FINDING THE SWEET SPOT [Singing Blogrimage Day 22/30]

VIDEO COMMENTARY:

Singing  a sweet sweet melody. I like the way my voice sounds.

CHALLENGE UPDATE:

• Voice lesson
• Made progress finding my voice

THOUGHTS:

I definitely fell like a better and more confident singer today than when I started. Today, I booked my concert venue, and completed my third to last voice lesson.

As I sang one of my pieces for the recital, I started singing a little high and breathier for a breakdown in the song. My coach smiled and urged me to stop singing. She said, "What is that? You have another singing voice." She loved this smoother, breathier voice and said it was warmer than any of my other "singing voices."

Other people have complimented me when I sing in this warmer style. I think it's my sweet spot. This is my strength zone, and I want to develop it. Her words boosted my confidence and confirmed the encouragement I've heard from others while in the sweet zone.

Hopefully I'll remember how to sing like that!

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BLACK KEYS [Singing Blogrimage Day 21/30]

VIDEO COMMENTARY:

40 Minute Set of the Black Keys Performing.

CHALLENGE UPDATE:

• practicing vowels and breathing

THOUGHTS:


The Black Keys are an amazing band. They're pretty popular right now, but they've been going strong for more than a decade. I wonder what this guy sounded like when he first sang.

His style in the first song his relaxed, and almost suave. He's got that "cool guy leather jacket" thing going on.

My goal isn't to be famous like these guys. In fact, I don't think I ever want to be a touring musician, but I love music culture. I love going to venues. I love performing for live audiences and getting a positive response. Well, that's happening next week.

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LET'S BE HONEST [Singing Blogrimage Day 20/30]

VIDEO COMMENTARY:

Freestyle singing about my diet cheat day.

CHALLENGE UPDATE:

• light singing--no real progress

THOUGHTS:

I didn't really sing all that much today. What I did do was eat. I am on the "slow carb" diet, and have a cheat day once a week. So, Amreitha and I ate really well, and satisfied all our carb cravings!

This doesn't really apply to singing.

At one point today, though, while making smores in a restaurant called, "Cosi," Ben Block and I sang a worship song called, "LORD, prepare me."

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MY NEXT GIRL [Singing Blogrimage Day 19/30]

VIDEO COMMENTARY:

This is how I'm learning the Black Keys song. I'm trying to get the timing, melody and tone down. This video is a little pitchy and not quite the tone I want.

CHALLENGE UPDATE:

• learning songs for the concert

THOUGHTS:

The concert is coming up, and I don't feel all that ready. I need to memorize all my songs, and become a decent singer in a relatively short time. Lately, I've been very busy between preaching, editing for my photography business and having a life. This has caused my vocal practice time to dwindle a bit.

I am, however, getting more and more comfortable with singing. Singing songs often feels right in my throat. It feels like I'm hitting the right note and able to project well. Watching on video sometimes confirms this or shows me great need for improvement. It's interesting how we have blind spots and sound differently to ourselves than the world hears. 

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EASY UPDATE [Singing Blogrimage Day 18/30]

Went to a concert and studied singers.

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BROWNFOLK SONG [Singing Blogrimage Day 17/30]

VIDEO COMMENTARY:

Brownfolk song--a band I played mandolin and sang for in Minneapolis. We practice it for the first time in this video. This song was written for an acoustic set. It's fun to see it take a new dynamic with a full band. I don't have a mandolin mike, so I'm awkwardly playing the song while trying to sing. It's not the best vocal performance, but it helped get the band on the same page.

CHALLENGE UPDATE:

• Nailed down some more songs for the recital

THOUGHTS:


These last two days have been pretty big. We had an all Denim night in our young adults ministry last night. Tonight, we had a car give away night and I think about 50 people became Christians in our church services. Preparing for nights like this is such a privilege, but doesn't leave a lot of room for singing.

I did, however, sneak in some singing time this afternoon. I practice the Black Keys song called, "My next girl." I really love the groove and the vocal style. It's going to be fun learning and playing this with the band!

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BAND PRACTICE II [Singing Blogrimage Day 16/30]

VIDEO COMMENTARY:


Footage of the band practicing

CHALLENGE UPDATE:

• Second Band Practice
• Getting comfortable with breath support
• Feel like vowels help me sing more powerful
• Not tipping head upward to hit high notes

THOUGHTS:

The second practice went really well. One of the band members said, "I can really hear an improvement in your voice already." That's really encouraging. We worked on a song I wrote, and we weren't sure if it would mesh with the band. At first, it seemed like a totally different style, but  by the end of the practice we thought it really worked.

I am trying to be more confident when I sing while remembering to do all I am learning.

So, during the songs I concentrated heavily on my voice (instead of entertaining), and experimented with different ways to sing. It was a lot of fun. Glad to be doing the BLOGRIMAGE. 

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HALF DOXOLOGY [Singing Blogrimage Day 15/30]

VIDEO COMMENTARY:

Voice lesson. Working on the Doxology song. Want to sing this song Acapella with Amreitha for the recital. We worked on finding the right key for me to sing.

CHALLENGE UPDATE:

• Added Doxology to set list
• Getting more comfortable with lifting the soft palette 
• Learning what it means to have a "full" voice

THOUGHTS:

Still caught up in this full voice battle. Realizing that different voices carry different levels of "full." I watched the voice tonight, and different artists sang well, but ranged in the richness of the voice. I think a big part of having a good voice is singing a lot and getting comfortable with what you got--that is, learning how to use it.

For today's lesson, I worked with my coach to evaluate different singers. We identified different factors that I liked and compared it with the voice I have now. She says I have a big range, and have about three different voices that I can work with.

Also, for me to sing with my soft palette up, I need to pretend to be an opera singer. Then, I bring back my voice to something less boisterous.

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DON'T CUSS AT MY LADY [Singing Blogrimage Day 14/30]

VIDEO COMMENTARY:

This is a recording on a song I wrote for  a band in Minneapolis called, "Brownfolk." For my recital, I am singing this song with a full band. This video serves to help the band practice and discover parts for it and also help document the Blogrimage.

CHALLENGE UPDATE:

• Picking the brains of singers
• Singing with my diaphragm
• Working on pronunciation
• Trying to discover a "full" voice

THOUGHTS:

The full voice is hard to understand. Some people have really full and rich voices. It's like they have great acoustics in their voice. Last night, I asked a high school girl to sing for me and her voice was so full. I have no idea how to get that, and people who have it don't know how to teach it or what I'm talking about.

I want a full voice--at least the option of it. I feel like my voice is too thin. I asked Jen Forsthoff, a worship leader at Cornerstone Church, how her voice is so full. She's been singing so long, she doesn't even think about it and didn't know how to replicate it in me. That's a little discouraging, but I'll keep on searching! The hidden full voice will belong to me!

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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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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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RAISING THE SOFT PALETTE [Singing Blogrimage Day 5/30]

Challenge Update:

• 2nd voice lesson (One and a half hours)
• Learned how to raise the soft palette
• Learned what consonants and vowels to pronounce
• Learned how to plan to breathing
• Learned how to drop jaw

I was very pleased with my second lesson. It went longer than the first one, and I really enjoyed it. My coach is very encouraging. She said I went through, in one lesson, what normally takes people 4 weeks.

Both my coach and Amreitha said they've noticed improvements in my singing.

She taught me how to adjust my soft palette by giving a surprised "ah"sound. This helps produce a fuller sound, almost like self created reverb. 

Also, we sang a little Aerosmith and a lot of Michael W. Smith. With the Smith song, we tediously worked through the pronunciation of words. 

Pronouncing words is important because it helps create a full sound and keep one on pitch.

I am excited to work on this piece and I will perform it during my recital on April 12th!

-Pradeepan

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BREATHING LIKE A BABY [Singing Blogrimage Day 4/30]

Hello! Here are my updates:

• Worked on posture
• Worked on breathing
• Practiced Scales with Amreitha
• Sang a few old BrownFolk songs with Amreitha (my fiance)

Breathing is kind of an awkward thing to work on. The point is to produce sound supported by the diaphragm instead of the chest. Practicing this seems super simple, but I can see how it's the foundation for great projection. You get a lot of air by breathing like this. It's also the reason babies can cry so loud.

The above video is a clip from my first voice lesson. With the spacing and positioning between my coach and me, I look really small. This lady knows her stuff, and I have a lesson tomorrow. I'm really excited.

Besides that, today both my calves cramped up during 20 plus rounds of lighting/knock-out and 21 (basketball games). 

Also, today a bunch of us watched a preaching webinar called "Preaching Rocket." It was very informative and helpful for me to become a better communicator.

Well, have a great night!

-Pradeepan

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FIRST VOICE LESSON [Singing Blogrimage Day 3/30]

Had my first voice lesson with Jen McClure! She's a bright, bubbly and informed lady. Think of the stereotypical happy choir instructor. She is that times two. I'm really happy she's my coach during this 30 days.

Not only does she have an incredible upbeat attitude, she knows her stuff. I asked Amreitha to join our first session for quality control and to make sure she wasn't a creeper. She wasn't a creeper!

She did the following things for our first lesson:

• Tested my range (I have a 3 octave range. She was impressed with this!)
• Worked on my posture (She rolled my hips for me and told me not to thrust)
• Tested my pitch (She said it was excellent!)

I liked the lesson and feel like I will improve.

Her words and assessment encouraged me (pitch and range), but I feel like she knows how I can grow.

On another note, I'm stoked that Allan Theobald came to visit! He's one of the white tshirts in the background of the video.

Also, I'm stoked that I preached my first sermon in Ignited tonight. 17 people gave their lives to Jesus! It was awesome.

I'm encouraged for all of these things!

-Pradeepan

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