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The Challenges of Performing

ANZAC DAY 2021

I had the joy and honour of singing at three Anzac Day Services on Sunday. It has been a long time since I have sung in front of an audience and it was wonderful to be able to sing for people again. There were good crowds at all the services and I had a lovely response, with many saying how much they enjoyed my singing.  I believe it is such an honour to be able to sing at an Anzac Day ceremony and to be able to sing at three was very special.

The first ceremony was actually held at the local cemetery.  In my town we have quite a beautiful cemetery, with beautiful gardens, a recently renovated band rotunda and a substantial newly built memorial in memory of returned service men and women who are buried at the cemetery. This year was the first year since 1946 that an ANZAC day ceremony was held at the cemetery. This is because the town cenotaph was built after the second world war and the yearly ceremonies are now held there. 

THE LAST POST

One thing I was able to observe in detail was the bugler at each ceremony. There was a different person at each ceremony and they all had a very different experience performing. One of the buglers was a mature person who had been performing for many years and was very experienced at performing. One was still quite a young person but had played for many Anzac Day ceremonies, even though they were early on in their performing career. The third was a young person, had been playing for a few years, but had not had experience playing to a crowd. It was interesting to note that they had all obviously practiced for the event and they could all play the last post, but they had very different experiences. None of them played it perfectly, but the mature person and the very young person continued on in spite of any little slips they made. 

The person who had never performed for an audience before did get through the performance, however I could see very clearly that they were extremely nervous and tension had built up in their body, and they simply could not get enough air in to support the notes fully.  They are to congratulated on their performance, performing for the first time and in spite of being nervous, they did get through the last post and overall it was played correctly. It was sad to see their response afterwards. I didn't get a chance to speak to them, but if I could have, I would have told them how well they played for a first performance.  

PERFORMANCES ARE OPPORTUNITIES TO LEARN

We can be so harsh on ourselves for performances that don't go as well as we would like. Especially when we are first beginning to perform for an audience. As I said previously, none of the performances were perfect, but the people who had performed previously did not worry too much about perfection, shrugged off a missed note and kept playing.  It is so important that we practice performing, getting used to being in the stressful situation of standing in front of an audience and playing or singing. I have been performing for many years now, and although I can still get nervous, I have performed enough times to understand how my body works and I can prepare and be aware of what I am doing, relaxing and breathing well for good breath support. That does not mean my performances are always perfect.  Usually I go off stage thinking about what I can do better, but generally I am pretty happy with what I have done. The audience wants you to do well, and are for the most part very supportive, so we shouldn't be afraid to perform for others. Perfection is hard to achieve, but we are often hard on ourselves when we don't achieve it.

So get out there and perform.  A LOT!

Term 2, 2021

Watch the video to see how you keep a practice log on the My Music Staff app

Hi from Mary @ Singing Strong,

I am so excited to be returning to teaching this term. I have had a wonderful time over the holidays, spending time with my family, especially my daughter Rose, who is now based in Melbourne.

There are a number of students who have started rehearsals for various school and community performances and it is going to be exciting to see them on stage in the coming months after such a long absence.

Some things to think about as we get started this term.

Practice routine - I am going to be focusing on this over the next couple of weeks.

As a student/parent, you have access to my music staff, an online resource which I encourage you to use more.

The My Music Staff website was designed with mobile devices in mind, so there's no need for a dedicated Android or iOS app. Instead, use your device's mobile browser to log in to My Music Staff, and add a bookmark to your home screen.

Click here to go the the My Music Staff App

Please watch the video above to see how you can access the portal and how you can start logging your practice time to keep track of your progress.

Without practice, little or no progress will be made.

Regular singing practice is important for the following reasons.

I would like you to consider doing one or all of these things as part of your learning:

1. Studio concert - this will be held mid May. I will confirm the day and time by the end of the week. I would like you to prepare 1 or 2 songs to sing.

2. AMEB exams - I did not worry about these last year due to restrictions, but this something you should seriously consider. Exams are held at the end of the year, between November and early December. The singing exam takes place in Warragul. Completing an exam can be pricey - expect it to cost approximately $150 - $200. This includes costs for enrolment, pianist rehearsal and accompanying, and travel. However, they are worthwhile. Read below to find out some more information:

Why do an exam? ​​​​​
Setting goals
Having a clearly defined goal can be a powerful motivating force. AMEB syllabuses set educationally appropriate goals, and examinations are an opportunity for students to measure themselves against these goals. Performing in front of others also helps to develop poise and confidence.

Progress through feedback
Each candidate who completes an AMEB exam receives a personal written report from their examiner. This independent feedback encourages the student to progress by highlighting areas of strength and weakness under performance conditions to help guide students in their development.

Recognising achievement
Each successful AMEB candidate receives an official certificate recognising their achievement. An AMEB certificate is a tangible reminder of a milestone achieved and a source of great pride.

(this is taken from the AMEB website. Click here to visit the AMEB website for more information.

3. Latrobe Valley Eisteddfod.

This will be held from the end of August through September 2021.

There are a number of sections that vocalists can enter. Please click here to visit the Latrobe Valley Eisteddfod website

Not all information is available yet, but entries usually close end of June. You will need to start thinking about repertoire to prepare for the Eisteddfod.

I look forward to seeing you soon and please ask if you have any questions.

Mary

Let’s get started

I am trying to make my website and you tube channel more relevant by posting more information to help singers.

This video shows the very first exercise I give to my vocal students. This exercise helps me to evaluate where singers are at and it also gives some suggestions to immediately get them singing better.

If you would like to listen to the audio recording of just the exercise go to this page:

https://www.singingstrong.com.au/singing-exercises

 

Click here to watch the video about the soft palate.

Nothing like singing lessons in person

It has been wonderful to return to face to face singing lessons this year. 2020 was very challenging, having to change my vocal studio to all online lessons. Although online singing lessons were and still are a very successful way of learning, there is nothing like being in the same room with your student, watching them and listening to them, giving instant feedback and then hearing, in person, the changes and improvement made.

What are the benefits of online singing lessons? First off, there is no travelling involved, so you can learn from anyone in the world, if you really wanted to. Secondly, you can learn in the comfort of your own home, in your own space that you are used to singing in. Third, if you are a little unwell (either the student or the teacher),  you can still have your lesson and not worry about infecting anyone. Fourth, you can pretty much do whatever you do in a regular class in terms of technical work, exercises and learning repertoire. As long as you have your materials with you, you are good to go.

What are the drawbacks? First, you need a really good internet connection. If the internet connection is poor and things keep dropping out during a lesson, it can be very frustrating. Second, there is some time lag between the teacher and student speaking and hearing, it is enough that you cannot do things in real time, so there is always listen and respond, and this can be tricky at times. As long as the student has a recording of the exercise or song at their end, then you can get around this in the lesson. This leads into the third drawback – the student has to do a lot of extra work from their end, setting up tracks etc… while the teacher has to wait. Fourth, the sound quality can often be an issue, especially if the student hasn’t got a very good microphone on their device. It can sometimes be difficult to hear accurately, especially on higher notes where the microphone has difficulty picking up the sound frequency. Fifth, sometimes the student doesn’t have a good rehearsal space and is interrupted by family members, or the student interrupts the family or neighbours, or it isn’t near the modem and the connection is affected.

In saying all this, whether you have in person or online singing lessons, it is important that you find a teacher that you can work with to assist you in developing your skills, and that you can receive feedback so that you can know you are improving your singing.

 

The Challenges of covid and singing

As we arrive at November 2020 with just over a month till Christmas, I ponder the last 8 months and the challenges that have been faced.

I remembered when it happened. My husband and I went to see the musical “Come from Away” on Saturday 15th March. Everyone that attended the show was on edge, as we knew everything was shutting down on Monday due to a mystery illness. People were already scared as there were a lot of empty seats in the theater. That is the last show I saw live this year.

I started the year with in person face to face singing lessons, then when everything shut down, I had to take my studio online in the space of a weekend.

The technology wasn’t the problem for me, as I have been teaching online lessons for over 3 years now, but it was having to set up every student for online lessons.

We returned to face to face learning for a few weeks, before it all went back online, and for me, it will stay this way for the rest of the year.

The saddest part for me was when schools were banned from any singing at all. We are now only being able to sing outside in groups of 10 or less.

I have been so grateful for technology and that I have been able to continue teaching online throughout the pandemic.

At times I wondered why should I bother continue teaching singing? All performing opportunities were cancelled and looks like they still will be for quite a while yet.  I quickly reminded myself that singing is a skill that can and should be learned, and when we sing well, we can experience so much joy.

I know that many times throughout this year, when things seemed bleak, I would find a song I really liked, or one I wanted to learn, and poured myself into singing. It gave me so much pleasure and joy, it helped me think about something else, other than the pandemic and I felt so much better after I had sung.

Individual singing lessons are so important for progress to be made. There are numerous courses online, and some of them are very good. But the most important thing lacking is FEEDBACK. Instant feedback is so important for real progress to be made. The other important thing is when you receive individual tuition, you receive individual planning with lessons prepared just for that singer.

I have had so many students continue their lessons right through the year. They are really amazing people, who have continued on in spite of all the challenges they have had to face. The wonderful part of it is that they have made such positive progress and are singing well and confidently.

At some stage we will get back to performing, and these students will be ready and waiting for when that time comes.

States like Western Australia and South Australia have returned to live performances already, and I hope that will be the same for Victoria very soon.

 

Masterclass for Singers: Saturday 6th May, 1.30pm

Learn tips and techniques used by professionals to improve the quality of their performance.

Presented by Mary Mirtschin from Singing Strong with guest presenter Kerryn Lockhart.

In this practical masterclass, Kerryn Lockhart will deliver a wealth of knowledge to singers.

Increase your confidence, learn presentation skills, how to deal with nervousness, song choice and preparation and much more.

 

 

The day will be broken into two sessions.

The first session will be a presentation about singing and performance by Kerryn with lots of practical hands on activities with time for a Q & A.
After a short break there will be a masterclass with opportunities for participants to perform and receive feedback.  This is an excellent opportunity for both the participant and the audience.
If you would like to be perfrom in the master class please email mary@singingstrong.com.au to express your interest.
Please note there is a $20 fee to sing at the masterclass. (this is in addition to the workshop fee).
There are only 5 places available for the masterclass.
Saturday 6th May 2017,  1.30pm

LOCATION

Little Theater, Performing Arts Center

Grey Street, Traralgon, Victoria 3844

Workshop fee:  $49

CONTACT DETAILS

Mary Mirtschin  0437568011  mary@singingstrong.com.au

To go to the website to make bookings please click on the link below:

Bookings are essential!

 

Singing Strong Newsletter 1 2017

Welcome back everyone to 2017!

It is so good to be back teaching and working with all the wonderful Singing Strong students.

I absolutely love helping people achieve the voice of their dreams.

 

 

A warm welcome to new students:  Claudia, Samantha, Karla, Emmie and Kate.

Singing Lesson times still available:

If you know of anyone who would like to take up singing lessons at this stage I only have one afternoon session available: Wednesday 4.30pm. If you would like to take advantage of this lesson time please get in touch with me asap.

I do have some day time sessions available on Thursday and Friday, so if that suits, please  get in touch with me so that we can arrange a time.

Studio Policy.

Please make sure you have read the Singing Strong studio policy. You can read it here

This way you know what my role is and the expectation of students and parents.

 

What’s on at Singing Strong?

To keep up to date with what is going on you can check out my blog posts at www.singingstrong.com.au/blog.

There is also the Singing Strong facebook page.  Please feel free to share this with your family and

friends, I like to put up all sorts of information about singing that I think might  be of value.

 

Events for Term One:

Sunday 12th March: Recording session at Spectrum Productions

I love to sing, I love to teach singing and I also love the use of technology in music. However I am discovering that while I am able to do some okay recording, I am no expert in this field.

So, I have arranged a recording session time for Singing Strong students with Brett Tippet at Spectrum Productions on Sunday afternoon 12th March, so that students have a chance to make a professional recording that will be made into a cd.

This session is only open to 12 students.  A time will be arranged for you to come to the studio between 1pm and 5pm. You get a chance to see how it all works, record and mix your song.

To book a place click on the button below. Cost is $20.

 

 

 

If I find that more students want to take part than we can fit on the day, I will arrange another day to do some more recording.

Cafe Concert on Thursday 30th March at Dal Mondo’s Traralgon.

Please put the date in your diary!

Our first performance for 2017 will be at Dal Mondo Cafe, Post Office Place, Traralgon from 6.30pm.  This is a great opportunity to get in some performance practice, or if you haven’t sung in public before, this is a safe, friendly supportive environment to get up and have a go.

If you have already done this performance before I would ask that you still come along to sing.  As I mentioned it is great performance practice and it is also good for everyone to see the progress students are making over time.

 

I had a wonderful time during January working with students in an intensive workshop over 5 days.  It was incredible the progress students made and I will certainly be doing more of this in the future.  I will keep you posted on future dates.