Something to cheer me up

[theatokos]

Yesterday I had a voice lesson in the afternoon. My voice teacher has started coming to my house. It's awesome. And because my teacher has no experience with pregnant ladies, she is charging me only $20 for an hour lesson. A steal! Singing while pregnant is a challenge, but so so great. My voice is becoming richer, more velvety, and my midrange is stronger, especially the transition from midrange to lower notes. Part of it is all the hormones making the vocal chords loose and juicy, part of it is I am more fully in my body and can't rely on things the way they were - my brain just has to get out of the way and let what's there out. It's a good thing for sure.

What's very exciting is that I have been given a new song to learn. Handel's Ombra mai fu! I never, ever would have expected to have an opportunity to learn this song. I never thought I'd have the voice for it and I'm just thrilled because it's a great song. You can hear Jennifer Larmore sing the song here, just hit play and look at something else. The video is horrible, but the singing is very nice. I more often sing stuff like this (this is Mozart, and I sing the piece a bit faster than Ms. Popp). I sing no where as beautifully as these ladies, but hopefully you'll be able to hear a difference in the voice types, as well as the range and style of the songs.

Comments

[goldenmoonbear.livejournal.com]

Any basic vocal tips for a singer with no training?

[ewigweibliche.livejournal.com]

Well, my basic advice is have fun and never ever sing something that hurts - you know the feeling, like your throat aches afterward or feels horrible when singing the note or whatever. Just say no. Even if it gets you the sound you want. And there's always, breathe from the diaphragm - but explaining that is more effective in person in person.

Um, I poked around youtube and myspace (the latter was not loading well on my laptop) and listened to the Corner Laughers. So, I have some vague idea about what you sound like. Of course, the access tv recordings are out of balance I think. I now have your songs stuck in my head!

I have a couple of ideas about your voice and if you want my two cents, I'd be happy to tell you.

Also, you're playing at Mama Buzz next week!! I live 17 blocks up the street! Sadly I have a midwifery appointment at 7pm that same night! ARGH!! If I can reschedule, I will.

[goldenmoonbear.livejournal.com]

Sure! Two cents, three cents, I'll take any ideas. :-)

Yeah, tv-access recordings are totally not the best examples of sound quality.

Yes, Mama Buzz! A rare East Bay performance! And a nice and early show!

[ewigweibliche.livejournal.com]

Well, here goes. Of course, this is based entirely on youtube clips!

I have to say my favorite singing parts are when you and Kohl are singing in harmony. First, the harmonies work really nicely, and secondly, you go up a little higher which showcases your voice - plus, you sound louder, as if having another voice gives you the confidence or reason to be louder. You have a really unique (and I don't mean that pejoratively!) and childlike voice - not as much as say, Joanna Newsome, but it's still a lighter voice. My opinion is that you are stronger, both in pitch and in audibility when you sing up higher. Sadly, most female pop/folk singers sing lower, whether they can or not (while most male pop/folk singers are tenors)! I think as singers we want to imitate that. But I'm like you, I have a lighter, higher voice. I guess I would just encourage you to explore singing higher in your range.

That's really all I can offer via the internet. Your music is really fun and the electric ukulele is awesome!

[snowcalla.livejournal.com]

I can't sing for crap...but I love to listen to opera. How lucky to be able to sing something so beautiful!