Voice and for a teacher who is interested! Thank you Jesus, too, for my amazing husband and our precious little family. All are a huge blessing that I do not deserve, but sure do appreciate! Glory to God!

Voice Lesson #19

Great lesson, today..as usual! I am still not singing there, like I do at home, but I think I'm very slowly, getting better at it. I think part of it is that because I think I'm doing well at home, I don't wanna go to my lesson and do it like I do at home, and then be incorrect. So, if I do it incorrectly from the get go, I won't be disappointed. Does that make sense? It does to me. Anyway, We worked more on the "EE" and "A" vowels....They are certainly not perfect, and I have a long way to go, but today I kept thinking, man, I know I can do these so much better! But, it is what it is..I will get there, I will improve..in every respect. We worked on getting into and staying in the head voice, today, also. When there are notes in a phrase that can only be hit in the head voice, and I start that phrase in the chest voice..forget it, hitting those head voice notes is impossible! I have GOT to get into and STAY in the head voice! Also, vowel shapes are very, very important, and tongue placement. It all plays a role in getting the technique just right. If I'm in the head voice and get my placement right, but my vowel shape is off..forget it. If I have the vowel shape right, but my tongue placement is incorrect..forget it..and so on. Everything works together. We went over 3 of the songs we're working on, and started a new one, which is always fun! Having had lesson number 19, today, I can say that even though I am probably not sounding that much better at my lessons, I know I have come a long way in practice and I am going to make sure that my teacher hears it! I want her to hear what she is teaching me. Again, I will say that even though learning Classical Voice is very difficult, I love every aspect of it! Jesus never promised me a rose garden..He never said this or any aspect of life was going to be easy, but I know that with Him in the driver's seat, I can't go wrong. He has given my teacher amazing knowledge, ability, talent, and a patient and encouraging spirit...He has given me all of that by giving me my teacher..and He has given me an amazing husband to support, encourage, and love me. I am so grateful to Jesus! I am also grateful for the blessing that He took away from me, last week...our dog, Beignet. It was her time to go home. She was an amazing blessing to me for 14 years! A sweeter and gentler spirit, you will never find. I will miss my little Poopy until I see her again, in Heaven. I am comforted to know, however, that she is with Jesus and all of her sisters who have gone before her. I know they are all having a ball! I love you, Poopy..and I love you, Jesus!

Voice Lesson #18

Ok, so We're back, after a week off. Today my teacher and I talked a lot about different issues, including my mental block, which makes me sort of shut down, physically, at my lessons. It was great to discuss it with her. As we talked, I realized, that among other things, It must be, to some degree, a control issue, or lack of control. She agreed. See, I've been singing in front of people my whole life..since grammar school, with no problem. This however, because it's out of my comfort zone, I feel like I don't have control over it..which makes me shut down. I told her, "I HAVE to get over this!". she said, very calmly and confidently, with a smile on her face, "you will". So we moved on to warm ups, hitting trouble areas, as usual. Then, during more conversation, I told her how this past week, the "movement of the breath" hit me..how it works. This equates to breath support. This was a a huge revelation for me, and I feel like it took my singing to another level. I was excited about this and so was she! At my last lesson she asked me to record my practice so she could hear it...so she could hear what she doesn't get to hear at my lessons! I recorded some practice and sent it to her email. Turns out the link didn't want to work..so, I'll re-do it and send it a different way. I really want her to hear what I'm REALLY doing! She NEEDS to hear it! We also talked, at our last lesson, about how a lot of voice teachers stop getting on their students about different issues because they don't want to "nag" the students...I told her today, Please, stay on me about everything! Hearing the same things over and over are a huge help for me! She said, "Oh, I will!". All in all, it was a great lesson, and with each lesson I'm one step closer to improvement! I really love singing, making music, learning, and my lessons..but most of all I love Jesus and thank Him all the time, for the opportunity to do all of it! My teacher and I got to talking about stress, and different ways to deal with it. We got to talking about meditation..I said, the best meditation for me, is reading my bible...she said, yes, and prayer! Praise Jesus..He IS the greatest stress relief there is! Jesus said, in Matthew 11:28-30.."Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light". Again, thank you to my husband for his unending support and to my teacher for her extreme patience with me! hehe!

Voice Lesson #17

So, it's about 4 months now, that I've been taking voice lessons, and I sounded terrible today! That's ok though, because we talked about a lot of trouble areas and worked on them too. I had several questions from last week that we discussed, as well. I am still frustrated with myself because I practice all week and things are improving and sounding halfway decent, then I get to my lesson and everything shuts down. Try as I may, I can't seem to get anything to work. We were talking about breath support, today, and about how it is crucial to correct Classical Technique. I asked her, if she had to name one thing that is THE most important aspect of the technique, would it be breath support?...she said, yes! I have figured this out, this past week, and wanted to confirm what I thought. I told her that my breath support goes out the window when I get to my lesson, but at home, it's MUCH better..it's there! She told me she wants me to record some of my practicing because she wants to hear what I am doing at home.. I said, absolutely, I will! I want her to hear it too! I still believe it's completely a psychological barrier, I have. I tried today, on my way to my lesson, to sing, to sort of get myself in the frame of mind of, "I can do this, today", and it's as if everything closed up. Then, as soon as I left, I tried again, and it worked. The good news, however, is that everything she is teaching me IS working! I am definitely getting it..I just want her to hear it, too!! So, despite the fact that I did not sound good today, it was still a great lesson, as they are every week, because they are LESSONS.. I am learning! I am also improving, even if it doesn't show when I am there. One of these days it will!! One day I will go to my lesson and my teacher will be stunned at what I am capable of..considering what she has to listen to every week, with me. All of my trouble zones are improving as the weeks go on, though I still have a very, very long way to go. I am again, so thankful to God for bringing me to my teacher, for the talent and ability for teaching that He has given her, as well as her amazing and beautiful voice..but also for the all around wonderful person that she is. I thank Him also, for my incredible husband, because without his support and encouragement, I would have a much more difficult time with all of this..and I thank him for the love that he has for me, which I am certainly not deserving of...and even more, I am not deserving of the love that Jesus has for me. It's a love that I cannot begin to understand. Thank, Lord, for everything!

Voice lesson #16

A good lesson, today! I believe I am one tiny step closer to being able to sing at my lesson like I know I can at home, during practice..this is a good thing! Let me say this, too.. I have been working by myself for the past month or so, and I have been weighed down by stress. My husband and I used to work together, everyday. We did this for 8 years. However, now that I am on my won, work wise, I have plenty of time to listen to my lesson while I am driving. This has proven to be a very good thing! I normally listen to it at the gym and then again when I practice, but now I can listen up to 5 times day! I find that it is not only good to listen to it so much, but it has been a wonderful escape for me, from the stress. I have had a headache for the past week..a nonstop headache. Today though, when I got to my lesson, I noticed the headache disappear for that hour...nice! Voice, for me, is definitely a stress reliever. It's a great escape from the frustrations of the "day to day"..just as BBQ is for my husband. Voice and BBQ, who would've thought it? And even though we are both continually striving to become better and better at what we love to do, even the learning and failing is enjoyable...that's when you know, that what you are doing, is what you should be doing! So, getting back to the lesson..I have a lot to work on, as usual, but I really believe that if I could sing at my lesson like I can at home, we would make great strides! I'm getting there! We started a new song today, and the beginning notes are LOW! This is a dangerous thing for me, because the lower the notes, the easier I perceive it to be, which equates to "lazy" for me..at least the potential is there! This will cause me to focus, though, and that is always a good thing! One of my biggest issues is still squeezing from the throat..trying to squeeze the vowels out. I'm still trying to break that habit...it is a doozy, but I WILL break it! I can do ALL things through Christ, who strengthens me :) I also wanted to add in this post that not only do I love my lessons because of the learning and the singing, but my teacher is hilarious! She never fails to make me laugh! We are very serious about the lessons and they are work, but there is always a lot of laughter, too. I think laughter is a great sign...every great relationship has to include laughter. The only relationships that I have ever had that did not offer lots of laughter were the ones that were no good. Today, she had me in stitches over "rowing"..yes, rowing..and yes, it was singing related. Thank you, Jesus, for everything! A brilliant and hilarious teacher, a loving and hilarious husband, and a life that I am privileged to live for You! :)

Voice Lesson #15

Well, today was quite a frustrating lesson for me. I told myself, "ok, Caroline, this is the week you show your teacher what you can do...what all of hers and your hard work is doing!".. Well, it didn't quite work out that way. I was squeezing from the throat and trying to pull my chest voice up, everywhere we went with the singing. UGH!! I know I can do so much better...I do at practice, all the time! I told her this and she absolutely knows that I'm telling the truth...Praise God! It's that mental barrier that I just can't seem to break...BUT I WILL!! Philippians 4:13 says, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.", and I know this is true! One of these days, I'm going to go to my lesson and my teacher will shocked at what I have become capable of! Until then, however, I will keep chugging along. Today, we went over some new exercises and she gave me some interesting things to do at home, to try and get the tension out of my throat. A couple of these exercises with be a challenge. One of them was, today! It was a vocal exercise for agility, but she is hoping that it will free my head voice up. They are are not easy, but hey, nothing worth doing is ever easy! Tension is still a major source of my troubles..but also, the shape of my mouth with vowels and breath support. If I could get rid of all the tension, and get the vowels and breath support correct, we'd have a winner! My teacher is so patient, though, and I am so grateful for that! I think her patience helps me to not get as frustrated and I probably would..but I do get pretty annoyed with myself, anyway. I talk to myself, in my head, when I'm there, saying things like, "what's wrong with you?, you know you can do this better than that!", or "what's your problem? you did this so much better yesterday..you look like you're making no progress at all!". My teacher is very good at calming my nerves though.. she always seems to know just what to say to help me feel less foolish than I start out feeling. I continually have to remind myself that this is a JOURNEY, not a race. I will get there, when I get there...and I am definitely making progress, which is a wonderful thing at any speed. I just thank Jesus all the time for the privilege to be able to this at all, my brilliant teacher, and my super supportive husband... I am blessed! Thank you, Lord!

Voice Lesson #14

Hey there, y'all! Today was lesson #14 and it was good! I didn't sing well, but we talked about a lot of things I had questions about, we went over some good exercises and trouble spots...it was a really good lesson! One of the questions I had was, should every vowel have a forward placement? Apparently, my question was a good one! No, every vowel will not have forward placement, at least not as forward as some. It has to do with the tongue placement on each vowel..every vowel is not the same. And of everything we went over today, there was nothing that I was not aware of, that I am doing wrong. I told my teacher.."I'm with ya on everything!". I can feel what is wrong. Sometimes everything comes together, for a few notes and then I will lose it. Consistency is something that I am still working on, and will be for a long time! We will begin working on some exercises for agility next week maybe, which will help with breath control...and control, period. That is something I have much to work on with, breath control AND support! Sometimes, when practicing, my support is good, other times it's terrible...again, consistency. As always, practice is key...correct practice. Like my teacher always says, if you practice anything incorrectly, all the time, you will never learn to do it correctly..no matter how much you practice. So, as usual, I have a ton to work on, and I am excited about it! I always look forward to a new week of practice..and then a new lesson. I am truly enjoying this journey. God has blessed me so much with being able to do this. It's something that even a year ago, I wouldn't have thought I would be doing, but when God puts something on your heart, it's for a reason and He will give you a desire to it. He sure has done that for me, with Classical Voice. I can honestly say that I love it..everything about it. From my lessons, to my practice sessions, to doing well during practice and then doing terrible in front of my teacher. I know it sounds crazy, but I love it all! And one of the very cool things is that my teacher makes you feel comfortable with messing up and sounding bad. She's got an amazing gift for teaching..not to mention her incredible voice! My husband and I talk all the time about how God will give us things to do that He knows we love doing...and He will always make them work out perfectly! Psalm 37:4..."Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart." This is so very true! Praise Jesus! God is so good, 24/7!! UPDATE.. I was listening to my lesson this morning, and though I already knew it was full of great stuff, I realized after listening that it is CHOCK FULL of awesome info!! My lessons are ALWAYS great, but this one was especially great! Thank you, Jesus!

Voice Lesson #13

So, today I had voice lesson #13! It was good! I mentioned last week that I have a major lack of confidence when singing for my teacher.. on one hand, it's normal to feel not so confident when singing for someone who is so outstanding at it, but on the other hand, I can't let it effect the way I sing because when I do, my teacher does not get an accurate look/listen at what I am really accomplishing. She is getting cheated, and I don't want that. So..I am working very diligently to get over this mental block. It's difficult but I will get there. She makes it easier, too, because she is so very patient and makes me, and I'm sure all of her students, feel comfortable with sharing our vocal inadequacies with her. Now, The Passaggio area is still difficult, especially with exercises that have their notes very close together... Leap exercises tend to be much easier. Tension is also still a factor. It's better when I am practicing at home, but I will improve with time, and lots and lots of PRACTICE!. My teacher told me today that I am definitely getting there..progress is taking place, it just takes time. And believe me, I realize this. She gave me some new things to try at home and since we have two weeks until my next lesson, because of Labor Day, I am looking forward to hopefully showing some improvement by the time I go back. I'm always excited to try the new exercises and techniques she shows me, always confident they will help. Everything takes time, though...and effort. Even the best exercises will not work without practice, and lots of it. If I or anyone else wants to become really great at something, whatever it might be...whether it's Classical Voice, Piano, Guitar, Tennis, Golf, Cooking..whatever it is, you HAVE to work at it, and work hard. My husband does professional Competition BBQ. He's heading into his 4th year. I have watched him fail and be disappointed, time and time again, but he has never given up. Persistence and determination to be the best BBQ cook he can be, has prevailed. He's not a quitter. It's the same with me and Voice. I will not give up. I will not slack. I will continue to go at it head on with determination, discipline, and perseverance. It's the only way to do it. However, there is one thing, that without it, for my husband and I, both, we can do nothing. That one thing is Jesus Christ. He is our Rock, and it's on Him we stand and rely. John 15:5 says that, without Him, we can do nothing. This is the truth, in our lives. Jesus has blessed Jeff with amazing BBQ coaches, who truly care and are incredibly talented and knowledgeable..and He's blessed me with a Classical voice teacher who is amazingly talented and knowledgeable, as well, and who sincerely cares for her students. She is also blessed with an ability to teach that is nothing short of brilliant. These people are all gifted by God and their gifting is a blessing from God to Jeff and I. Wow, how can we not thank Jesus for all of this! All glory to Him! So, to wrap up..today's lesson was good, I have much to work on, and lots of practice in my future! I LOVE IT!

An Update To Yesterday's Lesson Post...

If you read yesterday's lesson post, you'll know that I talked a little bit about my mental block, my psychological barrier, which keeps me from doing as well at my lessons, as I do at home when I practice. I brought it up with my teacher and she assured me that it's normal..no one does as well at their lesson, as they can do at home. I thought about this for a week, and decided that even though it's normal, it doesn't have to be. I told her yesterday that I am working on getting past this "block".. that it was cheating me AND her! So today, my husband, Jeff and I were discussing it, and the more we talked about it, the closer we got to what the bottom line is..finally we hit it! The problem is a "lack of confidence in my ability" issue! Yep, that's it! I have sung all my life, in front of audiences and never lacked confidence in my ability, until now. It makes complete sense, though. Learning classical technique is a whole new ball game for me. It's learning a completely different and new way to sing, which I am not yet all that comfortable with...not comfortable with my ability to do it, that is. That however, is because I don't HAVE the ability..YET! I'm learning. What happens is that when I'm at home, I am practicing alone, so I am comfortable with my mistakes and strange sounds, etc.. But then when I go to my lesson, suddenly my confidence level drops because I know, subconsciously, I believe, that the expert (my teacher) is listening and evaluating me. This would make any beginner lose a little confidence. My teacher has been singing, classically, for many years, with tons of training and has an amazing voice...and here I am, a complete novice! I am working on getting past this lack of confidence, however...with time and improvement, it will happen, for sure, but it has to happen sooner than that, because like I said, it's cheating my teacher AND me...and I do not want that. It doesn't do anyone any good. I know that I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me! Thank you, Jesus!

Voice Lesson #12

Well, today would've been much better if I could only do as well at my lesson as I do at home! Aside from tension in the throat, my vowel shapes, my breathing, etc.. all the usual suspects, one of my biggest problems is a mental barrier that prevents me from doing as well at my lesson, as I do at home. Oh boy, is this frustrating! I talked about it a bit with my teacher last week and she told me that it's normal..that everyone is the same way. None of her students do as well at their lesson as they do at home. Well, I listened to her say this all week on my tape, and I began to think, wait a minute, this may be "normal", but it doesn't have to be! I realized that in giving in to this psychological obstacle, I am not only cheating myself, but I am cheating my teacher! She is not privy to what her's and my hard work is really achieving! Not that I am doing great, which is certainly no fault of hers, but I'm doing better than what she hears at my lessons. I don't want either of us to be cheated. I told her all of this today, and said that I am working on breaking past this mental block...it may take a little bit of time, but it's something that I must do! Everything else was about par for the course. I didn't do anything spectacular..no big break through's. However, she gave some new things to try and work on. I'm excited to work on these things, this week. I'm always curious to see if there will be any improvement. Hopefully, at my next lesson, I will be able to show her, a little bit better, what her teaching skills are doing. She has been gifted by God with vast vocal knowledge, an amazing voice, and a true talent and ability to teach. She deserves to hear from me, what's really happening, vocally. I am so blessed by God to be able to do this. Even though there is nothing easy about learning classical voice technique, I love the learning, the practice, making the mistakes and the not so lovely sounds, trying and failing, improving and failing again.. I love all of it! The truth is that even though God has led me to this spot, with these lessons, this teacher, this desire to learn after all these years, He is NOT 'giving" it to me. He is making me work, and work hard, Which I love! I wouldn't want it any other way, actually. The Bible talks about lazy people in many different places. Proverbs 20:4 says..."The lazy man will not plow because of winter; He will beg during harvest and have nothing.". You can't do nothing when things are tough and expect to get what you want in the end. If you aren't willing to work for the goal you desire, you will NEVER get there. As tough as voice is for me now, I can't and won't give up..my desire is to be the best classically trained singer that I can possibly be, for the glory of God..and for that, I must work..and work hard, everyday, which I do! Even when it's frustrating and it seems progress is nowhere to be found..I must forge on! I thank Jesus for putting the desire in my heart and making a perfect way for me to do this..and I thank, as always, my awesome and amazing husband, who I love, who supports me 100%..and my superb teacher for taking on such a challenge, as me! Thank you, Jesus, for it all!

Voice Lesson #11

So, today was voice lesson #11! Despite a somewhat frustrating beginning to my week of practice, I had a decent lesson..I'd actually say, it was good! Though I didn't do anything perfectly, or even as good as I know I can, the good news is that I KNOW I can do it! It might not be prefect but I am getting there! The Passaggio area still taunts me, but I will beat it, in time. I suppose what is good, is that I can see more clearly what my teacher is looking for in my singing. I may not always be able to do it, and in some cases I haven't done it yet, but I'm more clear on what she wants. This is a good thing! My brain is sort of making sense of things. Today, we were going over some different exercises and songs, and on a few spots, we went over them several times. At one point I said, I KNOW I can do this...as soon as I get home it will work! She totally understood that. I said that I think I sabotage myself to some degree, because when I'm at my lessons I can never seem to do anything as well as I can when I'm at home. She said everyone is like that, including her! She said that all of her students, when they come to lessons, their "ability" drops a level, then add an audience at a recital and it drops two levels. Makes sense to me, though I am working on getting past that, for myself. I want to do everything as well there, as I do it at home. I do think I'm making progress..actually I know I am, though it's still a slow process. I think, however, once everything clicks, look out! hehe! I'm looking forward to practice this week..I'm hoping it'll be good! We also put a couple of the songs we're working on, away till next time. My teacher says that sometimes if you put them away for a bit, they will be easier when you come back...things have a chance to click. So , we'll see what this weeks practice and next weeks lesson holds! Thank you Jesus for a great lesson, an outstanding and talented teacher, and the most amazing husband..you have blessed me so very much!

Voice Lesson #10

I, myself, do not think I could've sounded worse at my lesson, today..though I'm sure, in actuality, I could have. I think a big part of it is that I want so much to do everything correctly at my lesson, that I sabotage myself. However, I am not upset about it, but rather, I am happy...Why? For two reasons.. One, because I know that this past Saturday, when I went over one of my songs, at home, I was amazed at how well I sang it..stunned actually! And two, despite how bad I sounded today, my teacher saw and heard some good in it..Yea! So I KNOW I can sing these songs pretty well..not completely correct, but still pretty darn good, even if it's not when I'm at my lesson.. and also, she pointed out to me that even though I'm still having trouble with certain things, and I don't "sound" like I would like to sound at this point, there are aspects of my singing that have improved since I first began my lessons with her..and she says that is a very good thing! The fact is, we are continually working on my trouble areas, and until I over come them, which I can do with Jesus by my side, I will continue to get frustrated from time to time. It's all ok though, because overall, there is progress being made. She told me last week that just because I don't sing a song with the perfection that I want to sing it right now, doesn't mean that there aren't good things happening in other areas. She is right, and that's why I'm happy about today's lesson..because I KNOW that there are improvements being made, despite my failures. One thing is my mouth shape on certain vowels. I tend to not open my mouth enough on some vowels, when that is the only thing that will increase my volume and allow that particular note, to come out correctly. I have been "trained", for lack of a better word, to use a microphone, which means I never had to work for my volume..but now, I do.. so it means a whole new way of thinking about mouth shape and vowels, among other things. I also keep forgetting to support my breath...Grrrrrr, I frustrate myself with that because classical voice has everything to do with breathing and breath support. Without it, "I'm sunk", as my teacher would say. So still, there are many things to work on and think about, not to mention that singing classically is a very athletic activity!! It takes a great deal of physicality! It is also a tremendous mental game! I know that in time I will "get it", everything will click, my teacher tells me this, too..but I also know that I can do nothing without Jesus. He is the main part of this journey..it started with Him, and He drives it. He has put the teacher and the tools in front of me, to teach and mentor me, but He is the ultimate leader in all of this, without Him I can do nothing. Thank you, Jesus for this path you've put me on and the means, being my husband and my teacher, to become the best singer I can be, for You. See, Jesus knows that without an amazing husband to support me, and a brilliant and patient teacher to teach me and guide me through these uncharted waters, I am truly, SUNK! Thank you, Jesus..you rock!

Voice Lesson #9

I am writing this the day after voice lesson #9. I wanted to listen to the lesson once before commenting on it. It was good! I am definitely making progress! Last week was a very frustrating week for me, as far as practice goes. Sunday was great and Tuesday was good...every other day between lesson #8 and #9 was not very good in my opinion. I was just flat frustrated! I was having a lot of trouble staying in the head voice, because I would continually drop back into the chest voice. I was so frustrated that I found myself fussing at myself! hehe! We worked on this yesterday. If I want to keep in the head voice, I have to stay in the head voice, or at least allow very little chest voice to creep in on those lower notes. It's those bad habits still rearing their heads. Practice..or let's say, correct practice, will take care of that in time. And speaking of chest voice... I'm struggling with the passaggio area still, which again, is that middle voice area.. where the head and chest voice meet. It's a difficult area to manage. I feel as if I have little control of that area. I discussed this with my teacher yesterday, and we worked on this area a bit with repertoire. One song in particular has phrases that give me a lot of difficulty, so she told me to sing that as if I have never heard of head voice.. So I did.. it was a big, controlled chest voice sound. Big chest voice sounds are not a problem for me, but it's when I try to keep that passaggio area in the head voice, allowing even a small amount of chest voice in, that I get in trouble. Again, practice. The other thing is that I was hitting that F# with a good amount of ease, where as last week it was a problem. Yahooooo! I hit it well in my song and also in an exercise. As we were doing the exercise, we kept going up and up, and on the last scale my teacher said, that was the F#! I said, yeah??!! I was surprised because it felt so easy..I felt like I could've kept going! So, all in all, though I'm still having a hard time with staying in the head voice, I am accessing it much more easily and hitting some good notes. I also have to work on correct vowel shapes in the throat and with the tongue...they are still an issue, along with breath support, tension, and alignment. All of the these things are improving, but I still have a long way to go. All of these things have to become habit...they have to be as ingrained in me as much as the bad habits have been and are...and as the bad habits slowly disappear, the good habits will take over! Jesus is an awesome God! He is right there with me through the whole process. He knows I can't do this without Him, and He is very gracious with me! His Word says that "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"..Philippians 4:13....this is truth! I am blessed by Him to able to do this at all.. to take lessons, to have a brilliant teacher who cares and is patient, and to have an amazing husband who supports me in this endeavor, no matter what! I am thankful for the blessings and that includes the trials and difficulties, as well as all of the good stuff! Thank you, Jesus, I'm getting there!

Voice Lesson #8

Today was lesson #8..Monday. My last lesson was last Wednesday, so I only had a few days to practice and it showed! Though I have made some improvements since I began, in May, I am still struggling with all the same issues. Tension in the throat being a major player! I just can't seem to shake it! I am also having trouble keeping my chest voice out of the picture. I guess I'm just having trouble, all the way around, with staying out of my own way. I am still trying to control the sound, which is something I should not be doing. And though I know I shouldn't do it, I can't seem to stop myself from doing it. It's as if parts of me have a mind of their own. Though, trust me, I realize that I am in control of every aspect of my singing, it's just a matter of making my body realize that! Some things were good today, though..I wasn't frustrated with everything. The Passaggio area is still difficult to maneuver but beginning a song last week with a higher tessitura seems to make a bit of a difference with the Passaggio area. Like I said though, I had only a few days of practice between lessons, so maybe next week will be better. My teacher also showed me two new songs that I will begin learning this week..so that will be five songs we're working on. Three of them are basically for the sake of exercise, and the two newest, for the sake of the song. The other thing is that I need to concentrate more on my breath support. With so much to think about, I tend to let my breathing go..which I cannot do...that is NOT an option! I need to learn to just RELAX. I seem to do better when I am practicing at home, but at my lessons, I seem to tense up more. I guess it's a bit of nervousness because I want to do well for my teacher..I want her to see improvement, so.... I tense up and everything comes out worse. But even at home there is tension. I tell myself, "don't do that"..but I do it anyway. I can get frustrated with myself, for sure, but then there are times where I think, hmmmm, that wasn't too bad. It's all just part of learning and practicing, and failing and improving. It's a journey that is difficult for now, but it won't always be. Like my teacher said, sometimes you can stay in the same spot for a long time, and just when you think you will never improve or get passed the difficulty, YOU DO! Just like that, you do! I told her today, that it seems as if these songs we're working on, are standing up to me and challenging me...but I told her, I WILL WIN! I was having difficulty with a particular note, today..an f#..I could hit it better at home, but just couldn't do it today. I told her, "I know I can hit that note...she said, "I know you can hit it, too!". And that is the gist of this entire journey....we both know that I can do it and I WILL..it's just getting there. With Jesus and a brilliant teacher,(who is also a class act) I can't fail! I want to thank her for having so much patience with me! I want to say thank you also, to my awesome husband, Jeff.. without his amazing support and encouragement, none of this would be possible! He listens to me practice everyday and hasn't once asked for earplugs..in fact, he says I sound great! THAT, my friends, is love..and possibly a hearing issue..hehe! I love you, Bup! :)

Voice Lesson #7

So, today we returned to our regular lessons. My teacher has been off for the past two weeks taking some much deserved vacation. Now, however, we are back in the swing of things, and today's lesson went quite well, I thought. I had taken lots of notes over the past three weeks..yes, three because there was the week right after my last lesson..so I actually had three weeks to practice, and hopefully show some improvement! I think I did, to some degree. I could tell from some of the looks on my teachers face that I was doing better on some things! Gotta love that! I am still having problems with all the same things, BUT, they are getting better! I noticed a lot things during my practice sessions and made a lot of notes for my teacher, but condensed it, for her sake..hehe! I think the biggest things were that I noticed that my tongue is doing everything we don't want it to do..which may not sound like a big deal but, trust me, it is! For me to see and realize this, is a good thing! I also think I found the correct relationship between the tongue and the "AH" vowel...as my teacher put it, it was an epiphany! Indeed, it was! She seemed very happy about this! I still have work to do on it, but the "AH" vowel is much easier for me at this point because the tongue, for the most part, is staying put. We were working on one of the songs, and I mentioned that I had particular difficulty with a certain phrase of the song..actually a certain word. The "eh" vowel is involved, and at a higher pitch. So, not only does the tongue want to kick up, but try as I may, I tend to want to bring the chest voice up to that note, which is NOT what I should be doing. I should be in my head voice throughout the entire phrase. So, bringing the chest voice up to that particular note causes me to STAY in the chest voice..it's like my voice becomes trapped, unable to break free to the head voice, where it SHOULD be. So, all this to say that we replaced the "eh" vowel with the "AH" vowel, as an exercise on that particular word and that caused me to be in my head voice from the get go, which kept me there for the rest of the phrase! Sounds insignificant, maybe, but it wasn't..it was awesome!! We also began a new song, today. It's in Soprano. She's doing this to help me with the Passaggio. Soprano, for me, is very high but I understand what she's trying to do...as I've said before, there's method to the madness. She is a brilliant teacher, so I have no doubt this will help me with the Passaggio, which is basically, the notes involved in the transition between the registers. A difficult area to maneuver in and around. Actually, the Passaggio is throughout the head voice. It's how you get from one note to the other. If you start off the first note in the wrong place..the following notes will be wrong as well. So, like I said, today's lesson went very well and I am looking forward to practicing this week. As I always say, with a Jesus and an awesome teacher, I WILL get this!

Just A Voice Update...

Well, one more week before my teacher's vacation comes to an end and my lessons resume. I hope her time off was very restful and enjoyable, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't excited for lessons to start up again! The good thing though, is that by next week, I will have had three weeks to practice and hopefully improve to some degree. I am still struggling with all the same issues, but maybe not to quite the extent that I was, two weeks ago. The real test will be to see what my teacher has to say. I have been practicing up a storm, as usual; the tongue, larynx and passaggio still giving me grief! I will beat them, though..they will not win out for long! :) That bothersome D4-G4 is giving me fits! But not to worry..with practice I will find that smooth transition..no problem. Ok, I had stopped writing this post, and gone to practice, just finished a few minutes ago. Wasn't too bad, tonight. I find that on the songs, if I am singing vowels only, It's not as difficult, but when I try to wrap the consonants around the vowels, THAT creates a problem..TENSION! Just more to work on. Two weeks ago I jokingly said that by the time my lessons started again, I would have two pages of notes to go over with my teacher..well, I think I can condense it to one :) No worries though...Like I always say, with a great teacher and Jesus..I can do this! Stay tuned for next weeks lesson update!

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!