Studying Performance Style
Until you’ve really considered and chosen how you want to perform, your performances can’t possibly reflect your musical intentions.
Performing
Audition For All-State Jazz Choir
Who should audition for an All-State Jazz Choir?
20% Less Introverted
Practicing performing is an important part of practicing the music.
Instructions Before A First Concert
What do you want your ensemble to remember as you approach their first concert of the year?
How The Audience Figures In
For a performer, what’s the difference between a vocal jazz performance and a traditional choral one?
Polished & Casual
The best performances are an integrated combination of polished and casual.
Not Because We’re Ready
We don’t do the concert because we’re ready. We do it because it’s concert day.
“Keep The Classical”
Overheard recently: a traditional bel canto voice teacher offering critique to a crossover student singing a jazz standard.
Personal
Make it personal. The best educators make it personal. They tailor the instruction to the student. They adjust their lesson plans in the moment depending on what’s happening in the room. They teach from motivations of curiosity, passion, and love that they want to share with the individuals they’re teaching. […]
Overprepared
Overprepared is a myth. There is prepared and there is unprepared. Any preparation beyond the baseline of prepared simply moves you farther beyond the average level of preparation and into excellence. Come see my students tonight at 7pm (or if you’re not in West Michigan, watch online) as they show […]