How to practice a new song

How to Practice

1.    Review and write notes for any rhythmic problem areas

2.    Determine and mark where you will need to breathe (and do so every single time)

3.    Learn notes and rhythm – for one phrase (or partial phrase) by listening to recordings or play on an instrument such as a piano. Add new phrases after several repetitions until memorized

4.    Work new notes and rhythm for about 10 minutes and review

5.    If you find a section with notes that is challenging, spend extra time on this – mark it and bring it to your lesson for help

6.    Foreign Language – learn how to speak words properly and thoroughly by repetition

7.    Speak through the poetry until it is comfortable

8.    Determine what the poetry is communicating

9.    Speak words in rhythm (many many times)

       ONLY WHEN READY – should you add words, notes, and rhythm

By following all the steps you will learn a song in a healthy way. Sometimes we want to take shortcuts, however, these shortcuts will be at the expense of good technique and will ultimately slow down progress.

You may want to track your progress when working on multiple songs to enable you to set goals for learning.

Sample practice record

Weekly Practice Schedule

Name _________________________________________

Day	Monday	Tues	Wed	Thurs	Friday	Saturday	Sunday
Warm up
Song 1 – notes & rhythm
Song 1 – words & rhythm
Song 1 – words with notes
Song 2 – notes & rhythm
Song 2 – words & rhythm
Song 2 – words with notes
Song 3 – notes & rhythm
Song 3 – words & rhythm
Song 3 – words & notes
Song 4 – notes & rhythm
Song 4 – words & rhythm
Song 4 – words with notes
Song 5 – notes & rhythm
Song 5 – words & rhythm
Song 5– words with notes

Link to National Association for Teachers of Singing

http://www.nats.org

Resource for Free Music in the Public Domain

http://imslp.org

Straw Exercise

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=asDg7T-WT-0

Audition Preparation

I have been performing and auditioning in the Classical world for 25 years, and I am well aware of the stress and anxiety related to auditioning. I have auditioned for many Classical positions and roles as well as some Musical Theatre spots.

I have worked with many people on Performance Anxiety and Mindfulness training and will gladly guide students who feel they need to improve in this area.

My language training and knowledge of the International Phonetic Alphabet helps me to prepare and perform in German, Italian, French, Spanish, Latin, and Russian. If an audition requires foreign language music, I will be able to help that student prepare fully for the audition.

Determining Voice Classification can take some time, but my years teaching and learning Vocal Pedagogy will help the student and I determine the very best vocal literature for the individual.

Students are encouraged to bring music of their choosing, but I will also recommend literature to help the student grow and sing their best.

Recitals and NATS Competitions

NATS

If a student is interested in preparing pieces for Competition for NATS,  I will be certain to choose appropriate repertoire for each individual.

ALL NATS competition dates will be posted and I will be sure to work with those who show interest in preparation. I make sure we prepare well in advance of any event.

There will be times when Masterclasses are available through NATS as well, and I will offer up the options to any student who may have interest in performing or observing.


LOCAL RECITALS

Those students who would like to perform in local recitals and masterclasses will be offered the opportunity monthly.

In conjunction with the Voice Co-op, recitals are performed once a month. There is usually a fee related to the hiring of a professional accompanist. I will gladly discuss these details as they arise.

Masterclasses are generally free to attend or a small free to participate.

Practice Space

All musicians require a quiet (if possible) space in which to practice their craft daily.  Here is a list of helpful items that a student of voice should have in their own practice area:

1. A place free of distraction and where the student is free to make music without interruption (this can be harder than it sounds!)
2. A pitch producing instrument of some sort: Piano, Keyboard, iPhone or iPad recording, or keyboard on the device.
3. A metronome (these are conveniently Free Apps available for most phones).
4. Music!  Please be sure to bring a copy for me if I don't already have it
5. Music Stand
6. Water
7. Recording of warm up exercises (we will do this in the first lesson)