kayshasingingblog-blog

[kayshasingingblog-blog]

The performance.

I performed well overall, there were some aspects of my performance which I would’ve liked to tweak. For example, i had a lot of issues with diaphramic breathing and think that it was a bi-product of my stage fright. Even though it was only me and my sister, I felt extremely self conscious as I often do on stage. My breath came out laboured at first, and made my voice sound shaky which was less then ideal.

However, as I get more into my performance and really got into character, i was able to reach the notes I knew I could whilst keeping my voice crisp and clear. A lot of the nervousness was confidence, I found that I kept telling myself I couldn’t do it, and once I stopped I was able to do the song justice.

What also helped was my sister, she coached me from the side lines and helped me remeber my posture and breathing. I found that if I sat straight with my chest forward, I would have a lot more room to breath and would sing not only clearer but louder.

Furthermore, I realised that the backing track you choose has so much impact on how you perform. The original track I used was the one used in the ‘Beetlejuice’ musical, however after a couple of tries I realised that the track sounded overcomposed and I would immediately start to quieten my voice. However, when we used a simple backing track just using the piano I was able to sing to the best of my ability

[kayshasingingblog-blog]

The set up

Whilst working at home proved to be a challenge at first. I was able to set up my living room so that if I wanted to move around and do a really elaborate performance, I would have the space to do so. My living room is spacious, however we do have a lot of furniture, so finding appropriate places to put things was a bit difficult at first.

My sister and I had to move our dining room table so it was at this side of the room rather than the other side. Then, we had to move our couches so that we had a little corner in which I could record.

When we did this we decided to use the speaker in our home computer, so that the sound came out clearly and loudly. It would also help me get more into character.

The “stage” had to look like a living room, so we kept aspects of the original set up to make it look more authentic. It went smoothly overall, and I enjoyed doing this at home rather than at school. The only downside was cleaning up the mess once I was done

[kayshasingingblog-blog]

Rehearsing For My Solo

For my solo song I decided to do ‘Dead Mom’ from ‘Beetlejuice The Musical’ I have been having fun learning the song and have been trying my best to get into the character of Lydia. The first few weeks of rehearsals were hard as I had trouble performing in front of my peers, However our singing technician Tanya reassured me that  the song suited my voice well and that I shouldn't change it.

It seemed like everything was going to plan, I was prepared to perform live and had learnt my lyrics as well as practiced my staging. The night before my last run through of my piece before the performance, my throat started hurting. By morning I had lost my voice and had an extremely inflamed throat, my tonsils were swollen and I could barley swallow. Because of this I could not perform in the cabaret, an outcome that I had not been anticipating.  

However, there is a silver lining to this seemingly dark cloud. I will be able to perform my solo song at home and will therefore have to be creative with my setting and how I film. Though this may be challenging I am prepared to put the effort in to get a good grade. I have a slight advantage as because I am in the comfort of my own home, I wont be so shy and can really give the song my all. I hope this works in my favour. 

[kayshasingingblog-blog]

Warm Ups To Help With Stage Fright

Some really good warm up I use to help with stage fright is breathing techniques. Not only does this warm up help build up the endurance of your diaphragm, which helps when singing long notes or belting notes, it also helps steady your nerves before performing.

The method of this warm is very simple, so won’t overwhelm you when you are feeling anxious about performing.

I like to breath in deeply for start, I do this twice just to get a feel for how I should position myself. Your posture when doing this technique is key, try to make sure that your shoulders aren’t rising when you breath in. You should be breathing in from your diaphragm, to make sure I am doing this correctly I like to place my hand just above my stomach. As I breath in my stomach expands which lets me know I am doing the warm up correctly.

Then, I breath in carefully in intervals of 4, 6 and 8.

Firstly breathing in for four seconds then holding the breath for four seconds and breathing out for four seconds. And so on with six seconds and eight seconds. I use this warm up all the time and it has helped me control my breath as well as steady my nerves

[kayshasingingblog-blog]

Second Run-Through of Group Song

The second run- through went better than the first (as expected), However it was still hard for me to actually sing as I was nervous.

WWW: Tanya said I was able to stay on pitch (a strength of mine)

EBI: I was able to sing to the best of my ability 

Goal: gain confidence 

[kayshasingingblog-blog]

First Run-Through Of Group Song

My classmates and I choose a song to perform for our group project. We all chose to do ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’ to commemorate the Grenfell tragedy originally sung by various celebrities as a tribute and fronted by Stomzy. As we were all affected individually we wanted to pick a song that spoke to people and could illicit an emotional reaction fro, them.

As I am shy i chose to only have one line, however when learning that there would be a new verse, I decided to challenge myself and give myself three other lines. When it came to my part i found it hard to actually let the words come out of my mouth, as my anxiety made it so the words wouldn't come out. It is a personal goal of mine to be able to sing all three of my songs to the best of my ability, and I will be working  towards that throughout the year.

WWW: I was able to stay on pitch 

EBI: if I could actually get myself to let out my voice out by using diaphragmatic breathing.

Goals: gain confidence     

[kayshasingingblog-blog]

Cabaret Song Feedback

Today, I practiced my Cabaret song (Dead Mom from Beetlesjuice the musical) it went well for the most part, but I was not able to sing to my full ability, as i was still a little nervous to sing out loudly and in front of people.

WWW: I was able to sing on pitch and Tanya ( singing technician) said that I could sing but lacked confidence.

EBI: I had a little more confidence and worked on my breath control 

[kayshasingingblog-blog]

Recording studio feedback

My recording studio session went very well. Firstly the singing technician taught my classmates and I how to properly use logic pro, an app that allows you to mix and master music. Then, i went into the studio and started performing my song (’Coffee’ by Beabadoobe). 

WWW: The singing  technician, Mr Sipiano informed me that my voice was sweet, and had a nice tone. i managed to stay on pitch and remembered all the lyrics.

EBI: I had more confidence in listening to my voice, as i found it difficult to listen to my own voice, and thus couldn't evaluate myself very well   

[kayshasingingblog-blog]

05/10/20

Today was my second attempt at signing live, in front of an audience. the first time was easier as it was only two people including my teacher and one of my closest friends. However, todays performance was a a lot less singing and a lot more crying. I have crippling stage fright, and whenever I go up to sing either nothing comes out or I breakdown in tears. one of  the things I would really like to work on is my confidence on stage, as I know I can sing the song I want to sing (dead mom, from Beetlejuice the musical). I would also like to work on my characterization, as when I get nervous I tend to stay in one place.