CONSONANTS [Singing Blogrimage Day 13/30]

VIDEO COMMENTARY: 

Sang a new song on the Mandolin. Not sure I applied my skills (it's late), but I'm not sure if I didn't either (it's late).

CHALLENGE UPDATE: 

• Talked to a good singer about techniques
• Consonant Revelation

 THOUGHTS: 

 I'm trying to plan out what my concert will be like on Thursday the 12th. It's coming soon. As a part of the recital, I want to do an acapella song--most likely the doxology. Still trying to get a venue for the show as well.

 As I practice and think more about singing, I'm seeing the reasons for some of the things I'm learning. For example, singers should not pronounce "ee" sounds like in cheese. This closes the throat and restricts open singing. Not only do I understand this now, I can feel it in my throat.

 Other things, like pronouncing Ts, I'm not sure how it impacts singing. One girl showed me her voice today and I loved how full her voice is. She keeps her soft palette up and doesn't really know how to sing otherwise. I want my voice to be full too! Still moving forward!

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MANDOLIN AND PITCH [Singing Blogrimage Day 12/30]

VIDEO COMMENTARY:

9am Vocal lesson. Working on the Michael W. Smith song. Improving my breath support, consonants, and dynamics.
CHALLENGE UPDATE:

• Lesson
• Muscle memory is kicking in and things are feeling more natural

THOUGHTS:

In today's lesson, I played Mandolin and sang, we watched videos of my past performances and we worked on the Michael W. Smith song. 

My coach thought I sang well in the videos and my live folk stuff was really good. That was encouraging, but when I hear myself sing, I don't think it sounds good. I'm not saying that in an insecure way. I hear pitch issues (going to flat or sharp). I hear a tone I don't like or a breath that doesn't last that long. 

Some stuff does sound good however. I think that the more I sing, and then listen to myself sing, the more I'll improve. I love getting the instant feedback that technology provides us with. 

I want to get one of those programs that visually shows your pitch.

-Pradeepan

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INSPIRED [Singing Blogrimage Day 11/30]

CHALLENGE UPDATE:

• Watched an amazing band

THOUGHTS:


Love watching singers with the new perspective I've gained through voice lessons.




VIDEO COMMENTARY:


Amreitha is friends with the family of this band. They are all trained in the ways of Mennonite choir. That means amazing four part harmonies. I was inspired by these guys and their overall skill. 

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BREATHING EXERCISES [Singing Blogrimage Day 10/30]

CHALLENGE UPDATE:

• Breathing Exercises
• Slow Day

THOUGHTS:

Usually there is a day in the BLOGRIMAGE where the challenge isn't on the mind as much as it should be. Today was that day for me. I practiced breathing, and sang all day, but didn't give it the same determination I usually do. I'm okay with that. 

It is fun to watch the video I made yesterday with the band. I'm excited things are moving forward. A couple people talked to me about my concert on April 12th and said they want to make it. That's going to be so much fun. 

We'll probably have 3-5 original songs, an acapella song, a Michael W. Smith song and some old Brownfolk songs. 

VIDEO COMMENTARY:

Holding out a note is hard without breath support. I can see an improvement in my support as I exercises like this. Good support also helps me stay on pitch, which I'm a huge fan of.

-Pradeepan

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1ST BAND PRACTICE [Singing Blogrimage Day 9/30]

CHALLENGE UPDATE:

• First Band Practice

THOUGHTS:

I am the lead singer of a band in Michigan. Tonight, we had our first practice and hashed through two original songs. These musicians are really good, and I'm excited to work with them. I think they are going to help me sound better than I normally would or could.

It's very vulnerable to sing without an instrument and with guys are talented. 

In the beginning of practice, I apologized to the guys for my bad voice. Then, I said that would be the last time I ever do that with a group. Apologizing or making excuses the whole time would not be productive and it's kind of a demoralizer. So, I got that out of my system.

It's also strange singing someone else's song in front of them while they can sing it better. 

Love that I'm doing this challenge!

VIDEO COMMENTARY:

This is our first original song. Andrew Jennings wrote it. It's a blues/pop/rock song. I'm still learning the melody that is based on a pentatonic scale. I think the band has potential. 

-Pradeepan

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STUCK ON A NOTE [Singing Blogrimage Day 8/30]

CHALLENGE UPDATE:

• Voice lesson 
• Breathing increased
• Relaxing Jaw

THOUGHTS:

I went to my lesson pumped that I had improved, but got caught on one note. This is because Michael W. Smith does not sing as properly as my coach wants me too. Apparently a lot of singers don't sing properly. I picked up some bad  habits while trying to work ahead on the song, and we had to work slowly to correct my muscle memory.

Today I got more tools to increase the time I can go without breath and relax my jaw. 

VIDEO COMMENTARY:

This is how we breakdown songs. It took me awhile to get the notes right on the second system of "Great is the LORD."

-Pradeepan

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