finding my singing voice - Comments

Leslie comments on Perfectionism: friend or foe?

Leslie — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 18:32:01 +0000

Thanks for posting this article. I think a lot of artistic people struggle with perfectionism. For me, it's definitely been a mostly maladaptive force. Right now I'm working on "not letting the perfect be the enemy of the good". I have a tendency to avoid doing something at all because I'm afraid it won't be perfect, but the reality of life is that we're never perfect, but we can be good. And we can always improve. So I'm trying to work with the assumption that doing SOMETHING well is better than doing NOTHING perfectly. :)

Sam comments on Perfectionism: friend or foe?

Sam — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:44:24 +0000

I find this article really interesting. As a young singer, my voice teacher and choir director are always discussing how I can 'get out of my head' and just sing. I think part of being 'in my head' is being a perfectionist. Its nice read an article about multi-faceted perfectionism. Now I've got to try and access forward thinking perfectionism! Thanks so much for commenting on this in your blog!

Chris Rowbury comments on Perfectionism: friend or foe?

Chris Rowbury — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:49:49 +0000

Hi Catherine

When I was younger I had a definite perfectionist streak. It used to cripple me. My response was: there's no way I can reach those heights so I won't even bother.

Now I'm much more interested in embracing 'failure' and 'mistakes' as I think that's where the creativity lies.

In terms of singing, I've noticed that some people in my choir do what I used to and are always holding back because they know they have no chance of ever achieving that perfection that's in their heads. In that case it's a definite FOE!

But if the idea of striving for perfection urges people to always try better, then I think that's OK, as long as they realise that they will never arrive! It's the journey that counts.

Chris From the Front of the Choir

Finding My Singing Voice comments on Saint Francis de Sales: "Do not lose courage."

Finding My Singing Voice — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 19:05:54 +0000

Hi Luisa,

It sounds like this role is a wonderful opportunity - congratulations! Even the best performers experience moments of horrendous stage fright. Having patience with yourself can be freeing - and so can finding joy in singing. (Sometimes we work so hard that we forget to enjoy ourselves.)

I recently read a fascinating quote of Pavarotti in an article about a Metropolitan opera tenor who is retiring. The retiring tenor said: "Most singers are petrified before they go on. ['Pavarotti] said, ‘Anthony’ — and he was shaking — ‘I wouldn’t wish these three minutes before the orchestra starts on my worst enemy.’ And then there’s a moment when they fall back on their technique and lock in. I’ve been scared all my life. I prayed my way through every performance."

NYTimes.com: A Tenor's Swansong

Fear can be debilitating, but it generally subsides when we look it in the face and move ahead in spite of it. Have courage and sing from your heart!

Take care,
Catherine

Luisa Rodriguez comments on Saint Francis de Sales: "Do not lose courage."

Luisa Rodriguez — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 18:46:25 +0000

I found this particularly inspirational. Going through a lot of doubts about my voice right now, most of them probably unreasonable and overexaggerated. I am the cover for a sizable (very emotional) lead role in my school's opera production and they decided to let me do one performance. I am so afraid of failing that I considered declining, or at least not inviting any of my friends and family. Its ridiculous. I worked way too hard for this, know this music backwards and forwards and need the learning experience.

So patience with myself begins now. I can't fail as long as I put my heart into it.

April Bennett comments on Helen Keller: "Face your deficiencies."

April Bennett — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:03:20 +0000

she is very pretty .

Finding My Singing Voice comments on Learning to love "Carousel"

Finding My Singing Voice — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 21:51:33 +0000

Hi Sam. It's always interesting to hear another singer's analysis of a performance. Carousel is one of R&H's darker shows, and it's definitely worth checking out. Happy singing!

Finding My Singing Voice comments on Learning to love "Carousel"

Finding My Singing Voice — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 21:48:27 +0000

Hi Charity, and thanks for your comment. I am aware that it's normally considered inappropriate to sing a song from the musical for which one is auditioning (although I don't fully understand why!). However, in this case, the director specifically requested that singers perform a piece from the show.

Charity Beth Long comments on Learning to love "Carousel"

Charity Beth Long — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 15:54:47 +0000

Mr. Snow is a great beginning song for a classical singer and it would be great for your audition book. However, in the musical theater world it is normally not acceptable to sing a song from the show you are auditioning for. I would suggest you learn somethng from another R and H musical or something similar. Good Luck!

Face Exercises comments on Yoga for your face

Face Exercises — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 14:15:15 +0000

I am always delighted to hear the many uses of face exercises.

For you, it's to warm up your face for singing. Some people use face exercises as a vocal and facial prep for public speaking.

It's interesting to know that face exercise not only makes us look younger, but also helps us perform better.

Happy Exercising