Sarah Brenay - NV - Intro
Summary: Stephen Smith describes his search for authenticity, vocally and socially. He believes that our journey to find our "naked voice," or natural voice, parallels our journey to find our natural selves. Smith tells us the story of how he became a vocalist and a teacher. He went against expectations to become a music major, had great success as an opera singer, and chose to give up his performing career in favor of teaching voice. He now teaches a Julliard. He tells us about the process of writing this book, and gives an outline of its content. Smith freely admits that his ideas are not new, but asserts that he has organized and presented these ideas in a new way.
Key Concepts: We need to challenge our knowledge and behaviors, reevaluating preconceived notions about life, the voice, and ourselves. This does not mean to reject all we have learned, but to free ourselves from the inhibitions of conformity, and discover our true selves, what we truly think and feel. This is authenticity. It is the same in life as it is with the voice. Only when we let go of how we think we should sound will we be able to sing as ourselves.
Key Terms:
authenticity: our true self, or our true/natural voice
Making Connections: Wow! I love this guy. He just described my life story in two pages or less. I've never read a philosophical approach to life so in harmony with my own. Applying it to the voice is just brilliant! I'm realizing that my vocal progression has gone hand in hand with my personal progression, which could be coincidental, but I choose to think not. For example, my battle with my judges which was pointed out to me by Ristad has been a vocal and emotional journey. I love that he has recognized this and put it into writing in such a direct, logical way. So excited to read more!
Favorite Quote:
"Our voices are an expression of the deepest reaches of our souls."
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