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From:  "Sharon Szymanski" <szy@n...>
Date:  Sun Mar 17, 2002  5:50 pm
Subject:  RE: [vocalist] Argh another problem (Long)

Lea Ann:
Some thoughts:

1. This list is a wonderful resource for information and suggestions,
but, ultimately, you must have the kind of relationship with your teacher
that allows primarily the two of you to make most important decisions
regarding your singing. Since you have just started working together, this
may take more time, but it should be your goal. I forget if you have told
us how experienced she is in teaching; she may still be developing her
methods of working with students too. Clear communication is important here
- you need to make your feelings clear and she needs to hear them, then give
you her thoughts too.
2. I like to think of teacher and student as partners in reaching
certain goals, so it seems odd to me that any teacher would be comfortable
with a student working on three new songs for a recital all by herself. Of
course, her limitations due to pregnancy are something over which she has no
control; I'm sure she would much prefer to be able to teach you prior to the
event. The fact that she thinks you can handle it must mean that she thinks
highly of your abilities. You just need to find out if you can be
comfortable with the situation of preparing alone. One possible thought - I
have known folks who have "telephone lessons" with teachers in NYC etc. Any
chance that she could listen to you over the speakerphone while she's
resting pre-delivery? If you find that there is really no possibility of
working with her to prepare, and if you truly don't feel comfortable being
on your own, I think you need to communicate this clearly to her. It's not
simply the time element - you have time to learn the songs, it's the lack of
input from her that concerns you. Make this clear.
3. Regarding the technique difficulties you are having. I won't
diagnose them online, but they are pretty typical of trouble with the higher
register and placement etc. They are also made worse by physical tension
and pushing. Make sure that you're not so worried about being ready for the
recital that you are adding extra tension and
weight and size to the voice, or rehearsing too long and too much, or trying
to jump into the complete song without working on the various elements first
(i.e., learning the melody first on a vowel or lip or tongue trill, then
working the diction by speaking it slowly in rhythm, then slowly putting
them together). Also, if you're a mezzo, you may be singing something in a
key that's too high for you. While trained mezzos do have high notes in
their range, those still working on technique are better served to keep the
tessitura and range more manageable. Check to see if the songs you are
doing are available in a medium or low key if you are doing the high one
now.

Regards,
Sharon Szymanski







emusic.com