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UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL SINGING

© Roslind M. Sherman

DON'T DO THIS and DON'T DO THAT. How many times have you heard this from singers or vocal teachers. Who gave them the right to tell you what to do? How much of this advice is good or bad?

If you are a vocalist and you love to sing, basically there are no wrongs or rights. SING because you LOVE it. SING YOUR HEART OUT and ENJOY the music.

On the other hand.... If you decide to become a Classical Singer, " AH, THERE'S THE RUB ", Technique is a must. Along the way, you will realize the fragile structure of your instrument.

If you decide to sing rap, pop or Jazz... just GO FOR IT. But don't expect to maintain a Bel Canto tone or even the gracious longevity of a VOICE EVERAFTER scenario.

Try not to delude yourself with fantasies. The Classical Voice will not uphold to the virtues of Bette Midler, gregariously belting out the chords, day after day. It seems, we all, must make a dedicated musical decision sooner or later. Namely.... Who are you ? What type of singer are you ? What type of voice do you really have? AND .... What type of music suits your personality? You have to decide on your own personal vocal agenda and vocal image.

A Classical Voice, is a pampered PRIMA DONNA, who's every whim must be carefully attended to. I liken the vocal chords to a fine string of pearls, that need to be worn,cleaned and polished to bring out their lustre. Everytime I eat, breath, do exercises or even decide what to wear.... my voice becomes my consultant.

For instance, there are many vocal survival tips that may or may not assist you on your journey towards a long and successful singing career. So skillfully pick and choose your way through them.

As a person,you may say " I CAN DO WHAT I WANT ", but as a SINGER... It is wise to be alittle more careful. Your decision may interfer with the well-being of your most prized possession.....which is .... your SINGING VOICE.

Last November, after attending a conference in Mexico, three months worth of singing engagements were cancelled due to illness. I had contacted a well-known parasite that generally comes from the drinking water.

I was careful to buy bottled water, but mindlessly put ice cubes in the glass. Eating the salad didn't help either, because all the vegetables were washed, CLEAN, in the local water system.

The copyright of the article UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL SINGING in Classical Voice Training is owned by Roslind M. Sherman. Permission to republish UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL SINGING in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.