Term 2 - Lesson 2 - 29th April 2015

Lesson 2                                                                                                           29th April 2015


Ensemble Rehearsal
In this session we focused on our new song, choosing and adapting another song. We have decided to do 'Apparently' as the main background track by J. Cole and mixed 'American Boy' lyrics from Estelle. This is because, as a group, we decided that American Boy consisted of high notes throughout and by mixing the lyrics with 'Apparently', has aloud us to change the tune. Another thing is that both these songs are sang by different genders consisting of high and low notes: this allowed us as a group to also adapt a male song to our individual voices.


 What we achieved today:
We organised all of the harmonies within the group using 'garage'. We included the chorus of American Boy in Apparently by adding harmony 'o' in between -This decision was made to erase the rap in Apparently (We also included verses from American Boy).


Overall, we are keeping to track with deciding our songs. We have also decided who is singing which verse. However, we didn't get a chance to go through our first chosen song to make sure that we are comfortable with it.


Next week:
-Learn both songs by heart
-Run through the first song making sure that everyone know there lines and harmonies
-Also go through the second song
-Adapt a choreography to the songs to make it more of a performance

-Chose the third song and organise who is singing which verse

Ensemble Presentation:

Peet Coombes (1952- 1997) - vocal and guitarist

As illustrated on the image, Peet (who is on the left hand side) is singing with Lennox (Who is on the right hands side) with a guitar.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRBTRGM4lnE

In this clip Peet is singing and playing the guitar at the front of the stage with Annie Lennox.

He is accompanying Annie in harmony on the chorus and in some verses but doesn't have a single verse vocally which shows that he isn't the main singer.

David A. Stewart - guitar

David is playing the guitar on the right hand side in this image whilst Lennox is singing.

• Annie Lennox - vocal and keyboards
• Eddie Chin - bass guitar
• Jim Toomey - drums

Term 2 - Lesson 1 - 22th April 2015

Ensemble rehearsal 

So far, we are sticking to some points of the rehearsal plan; we've printed out the lyrics and annotated each sheet with the harmonies and other adaptations. This was useful so that we can learn the lyrics by heart. However, we did not do a run through without looking at the lyrics. This means we still have to practice the singing it without lyrics. 

One issue in our group was starting the first line of the song and the first line to the choruses as it comes in at a fast pace. 

We chose another song to work on 'American Boy' British rapper and sing Estelle. This song is great in terms of adapting harmonies and different melodies, especially in the chorus. It is a more upbeat music which creates a variety in the song choice. Although, I do think that this song is hard when it comes to the rapping. I think it is long, and the possible solution is to cut down the rapping section. I knew the chorus of this song, which was good as it meant that I was more confident in singing it. However, we haven't finished choosing who is going to sing which verse. 

As a feedback of the rehearsal today, I think that we spent too long on the first song. It is important for everyone to learn their parts and the lyrics by heart. I would have began choosing the singers for each verse and worked out the harmonies so that we had the second song sorted out. 

For next week, we need to ensure that everyone knows there lines and the song by heart. Decide who is singing which verse and add the harmonies. We also need to choose another final song. 

Ensemble for Presentation

The Tourists (1977 -1980) were a British rock and pop band

• Peet Coombes (1952- 1997) - vocal and guitarist 
• David A. Stewart - guitar
• Annie Lennox - vocal and keyboards
• Eddie Chin - bass guitar
• Jim Toomey - drums

Term 2 - Lesson 7 - 25th March 2015

Lesson 7                                                                                                      25th March 2015

Ensemble

I'm in a group of 5 with Caitlin, Molly, Nenei, Agatha and myself. Being in a group of 5 means that there is more people to fit in different harmonies. I think that the members in my groups have different styles of voices and tones which makes the whole ensemble more interesting and fun to work with.

In my group, we decided to list a range of songs to choose from and narrowed it down to what the group liked. We characterized our chosen songs: slow, faster and one which we could 'MASH' (mix another song). I liked our scheme of choosing songs because it meant that we were all working together and choosing songs which we liked. For me personally, I found that most of the chosen songs were unknown to me, and it means that I need to learn the lyrics. However, it was nice to listen other types of songs.

Our first chosen song is 'FortyFiveSecond' by Rihanna. We chose this because it is slow and we can adapt different harmonies.

What I need to do: I need to practice the high harmonies in the chorus and learn the lyrics.


Plan of rehearsal from now until the performance
Wednesday 25th March
- Practice first slow song by Rihanna and decide the who is singing which lines and the different harmonies
(taking into account that everyone has to have one line on their own singing a higher melody)  

Wednesday 22nd April
- Print lyrics and practice going through the song with the harmonies
- Learn song by heart and singing it without lyrics 
- Choose another song to begin practicing 
- Add harmonies and learn lyrics

Wednesday 29th April
- Practice song without lyrics
-Choose the last song to mix
- Practice new song and share ideas on another song to mix with it
- Learn the lyrics

Wednesday 6th May
- Organize who is singing each verse and the harmonies
- Practice going through the song and singing without lyrics  

Term 2 - Lesson 8 - 25th February 2015

Lesson 8                                                                                                              25th February 2015

Today's session

I sang 'Fallen' because I felt that it was important to try and sing it with the microphone. However, because I haven't sang it in a long time, I felt that my voice was going because of how I was reaching on the high notes very often.

I should sing 'z' to the song and practice going from the low notes to the high notes making sure that I am supporting all the way through.

Exercises

• Lip trills in a scale
• Singing to a minor chord - which I find sometimes hard 
• Scales in a major going up

Practice
I feel confident playing the piano and singing 'Turning Tables' although I have to practice the last verse.  I need to practice singing 'fallen' without losing my voice.

What I need to do next before my recital is to I think it is important to think about what I would like to say during my performance; introduce my songs. And also doing a run through the program so I ensure my voice feels comfortable singing all these songs. If I feel that I am struggling, I will continue doing the breathing exercises of breathing in to 4 and singing notes out to 12. This smoothens my voice and allows me to have control when singing.

Program Update:
My recital is coming up and so far I have learnt all my lines from the chosen songs as well as the piano notes which means I followed my program very well and I have continued singing 'e' 'z' throughout my songs, which has helped me prepare for my pieces. In addition I have prepared my mini speech throughout my recital so that the audiences are aware of what I am singing.

Final program:
1st song- Turning Tables by Adele
 (which I need to practice singing during this week with the piano)

2nd song - Sacrifice by Elton John
(I need to practice the last verse into the chorus)

3rd song - Fallen by Sarah Mclahclan
(Practice the last chorus going into the last verse as I tend to re pet the first verse again)

4th song - Way Back into Love by Music and Lyrics
(Should rehearse with the piano making sure that I have different style and notes being played througout the song)

5th song -Valerie by Amy Winehouse
(Need to count and make sure how many 'valerie' should be sang)

Term 2 - Lesson 7 - 18th February 2015

Lesson 7                                                                                                           18th February 2015

Program
In terms of my programme, I have decided to change 'I'm Yours' to 'Valerie' because I feel more confident with the lyrics, style and because I have sang it before on the microphone. Personally, I believe that my voice fits well with this song and it's a perfect song to vary within my program.

Exercises

• Breathing into 4 and humming out to 12 'o' and 'a' to help with opening my vocals as well as practicing my low notes. 
• Singing the song to a 'z' has ensured I have support one the notes which I struggle with

What have I been focusing on?
I have been more focused on the songs I feel less comfortable such as 'sacrifice' and 'turning tables' with the piano. I have learnt the lyrics of 'sacrifice'. Also, I have been practicing 'turning tables' on the piano.

Term 2 - Lesson 6 - 11th February 2015

Lesson 6                                                               - 11th February 2015

My progress
I've been going through my chosen songs: starting from my first chosen song up until the last song, and this has been useful as it has allowed my voice to accustom to the different songs and not feel out of breath. 

Also i have been recording myself constantly singing and then listening to them. And I found that I need to still work on 'Sacrifice' because I'm still not comfortable with the middle verse and also the tune. I have however, found a karaoke wih Sinead O'Connor's version - which is useful since I'meant more comfortable with the tune. I have been practising various warm ups in order to progress in my singing; such as singing to a 'z' throughout the song, breathing in to 4 and out to 12 and then 14, followed by 16. 

In addition, I have struggled with my piano playing to 'Way back into love', because one of my previous feedbacks was about adding a different style and rhythm throughout. Even though I searched for ideas on the Internet and asked a collegue of for some ideas, I still didn't feel to sure, so I decided to learn the actual piece, with all the different notes - which is what I have been practicing on lately, making sure that I'm playing at the right pace and able to sing along comfortably. I do feel that my practice is going well. 

Another adaptation to my program.  I have chosen to learn 'Turning Tables" on the piano, which has been incredibly difficult but it has come along finally and I'm extremely  proud of my progress! It was initially in my agenda to have two songs with me playing the piano, one in the beginning and another towards the end, which is why I have made this decision.  



List of questions which I should have in mind

'Turning Tables'

• What is my character?

My character is a female who has fallen out with her partner and is expressing her emotions towards him. 

• Who am I singing to?

In this song, my character is singing to herself, reflecting on what has happened

• Where am I whilst singing?

I'm in this white, dull empty room and there's a chair where I begin by sitting on it and then standing as he song goes along, as I feel that is how she's expressing her feelings 

• How is the character feeling? 

She's terribly angry at her partner and in the end, She's feeling as though she has failed herself for letting the relationship get to where it got to.

Term 2 -Lesson 5 - 4th Februrary 2015

Lesson 5 -                                                                  4th February 2015

This week
During the course of this week I have ran through my chosen songs and recorded myself singing them. This exercise enabled me to pick out what songs I need to practice and what possible exercises I can do to help improve. This exercise helped me identify the struggles as well as my tuning throughout the verses. With this, I found that I wasn't singing in the right tune to my chosen backing track to 'Sacrifice' by Elton John. I think this is because I am used to listening to Sinead O'Connor's version of the song. My aim for next week is to chose which version I am singing (Sinead O'Connor or Elton John) and listen to them and sing along. This will ensure I stick with a version and sing it in the right tune.


Another song which I feel I need to practice is 'Way Back Into Love' by Music and Lyrics, I feel that I don't have much support towards the bridge and I become tensed because I don't feel comfortable in singing high. Therefore, I have been practicing running through the song being aware of how I am supporting my voice on the high notes. I found that by relaxing my shoulders and supporting every high note towards the end I can; hold the note longer, it is clearer and I sing the right note confidently. In addition, I have been singing in front of a mirror as another exercise. This has been helping me in feeling more comfortable and less embarrassed about the emotions I portray with my hand gestures.


Today's session
In today's session I sang 'Turning Tables' by Adele. This was important so that I could practice my chosen song for my recital and to practice singing through the microphone. After this session I feel more confidence singing this song because I was afraid forgetting the lyrics of this song (even though I have learnt the song by heart) and this was because I haven't sang a song which implied showing my voice.


Feedback
I think it was a useful and important my feedback today because it has helped me think through the character I want to portray depending on the song and also, my positioning on stage- making sure that I am facing all of the audience. The feedback because whilst I was on stage, I didn't notice that I was only facing to a group of audience and not everyone. I will ensure that when I am on stage next time, that I am able to see everyone and that they can also see me.


List of questions which I should have in mind

• What is my character?
• Who am I singing to?
• Where am I whilst singing?
• How is the character feeling?

Look at the list of questions  that I showed you last week. For one of your songs, give a brief account of how you have answered/addressed those questions (NB. not every question is relevant to every song). Can you think of any other questions you should be asking yourself?

Term 2 - Lesson 4 - 28th January 2015

Lesson 4                                                                                                             28th January 2015


Account of my practice:
This week I have learnt more vocal exercises which is useful so that I can develop different skills whilst preparing for my recital which will enable me to improve in my singing. Some of the exercises which I learnt: humming to a note followed by singing a vowel freely to another note openly and then ending it with a closed mouth, singing tongue twisters 'Comical economists', singing 123 up the scale in a minor chord, breathing in for 4 beats and then singing a note for 4 beats and then 6, followed by 8 and so on. Personally, I found it difficult breathing in to 4 beats and then singing a note to 12, I felt out of breathe and out of confidence. I am considering applying this exercise throughout my program in order to develop holding a note down longer comfortably.


In today's session, I was able to comment on other performances and took into count what others within the group pointed out. It was helpful in a way that I was able to realize what others are doing and reflecting on my own performances and how I want to portray myself whilst performing. Some of the comments were about maintaining in character and with the storyline throughout the song and I feel that sometimes I forget about what sort of character I want to be when singing a particular song, what emotion I want to portray and where I am in this imaginary world. In addition, another comment was about the positioning of the microphone. It is important to consider aligning the microphone to the mouth so that the words are clearer and the voice is heard. Whilst I am singing on stage, I tend to forget my posture as I'm focused on the song which is why, on my next performance, I would like to be more aware of it.


Preparation for my recital:
 I am already ahead of my program in terms of picking a variety of songs; I have selected an order of for my chosen songs and even created a story with the different lyrics, I have been familiarizing myself with the lyrics (4 of the chosen songs, I can sing without looking at the lyrics- but need to be more confident still), also I've made a choice about what songs I will be singing with the piano (Turning Tables & Way Back Into Love) however, I have to learn the notes from my first song and with the second song, I need to play different chords at a different pace throughout Way Back Into Love so that it maintains an excitement for the audience.


What has been useful preparing for my recital, is that when I am singing all of the songs (one after the other) I am taking into a count how my voice changes and whether it is comfortable, if it is still with enough breath. I found that my voice feels slightly tired after the 5th song and slightly out of breath which is why I will be practicing a few more times running through the songs in order for my voice to adapt. 


Program note of new songs:
I am quite familiar with the three other songs which I have chosen for my recital (Turning Tables, Fallen and I'm yours) so I have been practicing singing without lyrics to all these songs.





Brief new Program:

• Learn 'Sacrifice' lyrics by heart
• Practice other songs without lyrics
• Listen and learn Turning Tables on the piano
• Practice different chords and pace for 'Way Back Into Love'

Also, upbeat, not upbeated

term 2 - Lesson 3 - 21st January 2015

Lesson 3                                                                                                    21st January 2015


Chosen song
I have chosen 'Sacrifice' as my second song for the recital. I think it is an emotional, expressive song which fits with my tone of voice. Although I have to vary the songs for my recital, I have chosen another calm and softer tone however it is a different style and story. This song portrays a man and woman having problems in their relationship after being married and raising a daughter, they go their separate ways, the man raises his daughter alone- whereas the previous chosen song is about gaining trust and going 'back into love'. The reason I have chosen this song is because it creates a flow and story line for my recital.


When singing this second song, I felt comfortable and enjoyed singing the song confidently. I need to have a look at the original track of the song so that I am aware of the tune and the style. Also, I need to ensure I learn the lyrics by heart so that I can portray emotion during my performance.


Next thing to focus on
I am creating a list of more up-beat songs and singing the chosen songs, being aware of which ones I feel self-assured and practice them. Furthermore, I need to practice 'way back into love' on the piano, ensuring I feel comfortable singing the bridge and playing at a different pace and tune on the piano.


List of songs which are more up-beating:

• "Turning tables" by Adele
• "I'm yours" by Jason Mraz
• "Valerie" by Amy Winehouse
• "Fallen" by Sarah McLachlan

Reflecting on my programme-
Personally, I feel that my programme is clear and that I am keeping roughly to the plan however, I have realized that as the weeks go, there's always something new to focus on which is why my weeks will vary. Constantly, I have been revisiting my blog and ticking what I have done and making sure that I am on track.


Exercises which I found useful today
Today, I enjoyed our lesson as we had different tasks to complete whilst singing such as for instance, including a word within the song whilst singing, singing with someone else on stage, singing in the audience. Looking at others completing these tasks and experiencing it myself made me realize how  different techniques make a difference to the performance and I need to practice to focus on what I what the audience to feel and how I am meant to be feeling depending on the lyrics.


In addition, I realized that I am not always able to distinguish singing minor and major chords, which is why I am considering practicing singing scales in major and minor accompanied by the piano.

Term 2 - Lesson 2 - 14th January 2015

Lesson 2                                                                                                       14th January 2015

In my mock recital I chose a song that was slightly up beated and another that was calmer which i accompanied with the piano. I found that the mock recital was useful as it prepared me for the recital; memorised lyrics and chords as well as focusing on my posture on stage. Because I felt comfortable singing these songs and had good comments about the variety of tune and pace made me choose for certain 'way back into love'.


This week
 I have been focusing on the song I've picked for my recital 'way back into love'. I think this song goes well with my voice and even though I find singing the bridge difficult and high. This is useful as it will ensure I develop and strengthen the high notes with exercises such as singing 'e' and 'z' throughout the song.

Furthermore,  I have learnt the lyrics by heart which has helped with my confidence and I have been practicing playing the piano adding different paces to vary the song. I think it is important to vary the tune on the piano so that the audience will maintain interest.

Exercises;
• Breathing with diaphragm, singing 'ha, ha' and feeling the puffs of air to support my singing throughout the whole song.

• Humming my lowest note, then moving up to my highest note. This has helped me sing above my bridge and expriment my voice humming different notes and identifying where I felt the most comfortable and others which I don't (practicing singing the notes which I don't feel as confident)

• Yawn on high notes, allows me to set up the back of my mouth/ throat and confidently sing the higher notes

Term 2 - Lesson 1 - 7th January 2015

Lesson 1                                                                                                                   7th January 2015


How did the mock recital go?


Two songs were sang in my mock recital which were 'Just a kiss' by Lady Antebellum and 'Way back into love' by music and lyrics. The chosen songs were varied and I made sure to demonstrate a transaction of melodies and genre through playing the second song on the piano. Overall, both songs fitted well with my voice.


I thought the performance went exceptionally well, although I was nervous in the beginning but throughout I began to feel comfortable singing with the microphone. Furthermore, I was able to memorize the lyrics which resulted in a good posture to sing during my performance. In addition, I think I managed well my breathe throughout which demonstrates an improvement as before I was unable to maintain a note for a long period of time because of my breathing. I have achieved this through the various practices in the beginning of the sessions as well as at home. However, particular vowels I felt were popping in the microphone throughout the song which was part of the feedback which I received from the audience.


Brief preparation for recital:


First week: Listen and practice singing different songs and list a few songs which fit with the voice and that are enjoyable. Choose one particular song which will definitely be sang in recital and practice the lyrics and with backing track/ piano.


Second week: Sing the chosen song and write own feedback on how you felt about singing, whether you were able to sing comfortably throughout the whole song, if the backing track was suitable and make sure your learning the lyrics. By doing this, it will help in choosing particular exercises to practice so that you feel comfortable with the chosen songs. And, begin to choose two other songs for recital and begin practicing the lyrics.


Third week: By this week, two songs would have been chosen, with two backing tracks/ piano chords. Sing each song without looking at lyrics and choose another song which will be sang at the recital- keeping in mind in choosing a variety of genres and songs.

Fourth week: Practice the previous two songs chosen, singing with backing track/ piano without  lyrics sheet. This will help improve confidence and give a sense of where I am. Begin to chose another song to sing in recital and begin learning the lyrics.

Fifth week: Practice singing the songs without lyrics and identify which one you don't yet feel comfortable about singing without lyrics. Practice any exercises in order to help with any song which seems a struggle.

Sixth week: Make an order of which songs you will be singing and sing them in that order without lyrics to see whether you have learnt the lyrics, whether the different songs flow and also if you are able to sing them in a row without straining voice.

By the end of these six weeks:
I would have 5 songs prepared with a backing track and memorized chords and lyrics. In addition, should be able to sing comfortably each of the songs; whether they are high pitched, notes have to be more strengthen when sang or holding a note down longer. 


Practice over the holidays
- Exercises which I find useful is singing 'e' and 'z' throughout the songs so that my voice feels comfortable in singing different notes. This has helped me in a song call 'leave that light on' where there is a lot of high notes in the chorus. I would like to be able to sing the high notes without any struggle by the end. Now, I certainly feel a difference singing the song as I am confident and as well I feel that the high notes are more supported however, I will continue practicing singing these vowels and 'z' sounds throughout the song and consider using in my recital songs.


- The body posture whilst singing is something I have practice a lot during the holidays as before I felt that I would elongate my neck or curve my shoulders inwards when singing high or low notes. I have completed exercises such as raising arms upwards, tipping toe and then slowing releasing the arms. In the way which this has helped me is that I felt less tension and more relaxed, avoiding tension in my throat when singing.