Caitlin Craig Voice Lesson September 12, 2013

Honestly, I didn't practice as much as I should have this past week due to working three jobs, and I walked in my lesson prepared to tell Brianna that.  She thanked me for my honesty, and so we decided to work on new vocalises, and tried to find that release in my breath and body.
We began with lip buzzing 9 note descending scales.  My body seemed really tense, so Brianna had me straddle the piano bench, and fold forward to release my lower back/neck.  We proceeded with some more 9 note descending scales, but this time on "th"ee.  The "th" is supposed to help me establish a clean onset, free of any whistle, or tension in my larynyx.  It helped me with the onsets, but I didn't find that I had a real release in my lower back and breath.  I remembered the movement Cindy had Laekin do in Masterclass, of starting folded, and hanging forward, and then slowing reaching my arms up while keeping my neck and head released so I tried that, and found it me stay upright, and rib cage open.  After some successful scales, Brianna had me think about the inner tug in my breath by standing and pressing down on my chest with my hand.  For some reason this tactile exercise struck a chord with me.  It helped me find the right release and balloon-like breath, inner tug, and the lift of the soft palate.  I had many successful scales, and sang some A's, and Bb's comfortably.  I was also successful along the bridge in my range.  HOORAY!
Although my preparation this week was shoddy, to say the least, I think that my lesson was still a very important learning experience.  Brianna and I concluded that singing is really a mind game for me.  I am constantly doubting myself, and I just need to relax and trust it.  If it doesn't happen then it doesn't happen, but the important thing is to not make it happen, but let it happen, by preparing accordingly in my breath.
Goals this week: to practice the inner tug/ release of my breath, memorize one wolf piece, and come to next lesson prepared!