Tougas-Voice Observations-9/14

 In my lessons this week I have been working a lot on Ombra Mai Fu and Aprés Un Reve. Each one Carrie’s specific parts that are difficult but I have been chunking a lot and really trying ignition starting this week. Before I start each piece, I listen to it one time through by professional artists who have performed it previously. I know everyone is thinking, “yeah, we all do that, so what?” But I watch it through this first time less from a technical standpoint but more for the “Hey, that could be you” effect Coyle mentioned in these last few chapters. It has truly helped a lot when chunking feels tedious or deep-practice feels like it really is getting me nowhere. I think back to the gorgeous sound in the video and remember that I will be able to do that. 

I also have been singing one of my old repertoire songs as a warm-up each time I practice. This then reminds me that I AM improving even when I don’t feel like it and motivates me to work harder and longer on each section of every piece. 

In voice recital hour, Abby Geertsen sang “Vanilla Ice Cream” from She Loves Me and she really embodies the third rule of Coyle: “Learn to Feel It”. She emoted the song as if it was she really was this character alternating between dictating a letter and singing through the inner thoughts in the song. It created that Sistine Chapel effect for me of the “you better get busy” feeling- but in the BEST way. I can’t wait to get a move on and get up to that point of flawless alternation.

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