It’s getting down to crunch time. The next performance is less than 10 days away. I know my music and my words. I’m memorized. I’m ready. But is that all?
Of course not.
Can you go farther? Can you delve deeper? You absolutely can – you just need another set of ears and someone you trust. And you need your imagination.
One of my coaches showed up at a recent rehearsal. I was feeling fairly prepared, and then I was gently reminded of all these wonderful things hidden in the music that develop the character I was singing. ‘Character’ doesn’t just have to apply to a theatrical character, either. It can be an art song, a musical theatre piece, an oratorio chorus – anything.
WHO ARE YOU when you sing a piece? There is you, and then there is the composer, but most importantly, there is the ‘voice’ of the music (or character), which encompasses the others.
By delving deeper, you bring these three elements more in sync with each-other. Once you have got a hold of the technical demands of a piece such as notes, words, rhythms, tempo, etc, you are freed up to explore even more!
This same preparation can be applied beyond music: presentations, public speaking, acting, job interviews, all require a certain amount of intensity in preparation.
So – you are prepared, you think you are ready, but have you engaged your imagination?
Sing through a section of your music. Now, think about whose ‘voice’ is speaking through the music. If you are a choral singer preparing Handel’s Messiah, are you an angel? Are you like a Greek Chorus, commenting on the action? Are you a townsperson? Imagine different situations when you might possibly be speaking/singing those words.
By using your imagination, you connect at an even deeper level with the words you are singing or speaking. Visualization is an important tool for everyone!
Now, review your pieces with all the above elements – the text, the music, your imagination, the whole package. It’s crunch time – let the intensity focus those elements into the best possible preparation you can do -but don’t forget to have fun!
Thanks for reading. If my words inspired you, please feel free to follow or share!
Related articles
- ‘Imagination embraces the entire world’- Einstein (ejb75.wordpress.com)
- The Power to Imagine Better (yourfavoritemilk.wordpress.com)
- Preparation (jeniuslangus.wordpress.com)
- How To Give A Great Presentation (Seriously) (twistimage.com)
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