I need your help to make this new blog successful!
Tell your friends and other singers that you know.... to join with me and help make this page a huge success !! I would love to have your input also.... what would you like me to help you with.. ? I am focusing on singers... but I am not limited to singers. For some reason we don't seem to get the information as singers that instrumentalist do. Drop by my blog and leave suggestions, ask questions and lets get it going strong !!
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Singing and competition
It's that time of year....
"X-factor" is holding auditions for a new season. "The Voice", a show for singers is starting.
"American Idol",is coming to a close. There are many of these talent search shows all over the world,including dancing,acting and singing. I have a question for you. Are these shows truly talent based ... Or do they end up being popularity contests? It seems once you get past the initial judging stages, it is left to the audience to decide the final winner. I understand that people hope that by the time that part of the show comes around...only the best people are left to chose from. Are they...? Are the best of the best left..? It has to be difficult for the judges to decide who makes it to the final. But if they have gone that far....do you think they should also weigh-in on the final vote? That final decision is a tough one. Without knowing the true figures of the American Idol show, it seems like the more successful of the competitors were NOT the winners! It seems the top cd sales have come from artist that were not the audiences choice. Kelly Clarkson (season 1), Fantasia Barrino (season 3) and Carrie Underwood (season 4)have been the most successful of the winners. That's only three first place winners out of nine seasons. Can you tell me ...who won season nine? ( Lee DeWyze is the answer. Now, I am not saying that the winners are not talented... They have good record sales and I am sure they are financially successful....but how many are familiar with Clay Aitkens? Jennifer Hudson? They did not win....but continue to play sold out concerts and record sales that far outreach many of the winners...
Ok.... I bring this point up for a couple of reasons. I want you to tell me....should they change the system of voting? Are truly the best performers winning? It seems some of the best ARE making it to the final dozen or so.... But how can we guarantee a winner will be " THE AMERICAN IDOL". The best of the best? Or can we expect this competition to be a true barometer of taste in music?
Finally, why I have decided to talk about this particular subject..?
Next blog I will tell you how to win a vocal competition!
I'll see you next time!!
"X-factor" is holding auditions for a new season. "The Voice", a show for singers is starting.
"American Idol",is coming to a close. There are many of these talent search shows all over the world,including dancing,acting and singing. I have a question for you. Are these shows truly talent based ... Or do they end up being popularity contests? It seems once you get past the initial judging stages, it is left to the audience to decide the final winner. I understand that people hope that by the time that part of the show comes around...only the best people are left to chose from. Are they...? Are the best of the best left..? It has to be difficult for the judges to decide who makes it to the final. But if they have gone that far....do you think they should also weigh-in on the final vote? That final decision is a tough one. Without knowing the true figures of the American Idol show, it seems like the more successful of the competitors were NOT the winners! It seems the top cd sales have come from artist that were not the audiences choice. Kelly Clarkson (season 1), Fantasia Barrino (season 3) and Carrie Underwood (season 4)have been the most successful of the winners. That's only three first place winners out of nine seasons. Can you tell me ...who won season nine? ( Lee DeWyze is the answer. Now, I am not saying that the winners are not talented... They have good record sales and I am sure they are financially successful....but how many are familiar with Clay Aitkens? Jennifer Hudson? They did not win....but continue to play sold out concerts and record sales that far outreach many of the winners...
Ok.... I bring this point up for a couple of reasons. I want you to tell me....should they change the system of voting? Are truly the best performers winning? It seems some of the best ARE making it to the final dozen or so.... But how can we guarantee a winner will be " THE AMERICAN IDOL". The best of the best? Or can we expect this competition to be a true barometer of taste in music?
Finally, why I have decided to talk about this particular subject..?
Next blog I will tell you how to win a vocal competition!
I'll see you next time!!
Friday, March 4, 2011
Welcome back to the next edition of "For Singers Only".
I would like to take this time to talk about a topic that I am always asked about by young performers. The most common term that is used to describe this condition is "Stage Fright". I am neither a psychologist or psychiatrist and if this condition is of such seriousness that you cannot function as a performer, I suggest you contact one of these professionals and get yourself evaluated.
What I often find when singers are talking of "stage fright", is usually just a case of being nervous before they are ready to perform. " Butterflies", as they are sometimes called are normal before a performance. That nervous energy that you feel before you have to go on stage. To some..it is just an energy that is building up inside. They consider that energy gives them an edge an awareness of being alive. That charge or spark that will help them through there performance. Others feel it as a pressure or a nervousness that will only enhance their chances of making a mistake. There are a couple of techniques people use to overcome this " fear". The most common is the one that they teach you in speech class. The idea of viewing your audience as being naked. The concept being if they are naked, there is nothing for you to be nervous about. They are the ones who are in the awkward situation....not you!
My concept of dealing with this nervousness before performing is similar. I believe that some nervous energy is good. It keeps you on your toes and reminds us to focus on the job at hand. Taking that energy and focusing it into your performance helps you to put on an energetic show. If it is controlled properly.
Another way I instruct young singers to deal with this is to sneak a peak at your audience. Then realize they are there to hear you. They have come to support you and your music. They had other options they could have taken tonight but they choose to be here listening to you. Think of the love you both share of music and realize that not only do you want to do well for them. They are wrapping you with their warm embrace and accepting you to guide them through this evening of music and entertainment. No one comes out with the intent of disliking you...YOU are actually in control and they have given that control to you! I often tell my young friends that when I truly get nervous about performing...is if I were to come out on stage and NO one is there! That would frighten me ! So next time you feel that nervousness stars to creep up on you. Turn the tables on it and remember, we have come to see you....share with you our love of music and our appreciation of your interpretation of the songs.
Take that energy and use it to take both yourself, your music and your audience to new heights I guarantee after you come off the stage... You will feel great, excited and exhausted and know that you have taken another step to conquering your "stage fright".
Feel free to leave comments or questions and I will answer them here in the "blogosphere".
Any topics you want me to over for you...let me know...and I'll see what I can do!
See you next time!
I would like to take this time to talk about a topic that I am always asked about by young performers. The most common term that is used to describe this condition is "Stage Fright". I am neither a psychologist or psychiatrist and if this condition is of such seriousness that you cannot function as a performer, I suggest you contact one of these professionals and get yourself evaluated.
What I often find when singers are talking of "stage fright", is usually just a case of being nervous before they are ready to perform. " Butterflies", as they are sometimes called are normal before a performance. That nervous energy that you feel before you have to go on stage. To some..it is just an energy that is building up inside. They consider that energy gives them an edge an awareness of being alive. That charge or spark that will help them through there performance. Others feel it as a pressure or a nervousness that will only enhance their chances of making a mistake. There are a couple of techniques people use to overcome this " fear". The most common is the one that they teach you in speech class. The idea of viewing your audience as being naked. The concept being if they are naked, there is nothing for you to be nervous about. They are the ones who are in the awkward situation....not you!
My concept of dealing with this nervousness before performing is similar. I believe that some nervous energy is good. It keeps you on your toes and reminds us to focus on the job at hand. Taking that energy and focusing it into your performance helps you to put on an energetic show. If it is controlled properly.
Another way I instruct young singers to deal with this is to sneak a peak at your audience. Then realize they are there to hear you. They have come to support you and your music. They had other options they could have taken tonight but they choose to be here listening to you. Think of the love you both share of music and realize that not only do you want to do well for them. They are wrapping you with their warm embrace and accepting you to guide them through this evening of music and entertainment. No one comes out with the intent of disliking you...YOU are actually in control and they have given that control to you! I often tell my young friends that when I truly get nervous about performing...is if I were to come out on stage and NO one is there! That would frighten me ! So next time you feel that nervousness stars to creep up on you. Turn the tables on it and remember, we have come to see you....share with you our love of music and our appreciation of your interpretation of the songs.
Take that energy and use it to take both yourself, your music and your audience to new heights I guarantee after you come off the stage... You will feel great, excited and exhausted and know that you have taken another step to conquering your "stage fright".
Feel free to leave comments or questions and I will answer them here in the "blogosphere".
Any topics you want me to over for you...let me know...and I'll see what I can do!
See you next time!
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