A student came in this week and is on the road to getting her voice back after dealing with health issues. She wants to belt songs as she did before. She reflected on past auditions where she had her repertoire down solid. My advice to her was not to fall into the trap of defining herself as a singer by how high she used to belt.
As someone who has gone thru cancer and chemo treatment, I know exactly how she feels. A lot about my body image and singing changed, but that does not define the essence of who I am and what I can contribute. Sometimes life throws us curveballs and we can’t regain what we had. But we can start from this moment and move forward and gain things we never dreamed possible.
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I keep up on my vocal studies so I know I am the best teacher I can be for you. Today I had a class and the teacher asked if I understood this week’s topic. Without hesitation, I said “yes, no problems at all!” Then class started and I realized I was way off base in my understanding.
Even if you think you have all the answers, chances are you don’t. So always question your own confidence. This is the time of year when many music conferences are starting around the country. As a recurring speaker at the Launch Music Conference and Festival one of my favorite things to do is listen to all the performers online in advance. That way I can plan my schedule ahead of time so I can listen to as many artists as possible from different genres.
It should be easy to Google an artist and find a link to hear their music. If I find them on Facebook I look for the Music or BandPage tab. If I see none of their music listed there, I do an alternate search online. If I still can't find their music, I wonder how serious they really are. If you want to be in this business, then make it your business to be found and heard easily on all channels. I want to support you! Are you performing at Launch this year and need a tune-up for your voice? Contact me here for a free warm-up session. Too often we regret the choices we’ve made or the road we’re on. Did you ever stop to think you’re just looking in the wrong direction? Turn your head and see the view from the other side. You might just find you’re on the right path after all.
Those are two words you should be reciting as a mantra when you work on your singing and songwriting. Don’t look for attention without respect because it may backfire on you. I used to sing in a country cover band in the late 70s. The bandleader gave me this advice: “always sing as if the person you respect the most is in the audience.” Take that advice to heart when writing your lyrics. Are you making a statement in the hopes of getting more attention or are your words powerful enough to create a positive change? I will pay attention and respect you if your intentions are honest and clear.
I completely forgot today was my day to post thoughts for you to think! My last student of the day, Sophia, brought her sweet cousins who are visiting from Denmark. They graced me with a little song they learned from their choir teacher who wrote the song. I’ve been in a great mood since they were here so I’ll share it with you! Alexandra (blonde hair) is 11 and Olivia (brown hair) is 13.
I’d like to introduce a blog written exclusively by my students. No matter what age or level of experience they have, there’s something to be learned. Jack Reilly, age 11, is kicking off this new series. HOW TO BE A ROCK STAR FOR A DAY |
When I did my first band performance I was really nervous in the beginning, but in the end I had so much fun. On the first song I was really nervous. By the second song I was barely nervous at all. It was a real adrenaline rush. It made feel better that I had friends on guitar and in the audience. My advice for someone who is performing for the first time is to look at someone you know isn’t going to boo you, like your parents. Make sure you know the words by heart which means practice, practice, practice. Also know that most people don’t boo kids even if you mess up. Be sure to enjoy yourself because opportunities like these don’t come often. Be sure to know you are awesome in your own way. |
What you do to pay your rent has no bearing on your value as a musician. —David Amram
So often I hear from students, “how do I make money from my music?” The reality is you may or you may not. That does not mean you are not valid as an artist. If you truly love your art then you will find a way to support it and not expect it to support you. Do you have other skills that you can earn money from and then invest in your art? Do it!
Hold your head high and proud and announce to the world that you are an artist — even if you are flipping burgers to earn a living. No one said being an artist is easy, but embrace it however you can if it’s how you shine.
Hold your head high and proud and announce to the world that you are an artist — even if you are flipping burgers to earn a living. No one said being an artist is easy, but embrace it however you can if it’s how you shine.
Someone in your life is the first person who set you on your artistry path. For me, it was my father, Leon Zukowski, who was an amazing accordion player. As hard as it is to be a self-employed artist, I am forever grateful to my father for sharing his love of music.
This month I signed up for the CreativeLive project #28tomake. On the 3rd day we had to draw our favorite album cover. Immediately I thought of my dad’s music. In 2001, my husband restored his original 78 tracks so we could make CDs for friends and family. Revisiting this project reaffirmed how much influence my father had over my decision to pursue a career in the arts.
I have a very long list of folks who have inspired me over the years. For today, I thank Chase Jarvis, the creator of CreativeLive, for posting this project. Yesterday’s assignment brought back so many wonderful memories.
Who inspired you? Make sure you thank them...right now if you can. Then go down a mental list of all the other people in your life who have inspired you and thank them. You’ll be glad you did.
You head to your bedroom or music space to sing your heart out. You’re having fun and think you sound pretty darn great so you record yourself. You listen back and your heart sinks and you think “I SUCK!”
Stop listening to yourself with the expectations of someone else. Listen with your heart. Feel the music with your whole body. Is it making you happy or are you trying to impress someone else?
The next time that little gremlin tries to sabotage you by whispering negative thoughts in your brain, tell him you’ve got work to do.
Stop listening to yourself with the expectations of someone else. Listen with your heart. Feel the music with your whole body. Is it making you happy or are you trying to impress someone else?
The next time that little gremlin tries to sabotage you by whispering negative thoughts in your brain, tell him you’ve got work to do.