Date sent: Wed, 22 Dec 1999 10:28:40 EST
Subject: Technique/Literature (was: Auditioning new students)
To: vocalist-at-lists.oulu.fi
Send reply to: VOCALIST <vocalist>


In a message dated 12/21/99 11:14:01 AM, aleatory-at-sj.znet.com writes:

<< I happen to maintain a strong emphasis on learning technique over just
learning a bunch of songs. Some of my students will attest to this with
their groans of "When do I get to the Music?" I live for the day in their
artistic lives when they realize that the technical work is just as much
the Music as the songs they sing. If you've mastered the Tools, it's a lot
easier to master the Tunes. >>

This is so true, Yvonne. Unfortunately, my experience has been that in some
university settings, the "required" number of pieces for juries each semester
becomes the driving force behind the manner in which lessons are taught. I
always felt rushed and as though I were getting music "poured into" my head
when I was in undergraduate school. Much later, teaching at the college
level in a setting where fewer songs were required, particularly for
non-majors, I was more relaxed, as were my students, and we were able to work
on whatever was needed in each lesson...if we tackled no literature at all
one lesson, it was all right. The atmosphere became what was necessary for
that particular student on that particular day. The marvelous thing about
good technique, and the learning of it on a regular basis, is that learning
the literature is so much easier, and the quality of the performance so much
higher, when technique permits it.

Sincerely,
Lynda Lacy, Soprano, St. Andrews Episcopal Cathedral, Jackson, MS
Director of Choral Activities, Jackson Preparatory School
LYNDA313-at-aol.com