This wonderful documentary is about the musical, A Chorus Line. It tells the history of making the original stage production and also follows the casting process for the latest Broadway revival. Fascinating – and surely a must for anyone considering a career in theater. It also speaks to everyone who does something because it is “their passion.” EVERY LITTLE STEP is in theaters now. Go see it.
Music Stands/Posture
My students tend to hunch over music placed on the table in front of the piano. No more. I found our music stands. I’ve placed them at two heights – for shorter or taller singers. Now, stand tall and look straight ahead when you sing. It’s better for breathing, singing and appearance. Remember you don’t want to sing to the ceiling either. We want to see your eyes, not your chin.
Let’s discuss practicing
Your use of practice time between lessons can definitely influence “getting your money’s worth.” You will make progress even if you rarely practice between lesson sessions, but you will get more for your money and get ahead more quickly if you make good use of your practice time. Here are some thoughts. Feel free to comment or add to the list.
10,000 Hours
Malcolm Gladwell has been quoted often as he suggests that it takes 10,000 hours of practice to become skilled at anything. I expect he is right. Performers who become “overnight” sensations have put in their time. Are there exceptions? Perhaps. But that is why they are called “exceptions.” Most everyone has spent a lot of time honing the craft. Intelligence and talent are factors, big factors. But the 10,000 hours may be the most important step of all. And that is why no one should become a performer if they don’t like to practice and rehearse. If you don’t love the process, you still can enjoy any of the arts as a hobby. But, if it is your career you are talking about, do you like the preparation? We’ve all had jobs we didn’t like much. It is much more fun to go to work if you love the job. How much do you love acting or singing?
It’s all right to change your mind along the way. You may think you want this, or you may like the process for awhile. When you no longer enjoy the process, it is time to do something else. Is there something you love so much that you are willing to spend 10,000 preparing to be skilled? I found along the way that I loved teaching rather than performing. What is your choice?
Morning Thought
Today’s thought comes from the website of J Timothy Caldwell. I quote:
Exercise: ask a choral singer to sing a scale in a legato manner as you watch the area of the throat known as the “Adam’s Apple.” You will probably see tiny, jerky motions as the singer moves from pitch to pitch. The motions come from “jumping” from pitch to pitch. If you ask a well-trained solo singer to perform the same exercise, you will see little or no movement-this is because the singer is “sliding” from pitch to pitch.
(The whole discussion is here: http://www.jtimothycaldwell.net/blogs/?page_id=28)
The 16 bar audition
While my thoughts are in audition mode, let me speak about the 16 bar audition. Often, someone preparing 16 bars feels they can’t show enough in that time. Meanwhile, those of us listening to you have a pretty good idea of what you can do after 4 bars. Remember the impact that Susan Boyle had in Britain’s Got Talent? No one expected anything of this woman when she came out on stage. The audience was applauding wildly after 2 measures.
After four measures we know:
1) Is your voice pleasant?
2) Do you sing in tune?
3) Is your vibrato steady?
4) Are you connected to the words of your song?
5) Do you have a musical line when you sing?
I’m sure we know more. These are the first words that come to mind. Comments and additions are welcome! Others of you have listened to more auditions than I. Add, please.