Performing workshop

WEEK 4 NOTES

3/7/2017

Great job with the imitations, or modeling. I think we all learned a lot from the experience. Some points we can observe in professionals:
how long the hold the notes.
the pronunciation of words
facial expressions, eyes open, eyes closed.
What do you like about their performance? Or not like?
use of movement (hands or whole body)

I have attempted to load the videos onto youtube and will email each of you a link to access your own video only. This is the first time I have done this so, if it doesn't work, let me know and I'll make another stab at posting them for you

NEW RULE - NO Apologizing ! Apologizing for your performance in advance is NOT the way to start out. Although I do realize that it is almost irrisitable to do so, it is a bad habit to get into.

If you make a mistake, don't tip us off with your facial expressions. Fake it and pretend that there was not mistake. Chances are that no one will notice. This is hard to do and take practice.

Next week: Duet singing. think about balancing your voices in volume and attitude. Connect with your partner while singing. Work on getting the phrasing of the song to match. Chaose a simple song that you both know pretty well.

We will meet on Monday, March 13 and then our last class will be on Wednesday March 22.

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Notes from this week and Imitation

2/28/2017

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What a fun class. I am really enjoying seeing all of you perform, and get better, and breaking down the performing process into steps.
From the last assignment here are some tips:
1. Reading the words aloud and putting the message (or story) into your own words can really help with telling the story in a relaxed and expressive way.
2. It is easier to concentrate on the vocal without the additional complication of playing an instrument.
3. What you are working toward is YOUR take on the story.
4. don't be afraid to show emotion or enthusiasm. Why not? Let people see the light in you and feel it's magic.

For next week work on an imitation of someone. Below is an article about how this can help with your process.

http://blog.sonicbids.com/why-imitating-other-singers-can-help-you-find-your-own-voice

blog.sonicbids.com/why-imitating-other-singers-can-help-you-find-your-own-voice

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Notes for class and future classes

2/14/2017

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I noticed a big improvement in everyone's performance over the first class. Here are just a few things we talked about:
* Remember to make eye contac. Look right into someone's eyes.
* Slow down, to help the audience understand the words (story) and to help you make the most of the song.
* Try singing without playing the use. Keep the Uke accompaniment simple so as not to distract from the vocal, if that is the focus.
* Maybe keep a cheat sheet close at hand in case of a complete blank out.
* Remember to keep on moving through mistakes so that you don't draw attention to them.
* Don't begin your performance with an apology (hope I don't screw up, etc...)Pretend to be more confident that you are.
* Strong vocals are essential (if the vocal is your focus). Remember to sing with strength, which does not mean loud and to keep your instrument at a lower level so that it doesn't distract from the vocal.

At the next class (#3 on Feb 27), please sing a song without playing the ukulele. Get someone to play for you, or sing acapella, of use a recording. That way you can focus on the vocal without having the added complication of playing at the same time.
Class # 4 (March 6) - plan to imitate a singer that you enjoy or admire. By doing this you can analyze what you like about them and what they do to get that effect, and try to copy their style. This is not so that can sing like that person but rather to pull you away from your own self consciousness, and play act a little, which is what performing is.
Class #5 (March 13) - Sing or play a duet. Playing with someone else requires some different skills that performing and it can be very very fun.
Class #6 (Probably March 20 but we may look at an alternate day for this class). Back to solo performing. Consider preparing a song that you can perform in public. There is an opportunity to perform in a very non-threatening environment at the library on March 30.
You do not need to have a new song every week. If there is a song you would like to work on, and you feel you can improve, by all means, keep working on it.

Here are a couple of really interesting videos:
http://musicalexchange.carnegiehall.org/group/voice/forum/topics/how-to-communicate-more-personal-and-expressive-song-texts

Sarah Maisel has. very expressive style. You may like her or not, and you may not want to be like her but it is very hard to feel apathetic or uninterested when you are watching her. Below are a couple of videos. You will notice that when she is playing and singing at the same time, the focus is on the vocal and the ukulele very much in the background and not distracting at all

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogg5jeCPXc8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5bhJFS_VmU

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Performing: An interactive workshop

1/31/2017

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Some notes from our first class.
You are all very brave to participate in this workshop. There were several people who talked to me about taking this workshop, and just couldn't quite do it. It takes a lot of nerve to be make yourselves so vulnerable and exposed to others and be willing to hear suggestions from your peers. Bravo !
* Work on finding a pre-performing (relaxing) ritual that will help you refocus and relax. It may be something as simple as taking a deep breath. It may something as goofy and eating jelly beans. But some little ritual can help with the anxiety. We'll look at some rituals that others use each week.
* Be prepared - Know your song and practice it. Lack of preparation is the best way to guarantee performance panic.
* Practice in front of mirror - even your introduction. It's hard at first, but gets easier
* Make eye contact - with several people in your audience. You are telling them a story.
* What does this song mean to you? - ask yourself this. Expression! Help us feel how you feel about it. It is, after all, all about the song.... not you.
* Slow down - nervous performers almost always go too fastand it's much easier to show expression and get the most out of phrases if you are not going too fast.
* Start strong - the first note is important, Strong voice
* Don't overpower your voice with your instrument. It's just to accompany you.
* Keep Strumming - The rhythm is paramount. You can miss a chord and no one will notice, or they will forget very fast. But if you loose the rhythm, it is very noticeable, and memorable. Keep the rhythm going, even if you miss the chord.
* Practice making mistakes - Assume you are going to make them, and practice how you are going to get through them gracefully - we'll be talking more about this each week.

Here is a good article that was written for musical theater majors:
https://www.theguardian.com/music/2009/may/10/tips-stage-performance-singing

I loved hearing everyone's choices of music. Many of them I had never heard before. For next week, prepare another song, or you could play the same one again, and work on improving it.
Since this is an experimental class, I welcome your feedback.
Gail

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WEEK 4 NOTES

Notes from this week and Imitation

Notes for class and future classes

Performing: An interactive workshop

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