In a message dated 6/25/00 8:38:22 PM, fionat@i... writes:
<< A few lessons (to motivate!?) to set you on the right track, and a
lesson or so every once in a while to learn the ropes might just do it, for
those on a limited budget. >>
Fiona,
Although our approaches vary, we actually seem to agree on a number of
points. However in my experience, a few piano lessons won't do the trick. I
can pick out my vocal line--although I often stumble on the rhythms (just
clumsy fingering--and a recently broken/dislocated finger that refuses to go
where I want it to doesn't help!). I can rarely play anything accurately at
speed. If I tried to learn my music that way, I would indeed be severely
handicapped.
I do use the piano to check the parts that I'm having difficulty
with--primarily on pitches, and to help understand the harmonic structure.
For rhythmic problems, I speak my part while beating in time.
I personally don't find sight singing all that difficult or tension-filled.
Maybe I'm a better reader than I thought I was! It rarely tires me
vocally--although sometimes after a two-hour session of reading through new
music my brain will be a little bit fried!
I think that one mark of a truly accomplished singer is that he or she can
literally pick up a new piece of music and sing it--accurately, with
phrasing, dynamics, etc. and without tension, because they have learned to
identify upcoming notes/passages that are going to be difficult vocally and
know how to deal with them.
Judy
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