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Date sent: Sat, 18 Dec 1999 08:58:05 EST
Subject: Perfection
To: Vocalist
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Dear Friends,
Nobody's perfect. I'm sure it's possible to find flaws in anyone's technique.
Does that mean they aren't worthy of our attention, admiration, even
adoration? I get the feeling that what really matters is that the singer must
have a feel for the kind of singing she or he is doing.
Do they demonstrate that they love what they are doing?
Do they tell the story well?
Do they have something unique to give or add to that genre or style?
Does there technique enable them to express to the best of their ability or
does it hinder?

We have discussed nearly every aspect of technique on this list. That's good.
I think that's what this list is for. But there are two ways to do it. We can
dissect and criticize in a negative, destructive, self-promoting or exulting
way showing our superiority because we arrogantly notice all these "flaws"
that other mere mortals don't, or we can analyse, encourage, lift-up, the
things we find that the best singers do. I understand the need to criticize.
It's a way to discuss and learn. I've done it quite often. But we have to be
careful because it's a sort of trap.

The way we think determines the way we behave. If we constantly tend to think
in negatively critical ways, we will become bitter and nervous. WE won't be
able to perform because we'll think that everyone views us as we view others.

If we view what others do in terms of their accomplishments and in a more
positive light, we tend to become happier and more secure because we think
others see us in the same way. It's better to be happy. Life's too short to
be negative all the time.
Warmest regards,
Les