There’s a synchronicity to the emotions of my students during any given week. Every Thursday I share thoughts based on my experiences with them. Here are some thoughts to sum up the gifts of 2016.
May 2017 continue to fill all of us with wisdom and beautiful music.
0 Comments
Music doesn’t discriminate. I was reminded of that this morning when a friend sent me a video of children who use singing for music therapy. You, my dear students, carry that universal gift with you each and every moment. You have the power to give joy and help heal a broken heart. Don’t ever be ashamed or afraid of the super power you possess with those tiny vocal cords. Stop listening to that voice of shame and pay attention to those who need your gift. This fragile earth needs you.
May you all have a musical and peaceful holiday as you share your gift of music. When I ask my students to record themselves singing at a lesson, they cringe. Nearly everyone says “I hate hearing myself.” So my assignment to you is to go ahead and assume you’re going to sound terrible when you listen back. You’ve already decided you are, so what the heck! Find all those things about your voice that make you feel embarrassed. In fact, pick the worst thing about your singing. Then fix it. Record yourself again and listen. Sound better? I thought so! Small changes make huge differences.
Whatever level you’re at in lessons, you have tools at your disposal to improve on your instrument. Don’t be afraid to listen. Got no silver, got no gold
What I got can't be bought or sold I got the sun in the morning and the moon at night Sunshine gives me a lovely day Moonlight gives me the Milky Way Got no checkbooks, got no banks Still I'd like to express my thanks I got the sun in the morning and the moon at night And with the sun in the morning And the moon in the evening I'm all right ― Irving Berlin We have our own schedules with different priorities. With instant messaging, we know when our request has been read. We incorrectly assume that others should jump to answer it when they may just want to relax. Keep the peace by instituting the 24 hour rule. If someone reaches out to you, respond within a day. You don’t have to answer their question in full but let them know you got their message. Tell them when you will have the time to send a more thorough response.
The 24 hour rule only takes about 24 seconds. It’s not a waste of your time. You may think you’re in control when you impose self limits in a conversation. Sure, we should all exercise respect and diplomacy because we don’t want to be hurtful toward others. But I’m talking about the times when you stop yourself from engaging with others because you feel like you don’t know enough to add to the conversation. Or there’s a susceptible part of you that is afraid of being judged.
The thing is, people can sense that you have a mask on. They want you to be true to yourself, warts and all. Those are the people you want to surround yourself with anyway. So, drop the mask and let us love you for who you really are. “What’s the play this year?” “What part are you trying out for?” “Are you nervous?” “When’s the show?” “You would be great in that role.” These are the conversations between theater geeks like me, as auditions approach. Auditions –in front of trusted teachers or in front of unknown judges – are nerve wracking. That’s when Deb Smith steps in. On Sunday, October 23, Deb “Zuke” offered a class for her vocal students so that they could learn what a “real audition” was like from two theater professionals, Kristin Reeves and Bruce Winant. The day was not so much about vocal technique, but about meeting these two amazing adults who gave me a new perspective. Initially I thought that everything I did had to be perfect, but the Kristin and Bruce taught us that theater people are everyday people. They joked and told stories about their worst mistakes on stage, including when Mr. Winant went on a Broadway stage ten lines before his cue. I also learned that -- because they were so down to earth -- I might be able to do theater too -- through attitude and confidence. If I had to a give a message based on Sunday’s class, I would tell other students not to be nervous before their auditions. Instead, take a deep breath and be confident in all the practice time you invested. Speak to yourself after the tryout and say, “Nailed it!” To echo or imitate someone else is one of many paths to finding your true self as an artist. But at what time should you stop and take another road? If you pay attention to what you are writing or the way you are singing, you will know in your heart if you are being honest or you are trying to copy someone. If you keep circling back to imitation, maybe that’s your signal to work on your head. Do you hate the way you sing? Do you judge what it is you’re writing about? What are you hiding from in yourself?
It’s called growing pains for a reason. Some days are simply harder than others to get motivated and take care of biz. I had one of those days this week. The coffee wasn’t working so I supplemented it with my zuketeas blend, Wake Up, Wafflehead!
Did it work? Well, I laughed when I balanced Mr. Bill’s dog on the cup! The laughing made me feel more awake and I had a productive day. Oh, and the tea was delish! Sometimes life feels like Groundhog Day and you repeat the same routine day after day. Pause and find something to smile about. Stay present. Being in the moment is all the inspiration you need to wake up. |