Time and again, it is obvious to me that many singers are spinning in circles when it comes to working in the practice room. Intelligent people with every intention of spending time to improve technique and gain self-confidence are doing nothing more than grinding in old habits. And we wonder why we don’t like to practice? If you’re not spending a good bit of time practicing to DISCOVER–to redefine what you’re learning in lessons and classes so that it becomes your very own–you are not progressing very much. Continue Reading
If you were accused of being a singer…
…would there be enough evidence to convict you? *
Commitment to something that you love to do is more than just paying for voice lessons or showing up for class. While the financial commitment to learning to sing is very real–it’s also the “easy” part in some ways.Continue Reading
The Power of Vulnerability–Video Share
There are so many topics I’d like to write about here that I really struggled with what I should post first after my summer hiatus this year– until a friend and fellow teacher shared this Ted Talk video on Facebook.
I find that I personally learn a lot more about singing from sources not aimed at singers–and I think you’ll see what I mean after viewing this video. Watch it, keeping in mind those things that keep you from being the singer you wish to be. Brene Brown gives us a unique overview of all the core elements that keep us from living the life we’d choose–and of course these very same things hold us back from our potential as singers. I found myself laughing out loud several times and by the end of the talk, was so moved–that I came right here to post.
Putting my money where my mouth is: Recital post #2
I ask my students to translate any selection (even if it’s in their mother tongue) into their own every day vernacular, so as to have as personal a relationship to the text as possible. I’m pretty pleased with my translation of Chausson’s Le Charme:
Quand ton sourire me surprit,
When I was first caught off guard by your smile–
Je sentis frémir tout mon être,
I felt a tremor throughout my being–
Mais ce qui domptait nous esprit,
but the exact thing that captured my heart–
Je ne pus d’abord le connaître.
I wasn’t able to discern at first (I wouldn’t have been able to tell you what it was)
Quand ton regard tomba sur moi,
(After which) When your gaze fell on me–
Je sentis mon âme se fondre,
I felt myself melt inside–
Mais ce que serait cet émoi,
but whatever emotion this was–
Je ne pus d’abord en répondre.
I could not yet acknowledge it.
Ce qui me vainquit à jamais,
The thing that finally conquered me–
Ce fut un plus douloureux charme;
turned out to be a sadder charm–
Et je n’ai su que je t’aimais,
and I only knew that I (actually) loved you–
Qu’en voyant ta première larme.
upon seeing your first tear.