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From:  "drama_diva_au" <drama_diva_au@y...>
Date:  Mon Sep 2, 2002  8:34 am
Subject:  Re: Vocal Crisis

Mirko, sorry I haven't posted this earlier but things have been
hectic for me. I fully concur with "our own" Dr John Messmer, his
advice is ALWAYS sound.

If you do decide you need a specialist, believe it or not, we are
actually lucky enough here in Brisbane to have not one, but two
excellent men who have made the unique problems of singers part of
their practise. Dr William Comen and Dr Gerry Macafferty are
otolaryngologists that as a singer, you need to know about. There is
nearly always a waiting list for specialists so in the short term
this info may not be what you're needing. No harm in ringing to find
out and as for their fees, ouch!, but worth it. However if you have
any concerns at all I would strongly recommend a visit to one of them
to make sure there is nothing wrong physically.

You have mentioned previously though, if memory serves correctly,
that you are going through a tumultuous time at the present. (Isn't
it you whose wife is expecting any day?) It would seem to me that
perhaps the pressure of study, performance, work, and impending
fatherhood would be enough to topple the mightiest Goliath
vocally. "Nil by Mouth" vocal rest is always wise, but if it isn't
enough, then you have to look at the underlying causes and what
really screams at me is you have way too much to contend with at the
moment to be able to focus on the calm necessary to achieve your
ideal vocal state right now.

I'm not suggesting for a moment that it (juggling all this) can't be
done. But perhaps by acknowledging that you are actually feeling
rather overwhelmed and maybe somewhat stressed by current events,
even if you don't neccessarily feel this way consciously, you can
then put into practise techniques for letting go and overcoming any
stress or tension in your body (and more specifically your larnyx),
not only when you go to sing but all the time.

>>>>The opera is only 1 month away, and I am getting increasingly
anxious.<<<<

The anxiety is only going to make it worse, as if I need to tell you
that. Now is the time to put into practise any and every technique
you have ever learned for De-stressing. What does your own teacher
have to say about all of this? If they haven't taught or pointed you
in the direction of any techniques to help then I'm amazed.

In the short term you might consider any yoga meditation technique as
a good way to unwind and renew. In the longer term Feldenkries,
Alexander, Tai Chi, Kung-Fu, Karate, Yoga (and many more) all have
merit also. Medication is far from ideal as it can alter the voice in
unexpected ways to put it simply.

Teaching, especially in the school environment is one of the most
punishing things to put a voice through. A necessity I know, but not
always a happy marriage for a singer. I have found studio teaching
far less arduous vocally, but not exactly financially practical at
the best of times.

Best of luck anyway. I would love to get along to see the production.
Where in Brisbane is it being performed?

Michelle






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