Hi guys,
So now in my second year, I'm taking a moment to look back and talk about my summer term in my first year.
So in terms of my schedule...it was pretty good. I mean we had no more academics, extra singing lessons, and just a lot more free time! In turn, that meant there were no more essays to write, coursework to submit, but there was a lot of pressure on for the recital. But, after all the stress and nerves about doing it, it finally rolled around and I can honestly say...I enjoyed it! Everyone gets nervous when they perform, even world-famous musicians who have been doing it longer than I've been alive! But, you have to use those nerves to fuel you to do your best, and that is one of the best things I've learnt from my first-year recital. Other things I've learnt from this are:
Have your music organised
When I say organised I don't mean have the books and know which order you're going to sing in. No. I mean have all of that music photocopied and put into a folder/book for your accompanist to use. It means everything is in one place and you don't have to fiddle or worry in between songs. Also give the accompanist the original music, not the photocopy, and bookmark the songs in the books you give them. Their focus in that situation is on grading us, and if they have to navigate their way through the books throughout the performance it's going to interrupt the process and be annoying for both parties. And lastly, ALWAYS HAVE A BACKUP. I always bring a backup, that's just me, but I find it helps put my mind at ease.
Practise the process
I remember when I had submitted my repertoire, got my outfit, learnt my songs and introductions, had timed everything and thought I was done. No. My teacher and I did proper run-throughs of how the performance would pan out. Practising, entering the room, the bows and gestures, my speech rhythms, little wordings, you name it! But I am so glad we did that because it helped me stay calm on the day because I just had to think like the practice.
Practise in your dress
Yeah, a "dress rehearsal" sort of. I remember being on the phone to my teacher just after I had sorted my dresses and sent her the pictures and her first and only question was, "CAN YOU BREATHE?!" haha! But she knows what she's talking about. Up on that stage, you're nervous enough without the addition of feeling like you're physically suffocating. Not only that, but you have to take some big and deep breaths whilst you're singing and you won't be able to sing your best if you feel like you've been locked into the world's smallest waist trainer!
Practise in your shoes
This is the same idea of the dress, make sure they're comfortable but flattering. But unlike the dress that you will just do some practise runs in, the shoes need to be fully broken in in my opinion. You're up on that platform, for about 20 mins at the minimum just stood there performing. Your feet are going to hurt if you're wearing heels, that's just life, but you can at least be comfortable. Break them in, wear them out and about (obvs don't get them dirty), and practise A LOT in them.
Play with your hair and makeup before the day
Pretty obvious, but you don't want to stress on the day of the performance. Hair should ideally be held back from your face so the audience has a clear view of your expressions. Saying that, the reason to experiment is that you don't want a hairstyle that's going to be pulling your head back or giving you a headache!
EAT
Sounds pretty basic, but it really isn't. I know for me, that eating on the day of a big performance is difficult, all because of nerves. I completely lose my appetite and won't eat a lot, then after the performance, I will be so hungry that I have a headache. This is because all the adrenaline and nerves that were fuelling me have suddenly just taken a back seat. So what I found helps me, is to have a detailed meal plan of the whole day. Also really basic foods, like cereals, and sandwiches and fruits. Definitely no dairy or phlegm producing foods because this will clog your throat and won't give you a clear throat to sing with. Even when I make a meal plan for this day, it doesn't make my nervous appetite any easier, but it's reassuring and handy to have these snacks ready whilst you're waiting/getting ready because you will be getting food in your system by just nibbling away at it as you wait.
Don't overdo warming up
This is a habit I can do a lot. I'll be warming up for a lot of the day that by the evening, my voice is tired. It's still fine and does the job, but it doesn't feel as fresh as earlier. So I'd say simply warm up about 2 hours before. Then you've already sung once and know your voice is ready. You can get on with other tasks and then have a final run through about 30 mins before. This way your voice will be thoroughly warmed up, but also sounds nice and fresh.
Talcum powder is a life saver
So, sometimes you have to perform in very hot weather, and opera gowns can be quite tight, or heavy, so put these together and you might get a bit sweaty haha! In all seriousness though, wearing those dresses in a hot environment can leave you feeling a bit stuck together, so I find it handy to just apply some talcum powder before you put your frock on. Not only will it stop you from getting stuck and hot in that stuffy environment, but it will keep you feeling fresh despite all the nerves.
Breathe
We all do it and when you're nervous everyone tells you to do it, but it really does help. Those moments in between the final rehearsal and entering the recital room are, in my opinion, the most nervewracking out of the whole process. You can't practise or do anything more, and you know there's a room full of people waiting to hear you, but it's not quite time to go in yet. I really found that just focusing on my breath, sort of like mindfulness really helped hear. It let me focus my thoughts so I wasn't worried about what was to come and keeping my head calm before I went in.
Be yourself
Lastly, it really is important, but just be yourself! The whole idea of a solo recital or a singing competition is daunting but you will feel so much more at ease if you are just yourself. So when you are doing your introductions, smile at the audience! Make eye contact with your friends and family when you're speaking, laugh, be relaxed. If the song is a bit elaborate, far-fetched, or cheeky, use this as you talk about it and don't be afraid to laugh about it just like the audience will. Don't change your voice, the way you speak, none of it! Your audience is there to watch you!
All in all, I had a great end to my first year. I really enjoyed my final recital and it was so nice to sing in front of my friends and family and show them what I've been doing all year! I came out with a first and some great feedback as to what to do next. Then we had the Elsie Thurston first year singers competition, and I'm so happy to have won the Highly Commended Award in that. It was such a nice way to round of the year with all of us performing one last time to our friends and teachers.
So that's it for now, there was a bit of a break in posts because of recitals, competitions, shows and work, but now settled back in for another year, prepare for a lot more content!
xo
Miriam
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