When I was at BYU, I had to take a class called Masterclass. Once a week in the evening, I went to one or another vocal professor's "Masterclass," where each of the students took turns singing in front of the class. After singing a song, I would get great feedback from both the teacher and the other students. Then usually I would be asked to sing again on the spot and try out something new. At first it was a very nerve wracking experience, but I got used to it after 5 years!
Well, one of the professors was Dr. Hopkin. Although he could be off-color sometimes, I really liked his style of teaching. I learned quite a few very valuable techniques from him that I still use today. One thing I really like to do, and often ask my students to do, is to cup my hands around my ears backwards. Let me explain: point your fingers to the ceiling, palms facing the wall behind you, cup your hands, and rest them around the front of your ears about at your jawline. When you sing, you will hear yourself more or less as others might hear you because the feedback you get is bouncing off a wall instead of bouncing around in your mouth. You get the idea. It basically helps you hear more objectively because usually you hear your voice only inside your head.
Even though I am not doing a lot of performing right now, I still like to sing around the house. I didn't realize that my baby was watching me until today:
Well, one of the professors was Dr. Hopkin. Although he could be off-color sometimes, I really liked his style of teaching. I learned quite a few very valuable techniques from him that I still use today. One thing I really like to do, and often ask my students to do, is to cup my hands around my ears backwards. Let me explain: point your fingers to the ceiling, palms facing the wall behind you, cup your hands, and rest them around the front of your ears about at your jawline. When you sing, you will hear yourself more or less as others might hear you because the feedback you get is bouncing off a wall instead of bouncing around in your mouth. You get the idea. It basically helps you hear more objectively because usually you hear your voice only inside your head.
Even though I am not doing a lot of performing right now, I still like to sing around the house. I didn't realize that my baby was watching me until today:
Here, she is accompanying herself while she sings very sweetly.
Here, she is "cupping" her ears, or at least trying to mimic what she has seen me do. Should I be embarrassed about the quirkiness of practicing singing?
6 comments:
I think that is so sweet! And it really does make you realize that even at a young age your babies are watching your every move and they want to be just like you. I need to keep that in mind more often so Joselyn doesn't mimic my bad habits!!
That's funny... maybe I'll try that. Actually, I'm a horrible singer, maybe I don't want to know what I really sound like! Hope you guys are liking your new place
Too funny! Love the picture!
Oh no you should definitely not be embarrassed that is too cute. I love when kids mimic things they see us do. It's funny how you don't realize how often you do something until you see your child doing it. Very cute, I loved this!
I love not only that she cupped her ears, but also that she accompanies herself on the piano. It is great!
I love it!!! Maddy is a huge singer too from all the singing in our house. Don't you just LOVE it!
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