SINGING CHALLENGE pradeepan jeeva SINGING CHALLENGE pradeepan jeeva

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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SINGING CHALLENGE pradeepan jeeva SINGING CHALLENGE pradeepan jeeva

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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SINGING CHALLENGE pradeepan jeeva SINGING CHALLENGE pradeepan jeeva

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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SINGING CHALLENGE pradeepan jeeva SINGING CHALLENGE pradeepan jeeva

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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SINGING CHALLENGE pradeepan jeeva SINGING CHALLENGE pradeepan jeeva

SO MUCH TO DIGEST [Singing Blogrimage Day 7/30]

CHALLENGE UPDATE:
  • Practiced Michael W. Smith's, "Great is the LORD"
  • Watched Videos of my singing
THOUGHTS:

My coach teaches in layers so that I build muscle memory. We first talk out the rhythm of a song, without singing the melody. Then, we singing one note of the song. After that we add the melody to complete the learning of the song.

With this in mind, we plan where to stop for airs of breath between verses, try to keep posture, jaw dropped, soft palette while the diaphragm slowly supplies the voice with support. 
There is a lot to remember! Right now, muscle memory has not kicked in. Everything seems slow and horrible.
VIDEO COMMENTARY:

This is my first take at singing this song with the track. It's kind of funny singing Michael W. Smith. My roommate, Ben Block, listens to his songs and we make fun of him for it. That makes this song even more funny.

I sound horrible on this take, but I'm glad I know it. I'm on pitch for the most part, but there are notes I'm not hitting. My tone is not exactly where I want it to be either.

Watching a video of yourself, I'm learning, greatly increases learning. We have so many blind spots! Whenever I preach a sermon, I try to listen or watch myself after and take notes on how to improve.

With this challenge, I will do the same, as well as starting sentences with the letter "w."

-Pradeepan

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EATING RABBIT AND SINGING [Singing Blogrimage Day 6/30]

Challenge Updates:
  • Practicing raising the soft palette
  • Practicing breathing
  • Singing with the Mandolin
Allan Theobald cooked a delightful Italian meal at my house today. We hosted a party and the food consisted of a cooked rabbit, meatballs, pasta, salad, garlic pizza bread knots, grilled bread, amazing dessert, and a bunch of other delicious courses.
I hate grocery shopping. I took him to a farm to get a rabbit, and then we shopped at Kroger (our grocery store). While shopping, I practiced my songs and breathing. Some people in the store gave me a few looks, but I've found that practicing in these ordinary moments keeps me consistent and make the most of things I hate (grocery shopping).
Above is a video of scales I practice!
-Pradeepan
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