Balance

I finished my Master of Music degree just a few weeks ago. Without surprise, the strive to find balance in my life was an act that took more patience, more flexibility, and much more creativity.  In all reality, some things just had to go for a while with the hopes of  getting back to them again.  Like a best friend that moves away, you can always catch up with over a  quick chat or check in on them through social networks, they are still there but you see them less.  A good friend provides balance to a person's life.  Typically they make you smile, laugh harder, and listen better when you mourn or need an ear.  

Singing is more about balance than any other pursuit.  Often I conclude that when I understand balance in more than just one aspect of my life, my singing life thrives.

But how do we strive for balance in a world that doesn't necessarily support it?

Pedagogically speaking, balance is the word that early treatises use to describe beautiful singing.  "Chiaroscuro," the perfect mix between back space and forward natural resonance, is still used in many studios world wide.

I applaud balance, and challenge every singer I know to find balance.  If you are not a singer, and want to try it, I am sure you won't be disappointed. 

The greatest thing about balance, is that it changes as your life changes.  That is how I obtained my degree. The balancing act changed for a while because the pendulum was weighted with a lot of academia.  Among the list of "things" that were on the back burner: physical activity.

Physical activity is the really good friend that brings perfect balance to my life.  

On Saturday I took the entire family snow shoeing! We were in constant motion for four hours.  But that is just the thing; now, I don't have a paper due, or major research to read, or deadlines.  So what would have normally been a 30 minute run outside with the kids became an all day adventure. (while working on the degree)  Yet that is exactly what balance is all about.  Some call it justifying, I call it the realization that you can't do everything well all the time.  My priority for 2 years was my family and my education.  Everything else was given less focus, but I still managed to squeeze it in.  Soon, I will do less squeezing into my jeans.  :-)  

My husband and I

My son and I talking about the rabbit tracks on the hillside

I ring in 2012 with a new perspective on balance. I look forward to spending more time with that good friend: activity.

Every teardrop is a waterfall....

I often meet people who proclaim they have made their lives brilliant by their own hands, or by being the recipient of positive consequences due to impeccable choices. Using a daily check off list their life is rich with everything they need and more.

I was the child in elementary who witnessed a young child with cigarette burns on her legs, or the child who could never make eye contact; my friend who stuttered and would get screamed at by her parents....the list went on and on...I was overwhelmed at a young age by other humans, and their trials.

I wonder if they were able to defy every sociological study.

Almost two weeks ago the Michael Jordan of the singing world gave me one of the most incredible compliments a singer can be given. With all my might I tried to hold back, but a tiny tear seeped out and ran down my left cheek. This natural ability to identify with complex emotions and feel empathy for others always came with a price. Most often it has been misinterpreted, and sometimes squashed by well meaning intentions.

This last week gratitude has surfaced in giant waterfalls of tears. I went to a coaching and could not hold back...I sobbed to the man who has believed in my ability to put several concepts together blubbered to the woman who has helped me with my kids so that I can pursue my talents. I have not been able to hold back my gratitude lately.

As I stood there listening to an incredible singer commend me on my instincts and musical abilities I realized that I had to have PEOPLE to get where I am.


One of my really great friends once said: "Well if someone has it all figured out on their own...what the BLEEP do they need God for? God works through people..."

Although I have had to work hard, and make wise choices, I know without a doubt that the humans surrounding me are making the journey more rewarding, and their knowledge makes for a better experience.

 And "Every teardrop is a waterfall."

Celebrating victories, moving forward with bigger goals.

After giving my final graduate recital this year, I listened  to the technical advances I had made in a short time. Yet with a critical ear, I also watched for things that needed improvement.  Releasing breath was a big goal for me, as well as keeping head voice in every part of my range. In preparation to sing for Dolora Zajick, I wanted to listen once again to this excerpt as it was the most demanding vocally of my sets. Although it is hard sometimes to listen with a critical, yet accepting ear, I have found it to be one of the best tools!  

With knees shaking and palms on fire, I stood up and sang for my biggest hero. I did well, and was grateful for excellent guidance from both my voice teacher and coach. We spent two weeks getting the "Letter Scene" from Werther ready.  

Dr. Dorgan and I revving up for a very intense coaching.  I enjoy his input so much. I consider him a gem, and I always leave feeling more in love with music, and ready to work harder.

Cheers!

Where the real pursuit began.

I have sung my entire life. I have pursued an education, practiced, and done all the work necessary to have a career. Somehow, with all of my training I lacked the belief in myself to really go for it. TO pursue a career. Then I was asked, with just five hours notice to sing a messiah in December of 2010. As I stood there, in love with the music I was singing, and a technique that worked in service of such beautiful music, I knew that I must work hard, pray a lot, and make plans to be heard.



Not only was I proud of my communication, I heard ample things to work on technically! Stay tuned for the next technical progress!