I was having a conversation with a student recently about plateaus. This student was remembering a previous blog in which I had discussed the plateaus we experience in our vocal training where it feels like we can go for an extended time without making any progress. These are inevitable periods that everyone goes through—no one's trajectory is only forward. It's also worth noting that a plateau can actually be a form of progress, because we are solidifying our status on higher ground (at a higher skill level) than we used to be.
This idea reminds me of an experience I had last summer when I was out on a hike. While trekking toward a peak in the Wasatch range, I looked across the valley and saw how the clouds were casting a shadow on a significant section of the opposite ridge (picture below). From my vantage point, I could see that most of the mountain was in sunlight. But I remember thinking that any hikers who happened to be in the middle of the shadowed section probably wouldn't be able to tell how much longer they would be in that darkness before they would be back in the sun.
This time of year, it is a tradition for musical ensembles to program performances of Handel's Messiah, the great oratorio for symphony, chorus, and vocal soloists. One of the arias for bass soloist is assigned the text, "The people that walked in darkness." At the start of the piece, the vocal line meanders, winding around in chromatic eighth notes before landing on a low F2. It's as though the melody itself is searching for a way out of darkness only to be plunged into the depths.
As the aria continues, however, the chromaticism starts to dissipate and the melody ascends to a sustained high D4 (the tonic of the key) on the phrase "have seen a great light."
It feels a lot like a hiker working through the muddled darkness of a shadowy ridge only to emerge onto a sunlit peak. In the picture below, you can see that the entire last stretch of the hike toward the peak on the left is in the shadows. As most mountain hikers know, the last stretch before a peak is often the most difficult. It is usually the steepest part of the hike and can involve scrambling up loose rocks that have less-secure footing than the lower sections of the trail. Add darkness to the mix and all of these factors could make any hiker want to turn around and head back down the mountain, right when they are closer than ever to the peak.
The end of the semester is also a peak, of sorts. Even if it doesn't necessarily feel like you are reaching a monumental finish, it does represent the end of a long, sometimes meandering hike. When we are amid the difficulties and darkness of a semester (or a degree program, or a career), it's tough to know how long we will have to endure before we reach the light. And when we are on drawn-out journeys, the longer we trudge, the more arduous it can become. But that could also mean that the peak, and the light, are just a few more steps away.
Keep hiking.
I'm grateful for the semester we have spent together. Once we finish, I hope you will all look back at how far we've come and take a bit of time to enjoy the view.
Happy Holidays.
-brian
awhh this week's post was so sweet I have really enjoyed being a part of this class and really wish that it could last longer into the next semester. I really do feel like this semester especially has been a big climb and I find myself at times not wanting to keep going. It's a weird middle ground we're in right now in our sophomore year where we aren't the babies but we still have lots to learn and lots to look up to and forward to from the upperclassmen. In singing and using my voice specifically I feel like there is a lot more to look forward to and I do still have my moments where I'm very unsure if I'm cut out to be doing this but then there's that sunlight shining in a spot which makes me feel like, yes I can keep going. It's a really hard thing to push through because this program and this career is very vulnerable and we are really putting ourselves out there all the time. It's easy to forget that I'm still learning.
ReplyDeleteWith the semester ending I really want to practice and prepare to show my best work and do my best work. I can't get lazy with it and I don't want to.
Oh boy did I need this blog post! This is such a wonderful, timely reminder to keep looking towards the light even though the plateaus and darkness can feel everlasting. I find that when I am looking forward to something (ex: Winter Break), the time seems too stretch, and last forever. I am fully experiencing that right now along with feeling a plateau with some of my vocal pieces as well. Like you were saying, this can mean good things like being in the automatic stage of learning. This was such a great message for me right now both in and outside of school. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteAlexa Shaheen
What an absolutely heart-warming post. The feeling of being stuck in one place is so common, especially for us artists, and especially at the end of an intense semester. It can be so hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel sometimes and feel as if you are not progressing. However, I always must remember that growth is not linear, and some days feel harder than others. Even in my darkest moments, artistic or not, it is important for me to recognize that this is not the end. I have so much to experience, feel, live. I will remember to “keep hiking” and push forward, no matter how difficult it may be. Happy end of semester!
ReplyDeleteHailey Petersen
Thank you for this Brian. I know there is a lot left to go on my vocal journey, but for the longest time before attending this program, I felt like my voice was in a plateau and if there was any point in continuing voice lessons as I was not seeing improvement with my previous voice teacher. But as you mentioned, it can be hard to see the light and the peak of what could be and it is easy to just shrink down and stop. I'm glad that you tell us to "keep hiking". If I did not operate under that phrase, I would have stopped a lot of things that I could improve on, and I probably have stopped in some areas. But just now, even in recognizing the improvements in places where I've persisted, gives me the push to keep working towards a higher goal and pushing through that plateau and just "keep hiking".
ReplyDeleteBefore I even dive into my thoughts on this post, I just want the chance to say how much of a pleasure this semester has been. This has been far and away my favorite class and even with the inevitable plateaus, I’ve never felt such growth because of a class/professor. So with this, thank you.
ReplyDeleteFirst off, I’ve never thought of a plateau itself being a form a progress, and I think that’s a beautiful sentiment. The acknowledgment of knowing we’re on a higher plane in our journey compared to previous times can sometimes be enough. Not knowing when the darkness will end can be a terrifying thing. And as stated, this can be applied to so much more than just vocal progress: academics, career paths, things that might be going on in our social lives, etc. However, it’s examples such as the darkened part of the hike that remind us that there WILL be light. For me, perseverance through these plateaus comes from knowing that these rough patches are in fact, and will always be temporary. I also think it’s important that whatever plateau we might find ourselves experiencing is a chance to “look back.” It’s a chance to soak in the progress we’ve made.
I feel this class has drastically helped me improve my voice and I feel more and more confident with each song and performance. While I haven’t spent a lot of time singing consistently before this semester, I feel I’ve made noticeable progress every week. When you don’t have much of a foundation to begin with it’s definitely easier to improve quickly. At this point, however, I do feel I have almost hit that plateau. Probably from a lack of consistent and intensive practice as well as trying to hone certain skills I lack while performing. Regardless, I still get very excited when thinking about singing and performing which motivates me to continue with these practices. I’m very thankful for this class and for having a specific amount of time dedicated to trying new things in a supportive environment. I’ll definitely miss this class next semester.
ReplyDeleteLucas Van Orden
This is so beautifully written. I think that it really puts growth into perspective. Sometimes it feels like we haven't grown at all when we reach plateaus, but I really like the idea of looking back and reflecting on how much growth we had just to get to the plateau. I think that that sentiment can be carried in all aspects of life. When it feels like you're stuck - that is a good time to self reflect and see how far you've come.
ReplyDeleteThis semester has been a true blessing. I have learned so much from your class and I will continue to take what you taught me into the future. I have never felt so comfortable and seen with a professor and I really appreciate that. You make me feel like a songbird. Thank you. Have a wonderful break!
This semester has been a rollercoaster ride for me. Looking back to when I first started this class, I was filled with fear and uncertainty about singing in front of an audience. I had no idea how to use my voice to my advantage or even how it worked. However, as the semester progressed, I gained more confidence and knowledge about my voice. I became eagerly anticipating to practice and perform in class, despite knowing that I still have much to learn and train my voice. This class has allowed me to break through a personal barrier that I never thought possible and I think I was able to reach my plateau cause I was able to see some progress and I now believe that I could audition for a role that involves singing. I am grateful for the learning process and the help that was rendered to get me to this point. Thank you so much!
ReplyDeleteThank you Brian for an amazing semester! I really enjoyed your class and the content you taught us! Not only musically, but also the lessons you taught us about every day life and how to be a better person! From you and your class I definitely felt I have come a long with with both my singing and my mindset. I'm going to continue to improve my voice, even in times when I feel like giving up. Thank you so much for everything Brian!
ReplyDeleteP.S. Cubs are alright I guess....
Dang Brian, its almost like you're so good at speaking you did a ted talk or something. I definitely wasn't expecting to read such a deep, thought out, and meaningful post. It has been such a pleasure to have class with you, and to me it felt like it was almost filling in these cracks that very much needed to be filled, even if I didn't realize the crack was there at all, so thank you for such a wonderful semester, its been a pleasure.
ReplyDeleteHi Brian!! This blog was something that resonated with me especially this past week. I haven’t had the best time recently because I was getting more and more in my head about showcase, and I feel like that affected the work that I’ve been producing. When I filmed yesterday, I felt a moment of panic because I was messing up parts of my song that I usually never mess up on, and I was preparing myself for the possibility to come in the next day and ask to re-record that one song if I could. I felt a lot of failure and my confidence was crushed pretty quick after filming. This past semester was a lot of plateaus and levels of the faith that I had in myself. I would feel like I was on top of the world one day, and the next I would feel like I was getting worse or getting nowhere. After this past week, I got some of the hardest parts of the semester done, and I’m proud of myself. I also looked at the footage of that one song that I felt not great about, and I realized that my own self-doubt was warping the idea of what my work was. I felt much better about it and I’m feeling more hopeful once again.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this blog post, it’s exactly what I needed right now. This semester has been kinda tricky for me navigating two majors at once for the first time, and I’ve really felt like I’m climbing uphill to find more when I reach the top. This last week is 100% the final steps for me, and I’m really excited to be able to look at this semester and be able to say I did that. I’m also, however, excited to come back next semester and keep working on what I love.
ReplyDeleteNate Ginsberg