Sunday, September 28, 2008

Masterclass...

Yesterday I had the opportunity to go for some masterclasses (kind of like group voice lessons and classes) down at my voice teachers studio in Denver. It was especially cool because her teacher, Dean Kaelin was in town and he taught the classes. He was absolutely incredible! He had such great knowledge and understanding that he was able to share with us. I really learned a lot!

In the "application to songs class" he worked with me for about 20 minutes. I was rather nervous. First off, Dean is an amazing teacher and really knows his stuff (he is David Archuletta's voice teacher!) and secondly, there were a bunch of other students that I had never met before. I asked him him the choice of working with me on something that I could kinda sing or a song that is totally kicking my butt. Of course he wanted to work on the one that is difficult! Ugh! So I brought up No Good Deed from Wicked. He did a few minute warm up and then we went right to work on the first couple pages.

We workedon keeping the connection and forward presence throughout the range of the song. I find that rather easily in the exercises, but it is a little more challenging in a song. I have many years of habits working against me that all come back when I focus on singing a song. As strange as it sounds, the feeling of it being "easy" is rather foreign to me and it throws me off. I am used to working hard when I perform and sing "for real". That is one of those habits that I am trying to break. After the class, Dean told me again that I done a good job. That was really nice for me to hear.

It was time and money well spent. I am so grateful to Ken for watching the kiddos and supporting me while I work on finding my voice. I hope I have the opportunity to work with Dean again someday because it was amazing.

3 comments:

Naomi said...

That sounds like fun, Carli, and I am excited for you that you keep at it. Although, I must say, I think you sing beautifully and it is hard to imagine from my point of view that you need much help. In any case, I look forward to seeing you on American Idol! That said, I think I am the last human on Earth who hasn't ever seen the show, so be sure and let me know if I need to start watching!

Karl said...

I love that you are taking lessons to do what you love--it's inspiring. --Jen

Mikayla Skouson said...

SO SO SO JEalOus of you! That is amazing what Dean said to you! Congratulations. You should become Certified. You would make a great teacher. I would so take from you. I am thinking about becoming certified soon. At least as a pre-cert. Love you Car!