New Year Musical Musings

Many Chorus groups are in recess for the holiday season and some members will, I know, be champing at the bit to get back for their weekly 'song fix'.  Others will be recouping their energies in anticipation of another big year ahead.  One thing's for sure, though, we'll all be looking forward to getting back into the swing of sing.

So when you're part of a chorus, you're part of a team.  And we're all in it together because we love to make music. But here's some food for thought to mull over while you're on your break:

• On this chorus journey, are you a participative passenger or are you a snoozer?  
•  The snoozer pops along for their weekly chorus, enjoys the fun and the fellowship of singing with the chorus members, leaves on a high, then forgets it all until the next session (where they've most likely forgotten everything they learned at the last one anyway)
• The participative passenger engages with the process along the journey.  Between sessions, they'll do some vocal exercises, work on the new material by both listening and singing the songs, they might even make notes to ask their director for clarification with some notes or phrasings at the next chorus.
• In your chorus, do you set yourself some little challenges?
• In life generally, we all have our fears.  It's no different in your chorus.  Some people fear having to perform.  Some people fear being heard, so sing very softly hiding behind the other voices.  But whatever your fears, taking dolly steps to overcoming them is the best way to build your confidence, helping you enjoy your chorus even more.   Try these tips;
• each week turn your volume up a tiny bit louder ...dolly steps are good enough to help you reach your destination
• each week practice lifting your eyes off the page ...reading your lyrics is merely a security blanket
• each week try adding a little more facial expression...sing with your eyes, add a smile, ....let it become a weekly habit and it will come naturally when you're in front of an audience   
• REMEMBER  that mistakes are the stepping stones that keep us on the right track...don't be afraid of making them, it's how we learn, correct, proceed. 

Make 2019 the year that you confidently GROW in your chorus.

Healthy Lungs, Healthy Heart, and Feeling Good.

Just been reading a new Health article on the BBC News page -  I've added the link at the bottom of this post for those who'd like to read it in detail.
Essentially the article relates how singing can help sufferers of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease - a disease which the World Health Organisation {WHO} expects to be the 3rd highest cause of death in the world in the next 15 years.
There is no cure for this disease but the benefits of singing can help slow down the effects.  The reason IS that singing requires the individual to breath correctly.
A number of singers in my community chorus groups over the past couple of years have told me how their regular vocal workouts have strengthened their lungs - a fact which has also pleased their Doctor/s too!
Correct breathing is also one reason why people feel "high" at the end of a chorus rehearsal.  Because breathing deeply and in a controlled manner helps to strengthen the muscles around the lungs and throat - it also oxygenates the blood, leading to that feeling of 'being alive'. 
We've know for generations that swimming is good exercise for asthmatics to build up the lungs.   Singing is good for the same reason - plus more.

So if you're making any New Year Resolutions on December 31st ....better put Join a Chorus at the top of the list.  Plan to make 2014 a year where you engage with your voice and with your community.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

gathering together for some community singing

Let your voice be heard

How often have I heard the line "oh, I can't sing"?!  Too often.  But the reality IS, that if you can talk you can sing.
Everyone has a voice.  Now it may not be the voice that other people think is pretty - but nevertheless it is YOUR voice and as such it has a right to be heard.
You might be surprised to know that we ARE born singers.  It's true.  Research shows that babies cry in the tones of western music.  Babies are soothed by the sound of music - they're actually listening. So why is it that we are born with the gift of music but then lose it somewhere along the way?

• some babies/children are encouraged to develop their natural inclination to music ... but some children are actively discouraged from exploring music by adults who believe it is not a valid learning or lifestyle choice
• while still young, our family, teachers, and peers, can disparage a child's efforts to sing - even to the point of telling them to 'keep quiet, you haven't got a voice'.  That's hurtful to a child and the emotional damage can be carried through to old age
• as adults, perhaps at a party someone has criticised your vocal efforts.  The embarrassment can stick and so you avoid trying ever again.

If singing is something that you want to do, rest assured that you CAN learn to get the best song out of your voice.  But past hurts, false beliefs, old baggage shouldn't prevent you from trying.  It might take some time and some effort to get your voice into shape but if you're prepared to do that, then GO FOR IT!
The reward is well worth the effort.

Warming up with Song

Winter is here ....and so's the long weekend - almost!!  But if you're not going away for the weekend, then why not finish it off with a good warming healthy social sing!
   The annual Winter Sing is happening on Monday night 11th June from 7-9pm ...cost is just $10 and includes a light supper at the end where you can catch up with old friends, make some new ones, enjoy a social chat with like-minded folk.
   It's a fun, social night - no pressure and no challenges this time! And there's something rather special, inspiring, exhilarating about cosying up with a group of friends and raising your voice in song.
   Please book in if you're coming - numbers are limited to the size of my music room! and I also need to know for catering.  [Details are on the 'Coming Up' page]


Oh,  and why don't you subscribe to the Blog while you're here ...it costs nothing, you don't get spammed - just notified when a new post goes up, and it's a good way to keep in touch with what's happening/coming up.

Let's hear it for the voice

Welcome to the new blog ....it's here to encourage you to SING!  
Previously a page on my home blog MozInOz, I thought it was about time that the passion for helping people find their voice be given it's OWN voice.

In this blog, I want to tell you about singing, about sharing song with others, about the joy of singing and what it can add to your life, share some tips and hints, keep you posted about the classes, workshops and other sing events I have happening, share some real-life stories about singing/singers, and encourage you to lift your voice in song. 

Take a look at the other pages on this blog and please....I'd love to hear from you, so leave me some comments.

I'll begin to post next week ....once I've got the content, layout, and design sorted out.....y'all come back now, y' hear!