Dear Matthew,
I have had a similar experience. I simply *have* to understand what I am
doing! I have had a number of voice teachers, and have learned something
from each of them, but much more from some. One would call out "over the
wheel," another had me sing arpeggios up and down with no explanation, etc.
Look for another teacher, Matthew. The kind of teacher that I found I needed
was able to explain, so I could understand, what was happening, why it was
happening, and when to expect what kind of development, and so forth. One of
the best ones showed videos of live singers, x-rayed or mri-d or whatever,
so her students could see what happens with the vocal cords and the air, and
also gave us what amounted to physiology lessons. This was such a great help
to me.
Finally, the really best teacher gave over-the-board concepts (like
placement and ways to experiment with it; or like resonance; or like voiced
consonants) that I could apply in ways that I myself thought of...others'
visualizations did not work nearly as well for me. All people learn better
in their own different "styles," that could include verbal, kinetic,
low-or-high-light, standing or sitting or lying down, tactile, visual,
mathematical, etc. ad infinitum.
You know this teacher is not working for you at this point, so try to go and
meet other teachers. You don't have to mention your present teacher. Most
teachers will talk to you for free, and if you explain how you think you
learn best, they should be able to say if that is how they can teach. You do
Not need to "feel" instead of "think." For some that is quicker; for others
of us, a broad understanding must precede the feeling. I felt for too long
like I was riding a bicycle without truly being able to balance, never
knowing what was going to come out of my mouth, being out of control
somewhat (even though the teacher in question did not seem to believe that);
but as I gained *true* knowledge, I became the "boss" of what I was
doing...a much better feeling. Today, I am confident and happy with how I
sing, and am constantly improving and growing as a singer.
Good luck with it!
Nancy C.
P.S. I have learned much about singing through reading through the vocal
pedagogy books at my nearby university, and also through this forum!
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