Many of us dream about having extra time to develop our singing and musicality. Yet, when the opportunity comes, we face a real challenge: how do we summon the mental energy and stamina to make the most of this time?
This is a question faced by choir directors, choir members – indeed, singers of all types and genres. It comes to us with special force during this pandemic as many of us have extra time on our hands, but it’s really a part of a larger, non-pandemic question: how can I muster the mental energy to develop myself when I am by myself? For, when I am alone I face an enormous amount of distracting mental “chatter”, negative judgements and that lurking sense that I’m not doing enough – or doing it “right”!
As a music journalist I’ve interviewed thousands of singers, curious about how they have developed themselves alone, often facing challenges in the form of punishing schedules, the fight to stay afloat financially, and lack of access to direct contact with those who might best help them to develop. I’ve consistently seen three activities that push these singers ahead – and which I try to implement in my own life. Read more!
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