Easter break – time to re-evaluate!

Posted on | April 7, 2009 | No Comments

I am currently on a break until April 20th when term two starts. I really enjoy winding down and having some peaceful time with my family. This is often when I spend time on researching, rereading some texts or a new book and think about how I can incorporate these fresh ideas into what I am teaching. Time out is important for singers, too. The practice of singing can be done daily but sometimes we need time out from the busyness of everyday life to allow space to think about what we are singing and why? Why do we love those songs? What direction do we want to go in next term? Time out is great for evaulating strengths and weaknesses. I think I am fairly aware of my strengths, but I dont always like to acknowledge weaknesses. Who does?

Timekeeping

One of the weaknesses in my studio is timekeeping – I am chronically going overtime in lessons. This is something I have been evaluating. Part of the issue are ongoing technology problems and I am upgrading my recording system to make my lesson time more effective. Perhaps this is something students could help with by bringing their own recording devices to lessons – I know that I have always been responsible for this in my own personal singing lessons!!

Performance

Another studio weakness is a percieved lack of performance opportunities. When I have been attending private lessons, apart from the Conservatorium, I have not had the experience of regular performance recitals, and so this was not in my expectations of lessons. However, following the success and great enjoyment of last year's recital, I am looking to give students more performance opportunities. In term two I am introducing small soirees for up to three students at a time to perform a few songs each to ensure performance is a part of the learning experience. I will also be running some performance classes in term three for those students who need help getting over nerves and just getting up and doing it! This term I have also been more proactive in advising students of auditions and perrfomance opportunities as they cross my desk.

Numbers of Students

After taking on a very full loading of students in term one, I found myself extremely tired! And so my teaching load is being gradually reduced to ensure that my standards of teaching are not sacrificed – my concept of a full loading has been slightly adjusted. I want to be able to give each student the best of me and to stay energised throughout the ten week term. I have been floating the idea of a week off in the middle of next term! LOL!! I am not sure about this one! However, work / family life balance is an important consideration as my children are getting older and my husband is travelling overseas more for his work. 

Strengths

So, my studio's strengths? After hearing and seeing some wonderful results in the voices of my students this term, I feel like I give a good balance of teaching – between the technical demands and the artistic considerations of singing. I am pleased to hear more release, particularly in the passaggio and upper registers of both my male and female singers, as well as good energetic, supported singing. I love hearing singers who have good technique "let go" of trying to keep control (and a lid) on their voices and sing from their soul. we have had a few of these this term. The resultant tears (of joy!) are worth the challenge of teaching. I have enjoyed listening to young teenage voices maturing a little, to hear singers who previously have not practiced regularly start to find their discipline and hear the results (and you know who you are!) To have those brave souls trust me that maybe trying a different style will help witht heir vocal development – and hearing the fabulous results!  To have listened to music theatre – legit, broadway and all the crossover styles, pop, rock, a little bit of country, jazz, blues (loving my brave scat singers!) – what a great job!

Hmm, now I am getting excited about next term! I can't wait! Enjoy your term break. Rest and recover and return to lessons ready to sing!

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