Lea Ann: Some thoughts:
1. This list is a wonderful resource for information and suggestions, but, ultimately, you must have the kind of relationship with your teacher that allows primarily the two of you to make most important decisions regarding your singing. Since you have just started working together, this may take more time, but it should be your goal. I forget if you have told us how experienced she is in teaching; she may still be developing her methods of working with students too. Clear communication is important here - you need to make your feelings clear and she needs to hear them, then give you her thoughts too. 2. I like to think of teacher and student as partners in reaching certain goals, so it seems odd to me that any teacher would be comfortable with a student working on three new songs for a recital all by herself. Of course, her limitations due to pregnancy are something over which she has no control; I'm sure she would much prefer to be able to teach you prior to the event. The fact that she thinks you can handle it must mean that she thinks highly of your abilities. You just need to find out if you can be comfortable with the situation of preparing alone. One possible thought - I have known folks who have "telephone lessons" with teachers in NYC etc. Any chance that she could listen to you over the speakerphone while she's resting pre-delivery? If you find that there is really no possibility of working with her to prepare, and if you truly don't feel comfortable being on your own, I think you need to communicate this clearly to her. It's not simply the time element - you have time to learn the songs, it's the lack of input from her that concerns you. Make this clear. 3. Regarding the technique difficulties you are having. I won't diagnose them online, but they are pretty typical of trouble with the higher register and placement etc. They are also made worse by physical tension and pushing. Make sure that you're not so worried about being ready for the recital that you are adding extra tension and weight and size to the voice, or rehearsing too long and too much, or trying to jump into the complete song without working on the various elements first (i.e., learning the melody first on a vowel or lip or tongue trill, then working the diction by speaking it slowly in rhythm, then slowly putting them together). Also, if you're a mezzo, you may be singing something in a key that's too high for you. While trained mezzos do have high notes in their range, those still working on technique are better served to keep the tessitura and range more manageable. Check to see if the songs you are doing are available in a medium or low key if you are doing the high one now.
Regards, Sharon Szymanski
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