Workshop Wisdom, June 15, 2007
First of all, I have to say that yesterday was one of the most inspirational afternoons I have ever had. (The whole WEEK was amazing.) Richard Miller, the father of American vocal pedagogy, IMO, did a master class. The man is 81 years old. He has had a stroke, he walks with a cane, he has osteoporosis, and two hearing aids. He was able to diagnose and resolve vocal problems in about 10-15 minutes. He could demonstrate a ringing tenor voice (doesn't have the high C he had at the 2002 NATS conference in San Diego, but -- see above). I owe my teaching style to his 1999 workshop in Chicago - he changed my entire approach to breathing, particularly my most-repeated phrase: "RELEASE INTO THE BREATH."
And now some things from the morning lecture and the master class:
(Kiesgen)
Things about practicing:
Develop a practice routine
Record your practices - either on paper (writing down vocalises) or audio/visual
Practice doesn't require SINGING
Keep your practice sessions short - 5 10-minute sessions are better than one 50-minute session
Attend live performances and SIT UP FRONT
Listen to recordings but remember they ain't LIVE
Seek out multiple interpretations of songs
Listening/watching recordings of yourself is another way of practicing without tiring your voice
(Miller)
"In short, artistry and technique are equal poles. You can't have one without the other."
Longevity [as a singer] has to do with whether or not you KEEP AT IT. Establish a daily regimen based upon a certain number of technical exercises. 20 minutes should do it.
"The history of the lowered larynx is a long and depressing one." [It's a joke...]
And now some things from the morning lecture and the master class:
(Kiesgen)
Things about practicing:
Develop a practice routine
Record your practices - either on paper (writing down vocalises) or audio/visual
Practice doesn't require SINGING
Keep your practice sessions short - 5 10-minute sessions are better than one 50-minute session
Attend live performances and SIT UP FRONT
Listen to recordings but remember they ain't LIVE
Seek out multiple interpretations of songs
Listening/watching recordings of yourself is another way of practicing without tiring your voice
(Miller)
"In short, artistry and technique are equal poles. You can't have one without the other."
Longevity [as a singer] has to do with whether or not you KEEP AT IT. Establish a daily regimen based upon a certain number of technical exercises. 20 minutes should do it.
"The history of the lowered larynx is a long and depressing one." [It's a joke...]