Date sent: Thu, 16 Dec 1999 11:34:52 EST
Subject: Help, nice teacher, poor technique
To: vocalist
Send reply to: VOCALIST <vocalist>

Hello,

As a new subscriber, I wanted to say that I've really enjoyed the discussions posted.

I am in a bit of a quandry. I have a really kind, wonderful teacher, but I am concerned about this teacher's technique. I used to study with a Julliard-trained opera teacher, but after two years of feeling frustrated and not enjoying the lessons, I stopped and took a year off. My current
teacher was recommended by a former classmate. This teacher is a former blues and gospel performer with a great voice, but the teaching methods are very, very different from the classical that I have been exposed to. The first few months we used to do stretches and breath-holding exercises, and
then the teacher would have me go up and down the scale once before singing a song. The last three months this teacher will only sometimes have me go up and down the scale once or twice (as high as my voice will go before topping out and then as low as I can go before bottoming out) before
singing. The teacher talks a little bit about breath support, but a lot about "chest control". After having!
!
studied with this teacher for a year, I am becoming concerned about whether this method is good for me. I have signed up to "audition" with some other teachers, with the idea that I would continue with this teacher as well. I'm not sure if I should, though, but I really like this person, and
this teacher has been very kind to me. I feel torn between loyalty and doing what's best for my voice and my education. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks,
JC, an adult learner