Since I was a kid, I have loved music. I think it was the years that I spent singing in my rocking chair along with Peter, Paul and Mary, or pretending to be on the show, “Community Auditions,” or screaming wildly while twisting to Beatles 45’s. The roots of music were instilled in me early on.
At seven, I convinced my parents to buy me a guitar so I could take lessons, which they did. I remember one of my first teachers would show up barefoot to my house, another teacher would run out to Friendly’s for ice cream during my lesson. (He never offered to get me a peppermint stick scoop.) My last teacher had narcolepsy. Eventually I became disiilusioned and burnt out. In high school, I discovered that it was my voice that captivated (anyone who was willing to listen), not my guitar playing – damn!
It was only recently that I began to discover the true potential of my voice, thanks to a gifted teacher. I had intended on singing contemporary. She insisted that my voice was perfect for classical. She was right. Training to sing classical music is a unique experience, a vocal athleticsim that is quite demanding physically as well as psychologically and intellectually. It requires a deep focus, trust and will that is holistic. Singing is calming, healing and liberating (similar to exercise). It is challenging on multiple levels, because you are your instrument. You must rely on your breath support, perfect body alignment, posture, flexibilty and strength. There is so much to pay attention to when you sing. You must get out of your own way, not to control and learn to let go – to free the voice. Try it and see for yourself!
