🎵 On the fourth day of July, NATS gave to me…. 🎵
July 4, 2022
- “The Non-Binary Songbook” presented by Liz Jackson Hearns and Alexandra Plattos Sulack
Takeaways:
Rather than providing an actual songbook (which is kind of what I wanted),this was based on exploring gender expansion via classical repertoire for the AFAB/non-binary singer from the perspective of:- Story
- Person
- Industry/Perception
It’s okay to change pronouns and keys, even in classical repertoire
I admit that I really want a repertoire list from this presentation, but there was some interesting work done here.
- “A Systematic Approach to Voice Studio Application” presented by Kari Ragan
Takeaways:- Evidence-based teaching involves:
- What I hear
- What I know
- Anecdotal
- Kinesthetic tools
- Worked with three different students and focused on different aspects of technique with each
- Articulation – used tongue root massage for laryngeal flexibility
- Respiration – MOVT
- Breathwork – flow ball
I first became familiar with the flow ball at Kari Ragan’s 2018 presentation in Las Vegas, and bought one at that time. However, I’ve lost a crucial piece to it. I did purchase some cheap knockoffs on Amazon this year for the studio, and they are not NEARLY as effective.
- Evidence-based teaching involves:
- “Singing and Speaking Salvation” presented by Dr. H. Steven Sims
Takeaways:
Focus on gospel singers/preachers and factors in voice care for these underserved populations
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- Stay focused on worship (or the story, if you’re not involved in church)
- Don’t overcomplicate things – “We don’t always have to choose the hardest way”
- “Showing up for rehearsals is a reasonable expectation”
- “There is a time to rest”
- “Check your attitude”
- “Gospel singing is a gift” [Isn’t all singing a gift?]
- “Any inhaled chemical [cannabis, tobacco, even medication] has the possibility to inflame your VFs”
Even though I don’t do gospel singing or currently have any gospel singers in the studio right now, the things I gained from this session are applicable throughout various genres.
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- “John Holiday Master Class”
Takeaways:
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- “You have to know the bones first, then you can add all the other stuff” (ornaments)
- “Everything, even the songs you don’t like, has to mean something to you before it can mean anything to anyone else.” [Sometimes you’re assigned things that you don’t want to sing – make it work!]
Not that familiar with John Holiday (I haven’t watched The Voice), but this masterclass, to which I came late, and his concert the following evening were both absolutely wonderful.
- “The Effects of Virtual Reality Training in Reducing Performance Anxiety” presented by Bobbie Ticknor and Mark McQuade
Takeaways:- Interesting overviews of the causes of and treatments for Music Performance Anxiety (MPA)
- Students with high levels of anxiety in life and in performance benefit from using virtual reality (VR) equipment and scenarios (studio class, juries) to prepare for the real thing
- Students with only mild or moderate anxiety had less after using the VR but still found it beneficial
I have no idea why I went to this session – but it was interesting. I don’t think I can apply any of it to my studio, but it was still interesting.
On Thursday, I’ll post about the last full day of the conference – there was one particular topic that I really want to delve into further going forward. Stay tuned!