I am in a practice room more than I ever thought humanly possible and I feel like I'm making no progress whatsoever. Listening has gotten more common, though. I even made a playlist on my iPod and use it whenever I can. I try to keep my scores in front of my nose and just study them all of the time. Or as much as I can.
I'm kind of getting bored of my repertoire. Not in a bad way, but I've been singing a lot of it all year, so it's nice to focus on the new stuff.
As for practicing this week, I feel like I've taken 2 steps back. Everything is so heavy, so much weight. And we talked a bit about opening my mouth more. I've been trying to watch myself in a mirror (side note: TORTURE...), and it's true. The good news, though, is that my Carissimi is probably 95% memorized and almost performance ready. Debussy and I have a long ways to go. Though, my biggest concern, is probably the Vivaldi.
I had issues with that song sophomore year, too, though. Negotiating the register changes is the absolute worst.
Overall, I spent a lot of time working on music this week...but I have no idea if it helped. I guess that's all part of the game.
Amen, lady. I have had the exact same thoughts and feelings in the past. It IS all part of the process. Unfortunately it is not always growth and success. There have been several times in which I have looked at myself in the mirror and thought "why in the world am I putting myself through all of this stress, criticism, frustration, and insanity?" The answer is this. Because we love music. Because we cannot imagine doing anything else with our lives. I think I COULD have chosen a different career, a different path. But if I had, I don't think I would have been as nearly fulfilled as I am now. Just think--if I had given in to all of my negative thoughts, I would have never went to Ole Miss, never traveled to New Zealand, never met my husband, never ended up at WSC, and never have met you! Life has its reasons, Katie. Keep working. I believe in you.
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