Welcome (back), everyone! We're off and running...
Here is one of Ashbaker's suggestions: "Look at your calendar. Be specific about what time you will begin your practice each day of the week, and what time you plan to finish your practice. Too often, 'I'll practice later this afternoon,' ends poorly when, at 8:00 pm, you realize that you haven't yet practiced." Longtime members of the Manternach Teaching Experience should recognize this from the PRACTICE SCHEDULE section of our syllabus, which reads "Enter [your] practice times in your weekly calendar and treat them as you would a class or rehearsal. Do not allow them to become optional; make them part of your daily routine. Otherwise, it is too easy to put off your practice time or only do it when you feel like it. Art is creative, art is expressive, but practice is a discipline."
Ashbaker also reminds us: "If you write [your goals] down, you are more likely to hold yourself accountable...Keeping a practice journal is a good, tangible way to help keep you on track." This is also emphasized by author and professor Lynn Helding, who states that effective goals should be written down (not just kept in mind). Don't assume that you will remember what your goals are from day to day and week to week. Write them down so you can reference them at each practice session.
Ashbaker also offers strategies for accountability in your practice routines. She writes, "If you have a close friend who is a singer, perhaps you can help hold each other accountable by sharing practice goals for the day as well as achievements." This strategy is backed up by a number of research studies. As I wrote earlier this year in an article for the Journal of Singing, "In clinical settings, patients who had a social support system were more likely to follow through with rehabilitation and health maintenance. Therefore, students may...make themselves accountable to someone (besides their teacher) who is invested in their progress. Perhaps it could be a friend or family member who has always encouraged their musical pursuits. Maybe other musicians with whom they collaborate could be recruited, given their mutual goal of making their shared performances as successful as possible. Maybe studiomates could pair off to be 'practice accountability buddies,' in order to check in with each other to make sure their partners are staying disciplined in their practice."
Lastly, Ashbaker provides a useful acronym to guide practice sessions: "Make your practice schedule SMART: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Timely." You may ask yourself some targeted questions to see if your practice is SMART.
Specific: Am I just mindlessly going through a bunch of vocal exercises and "running over" my music or do I have a goal in mind of what I'm trying to accomplish?
Measurable: How will I know when I have made an improvement? What is the thing that I'm not able to do that I'm trying to do?
Attainable: Is this goal something that is in my short-term achievable range or is it more of a long-term goal (your teacher can help you determine this)?
Realistic: Am I comparing my singing to people on studio-produced Broadway cast recordings? Are my goals appropriate based on my current skill level?
Timely: Am I working consistently on specific skills? Do I work on implementing new instruction right away?
For this first blog of the school year, I'd like for you all to share a couple of goals you have for the semester. Then share a tactic you will use to hold yourself accountable to the practice that will lead you to your goals.
Let's have a great year!
Now go practice.
I 100% agree with the strategy of having an "accountability buddy". I recall back to when I was in high school and my theater director would sometimes catch me hiding out somewhere in the theater practicing songs. Every time he would catch me practicing, he was always so proud of what I was doing and always motivated me to keep going and would occasionally remind me if I had practiced my songs for the day. Having him there for me always kept me disciplined in my practicing, even if I didn't feel I was the best singer, I kept going. However, when I got to college I never felt I had a person like that and my work ethic was greatly affected by that change. One goal of mine is to work on smoothening the transition between my chest voice and falsettos with fewer cracks and breaks. I plan to achieve this goal by finding an "accountability buddy" who can motivate and push me in the right direction when I get distracted and forget to practice. In addition, I would always establish a practice schedule to give myself actual structure instead of saying, "I'll do it later this time, I swear."
ReplyDelete!!AGREE!!
DeleteI really like the SMART acronym. I find that often when I don't have an exact idea of what I want I get lazy with my practice. Sure something is more than nothing, but mindlessly singing through my music is not going to do anything for me. Recently I have been plagued with the feeling that I have not been giving my all, I am not where I want to be with my vocal capabilities. I think applying the SMART way of thinking and practicing will help me with when I may not instantly know what I want out of a practice session. With this being my last year with the University I want to have a few specific things out of this. 5 go to audition songs that cover a wide variety of music. Confidence surrounding my artistry, and my musical capabilities, and lastly I would like to have a strong connection to each of my pieces I work on this year.
ReplyDelete-Tate Foshay
I resonate a lot with the idea of working with others and having that accountability contract with another person. I work so well when there's that motivation coming from another person doing the same thing or simply just there cheering me on. I know this is about singing but I notice that even when I'm learning a new instrument or trying to push my PR in running, having another person there has always helped me to keep going and carry on. Now, a goal that I would like to achieve this semester is trying not to perform my songs when I am practicing my audition material or simply just practicing to practice. I notice I try to do my best when I'm practicing and try to "put on a show" because I get nervous that if I try anything different that I'll be judged. This definitely doesn't help me in the slightest and I've been noticing that there isn't really any growth. So, I want to try and be able to practice in a quiet space by myself first to get that sense of discovery again and then when I'm comfortable to try and do the same when I know others are listening. It won't be easy but I'm determined.
ReplyDeleteThis semester, I want to focus on bringing all of my training into everything that I do. When I’m starting to learn a song I want to focus on just the music, but after I have notes and rhythms down I want to allow myself to make choices and take risks, especially with the acting of the songs. I don’t want to have to try to figure out what works at the last minute, but have a bunch of ideas that I’ve already tried. I also want to make sure that I am more diligent with practicing, and I think I am going to try to enlist a practice buddy to help me stay on top of it. I get scared to practice in a space where someone can hear me if I’m not performance ready, but I want to become more comfortable with failing in order to succeed and part of that is failing, or struggling for half a second, in front of other people. I think having two roommates in the studio (hello roommates) was a little intimidating for my practicing, but I want to try to turn it into motivation and a way to better myself and get over that fear of failure.
ReplyDeleteHi Nate
DeleteHi Nate
DeleteI think this found me at a really good time. Even though it's only been a week through the first semester, I am already finding myself burned out and missing a lot of the attention I need to put into my own growth and practice. Last year, my practices were infrequent, and I will be honest, found myself busy with other things and would always put off my practices for a later time that day. I think really setting myself up for success and holding myself accountable is at the top of my list for practicing this year. I really want to stick to practicing the same time everyday, and have an intention set in mind for what I want that practice to be focusing on. For that reason, I am going to start reminders on my phone that I should set myself up for practice as well as keep a section of it open in my daily journal so that I myself can see my progress.
ReplyDeleteMy biggest goal for this semester is to create a consistent practice schedule; both in regard to time and environment in which I am practicing in. Last year, I found myself getting practice in, but it was a bit lackadaisical. I would practice in different places, at different times, etc. This year, I would love to create consistency by always practicing in the music rooms at the same time each day. I believe that having someone who has a vocal rehearsal schedule that lines up with mine will incentivize this consistency. I know that if me and a classmate each walked to the voice building each and every day at the same time, this will become habitual and will ultimately allow me to accomplish this independently. I am really looking forward to this semester/year!
ReplyDeleteAlexa Shaheen
My biggest goal this semester is consistency. I could definitely improve at staying on a schedule for something that requires consistent practice and work. It feels like every little change in my routine like a vacation or a long weekend gives me an excuse to drop my practice routine. I think that utilizing the SMART acronym will help me get a structure for effective practice. I love the idea of asking myself questions like: Am I genuinely pursuing specific goals rather than going through the motions? Am I setting benchmarks to measure improvement? Is my ambition aligned with what I can realistically achieve? Am I grounding my aspirations in the reality of my current skill level? Am I respecting time, consistency, and implementation of new ideas? I think this will help me to make sure that I am not only staying consistent, but I am using the time I have set aside wisely and effectively.
ReplyDeleteCharley Holt
My biggest goal this semester is being very consistent with my practice. As of right now, I practice every so often but its so inconsistent to where it feels like I'm working singing around my schedule instead of making it part of that. In order to make it smart, ill set it as this to start and adjust as I go. I will consistently work based on my practice schedule for the first two weeks of the semester in order to form a habit around it. In my practice, I want to have the patience to not force a vibrato in order to develop my voice in a more natural way and just noticing when I have it rather than trying to attain it on a given day.
ReplyDeleteMy biggest goal this semester is to push myself into unfamiliar territory with my voice. Oftentimes when I practice or perform, I find myself slipping into whatever already works for me. That does help grow that specific area, but it means any other part of my register/ style lacks the chance to grow and develop. The best way for me to do this would be in the kinds of pieces I choose to work through being different and more difficult than the ones I normally fall back on.
ReplyDeleteOne of my biggest goals for this semester is to, like many others, create a set in stone schedule. I really liked what was said about treating practice time like a class; something that's mandatory. Subconsciously, when I recognize that a commitment isn't something I am absolutely required to do, I let it slide. To counteract this, I feel putting practice times in my academic calendar, where my mandatory responsibilities are, will help me prioritize getting in the practice room. My other major goal is to choose pieces that challenge me more vocally. Specifically, I want to prepare songs for auditions that require me to sing E's, F's, and G's more comfortably. Maybe even A's, who knows.
ReplyDeleteHi Brian! With the start of a new year and especially after a long break, getting back into a routine can be intimidating and a little challenging at first. Having studio last year gave me more insight of what I wanted to bring into my performances and lately, I’ve been trying to use my breath to motivate my next action and tactic. That’s a goal I would like to strive for is continuing to solidify my acting. I really like the idea of having a “practice buddy,” to be accountable. I really look up to my peers in striving forward in progression. This summer, I’ve taken time to listen more of how people sing and how to apply it to my own voice. I started to get on myself last year because I was cracking so much, and this summer I realized that I JUST NEEDED MORE AIR!! And I wasn’t cracking as much anymore!
ReplyDeleteMy biggest goal for this summer (and I recognize that this is not the most measurable goals) is to become comfortable singing among my peers. I have always been a bit of a scaredy-cat when it comes to singing in front of others and I look forward to having the very tangible pressure of a grade hanging over my head pushing me to do it even if I lack the confidence to push for it myself. I also look forward to becoming a better singer which I think will greatly help me with being confident singing in front of and with others this year.
ReplyDeleteHello, One of my most prominent goals for this year has been leaning into the mistakes of my voice, not being afraid of my voice cracks, and being off pitch, and having voice strains, as well as more overall vocal confidence. As you had stated earlier in our first class period we had in class, about the difference between rehearsing and preforming for practice. It stuck with me because being in Choir at my old school, It was almost like a social necessity to practice as if you were preforming, which prohibited us from being off pitch, or voice cracking when in class or preforming by ourselves. This negative connotation of how to practice has since stuck with me, as now I have become a perfectionist when I am practicing music pieces. And not only does this method of practice hinder my growth by disallowing me to fail and therefore learn effectively, but also keep me stagnated in my education, as I only feel comfortable doing warm-ups, and exercises that are within my range and doing make me sound "ugly" when singing. So this semester, developing my vocal confidence, by most specifically being able to lean into my own mistakes and using them as the foundation for growth instead of self-criticism is what I seek out the most for this year.
ReplyDeleteI connect strongly to the accountability section of setting and affirming goals. I find it can be really hard for me to get anything done if I don’t set aside a specific time to do a task. It’s so easy to get invested in the craziness of everyday life and to put off the things you really need to do- but setting time aside for yourself is so beneficial. I really liked the line “Art is creative, art is expressive, but practice is a discipline”. A goal of mine will be to keep myself accountable with a journal and a buddy- it’s easier to stay strong when you have someone or something to keep yourself in check. The realistic section really spoke to me as well, because I find myself comparing my voice to people in recordings or people with different strengths than me. Just because my voice doesn’t sound the same as the person online, does not make me a lesser artist- everyone just has their own strengths and weaknesses. I hope to be able to praise myself for my abilities as well as keep my weaknesses accountable within my practice sessions.
ReplyDeleteHailey Petersen
This semester I want to focus on approaching all my music from an acting standpoint. This might sound a little crazy and when I say this, I don't mean to disregard the vocal work, but I feel like I've gotten to a point where I don't have to worry so much about where my voice is or what it's doing. And up until this year I've only ever approached my songs thinking about how it sounds and singing or the melody and the notes and not the story or the character. This year is all about continuing to grow vocally and make new strides but equally putting in the same amount of work to telling the story and honoring the text.
ReplyDeletePunctuation mapping in a song has been hugely beneficial to me. I am able to separate the song and the story, the lyrics become a monologue, or a conversation simply set to a tune, the journey of the character is clearer, and "making choices" throughout the song flow naturally when the story is there. I find that vocally the song feels easier too. I am able to trust what is already there. I feel more grounded in the truth of the song which in turn grounds the truth of my sound.
Holding myself accountable to stay consistent with practice has always been hard for me, but in the last 2 years something has changed. Practicing is no longer a chore. And honestly, with the improvements I have made over the last two years, I feel that alone holds me accountable. I suddenly have access to skills I've always wanted, I feel a new found ease, I can really relax when I sing. I'm addicted. I want those skills and feelings to only grow, so I will keep up with my work.
Helena Goei
I really like the idea of having set goals for the semester. Especially when it comes to something l am not very comfortable with. Singing has always been something I struggle to stay consistent with, but something I've always wanted to improve. My number One goal this semester is to stay consistent. I have a really nice gap in my schedule on the days we don't have class that l will be able to go to the music building and practice. On weekends it's going to be a little harder to find motivation, but I am hoping my roommate and I can hold each other accountable. Some of my more specific goals include focusing on what my body is doing while I am singing and trying to spend more time evaluating videos of myself singing.
ReplyDeleteThank you!!
-Ella Frank
I have stage fright and I am a theatre major. Ironic isn't it! For my whole life, I have been a perfectionist. I am constantly worried about how I will be perceived by my peers and the people I look up to. This is an unfortunate side effect of anxiety. When I try to sing in front of people I am not comfortable with in early stages of rehearsal (and the occasional performance), I begin to shake uncontrollably and it translates to my voice. My goal for this year would be to overcome some of these anxiety-induced habits by pushing myself out of my comfort zone. I have found that when I face my fears, I feel just a smidge more confident in my abilities than I was before. I know I can sing! I just need to implement the proper goal/rehearsal techniques. To do this, I will sing in front of my peers. Singing in front of an audience of thousands is nerve racking for sure, but singing in front of just a few peers feels more vulnerable and scary. I will give myself the opportunity to practice in front of some peers and eventually some MTP students so that I may begin to take down some walls that anxiety has built in my psyche.
ReplyDeleteAll the love,
Mira xx
This semester I want to make sure I keep a consistent schedule. It's proven that practice helps technique and helps develop skill, but I also find that the more prepared I am, the less nervous I am. Anxiety has hindered some previous performances of mine and I think that the consistent practice will not only help me develop as a singer but as a performer. I remember reading something last year that said something along the lines of discipline being a form of self respect, and I am looking forward to putting that into practice as this class continues.
ReplyDeleteA general goal that I have this semester is to be more gradual with how I treat my voice and my progress into new musical landscapes with it, I sometimes find myself being overzealous and jumping to pieces with crazy high notes for my voice that perhaps I can get to, but can’t resonate the way that I’d like or give the kind of energy I want to express through them. To go along with this, I want to focus further on my tone when I’m outside my low baritone comfort zone and become more aware of how my voice sounds through others’ ears, as we talked about on Wednesday, when I am practicing. As for a more specific goal, I would like to improve my vocal agility to the point where I can feel comfortable consistently hitting triplets, ascending and descending. I also would like to focus further on my breath support, and have wanted to delve lightly into healthy stylistic vocal distortion. I also think this class is a great way that I might be able to help myself work through my performance anxiety when it comes to singing in front of people, and I’m excited to see how I can improve in different ways throughout this semester.
ReplyDeleteAh, SMART goals !!! I had a teacher in high school that absolutely drilled this goal-setting method into our brains. I had a harder time with it then because I was much less enthusiastic about the goals I had to set. I feel so lucky to be working to make progress on skills that I am so passionate about pursuing! Some goals that I have… being intentional with how I am warming up and taking care of my voice. I’d really like to put more time towards getting to know my voice and what it needs in order to perform consistently. I also want to be more intentional with the material I am choosing to work on— am I adequately challenging myself? What do my songs say about me? Do the songs I sing make me happy?
ReplyDeleteI agree that writing down goals is an effective way to stay accountable, but I find it even more beneficial to write down the progress along the way. I will be keeping a journal to reflect on the good, bad, AND ugly of practicing and performing this semester. I feel like I make the biggest strides forward when I acknowledge what isn’t working just as much as I take note of what is. This also helps me more accurately perceive how REALISTIC I am being with how I am assessing myself. Here’s to being just the right amount of hard on myself! Happy first blog!!! 💫
This semester a really big goal for me will be trying not to prioritize “sounding good” and instead focusing on what feels right in my body, I’ve always focused on the external sound of my singing rather than staying in touch with what is happening internally. Because of this habit I feel like I can’t hit notes as long, I’ll very abruptly run out of breath and I’ll also become tense so the notes start to sound forced because they are. With practice and holding myself accountable rather than that “I’ll do it later” attitude that many of my classmates have brought up I feel confident I can improve or at least make progress to the point where I am proud of my dedication. To set myself up for success I have an idea that I’ll prioritize doing vocal warmups first because I’m not used to practicing singing much less signing exercises. Then after I am done with those I’ll “reward” myself by focusing on my technique while I sing a song I really like or have been wanting to test out. This reminds me of what I do for weight lifting, I’ll pair my least favorite exercises on the same day as my favorite exercises to make sure that I complete everything I should be. I am excited to implement this into singing and to start building the foundation of my vocal skills.
ReplyDeleteEmily Williamson
BRIAN I MADE IT! Life is insane. Some goals I have are to approach everything with confidence (toughest one for me), be as prepared as I possibly can be, stop doubting myself, continue auditioning, and soak up as much as I possibly can in this final year. I will hold myself accountable by keeping a schedule, making sure things do get done even if they’re late (as shown here), and doing things for my own desire to improve. You can’t expect to do good without doing the work so that’s what I intend to do.
ReplyDeleteThis semester I really want to eliminate a lot of the downtime in my daily routine. To fill as much time as I can with productivity and progression. Joining the ATP has definitely been a shift from what I'm accustomed to as far as schoolwork goes, and while being an exciting shift, I still have a lot of work to do perfecting my time-management. Coming in on week 3, I feel I have a better grasp as to what is required of me which has helped me identify a lot of my short-term goals. For this class specifically, I hope to overcome some of the anxiety I get when thinking about singing in front of others as well as improving and getting in touch with my own singing voice. Over this short period of time, I have a slight understanding of what I’m currently capable of vocally and hope to push through a lot of my current barriers. I plan to do this by adhering to a practice schedule and singing as much as I can. A good way to hold myself accountable would be to check in with other members of the ATP and form some sort of singing boot-camp assembly. I will also be forced to perform in class which will definitely put me out of my comfort zone and help with the singing anxiety. While daunting, I’m very excited for all of the trials to come which is another factor that helps motivate me to continue pursuing these goals.
ReplyDeleteLucas van Orden
At the start of the semester, I set a personal goal to enhance my vocal abilities and challenge myself beyond my usual limits. However, I've noticed that during practice and performances, I tend to stick to what feels comfortable instead of pushing myself to new heights. This approach hinders my progress and prevents me from mastering higher notes that are crucial for my voice training.I am excited to put in the effort during the remainder of the class to achieve my goals and develop better techniques that I had before the start of the class.
ReplyDelete