mr. xu's studio

One of these pictures doesn't belong here, but it was too cute to delete.

helpful kids

The kids were so cute today. I asked them to pick partners and do homeschool. They couldn't decide who to pair up with so they made stations so everybody could have a turn to work with the other. What does this have to do with this blog? I actually had a big chunk of time to sing up for singing success on-line. So I got to watch some recorded lessons. I like it better than real lessons. Instead of having to sit there and look interested and polite and can listen and do sit-ups or something else useful. My multi-tasker's dream! William rolled around on the floor to keep me company.

Yesterday I went to a local recording studio to record the music that I've been working on with Jessie. I have pictures but I'm too tired to post them now. It was a lot of fun and hard work too. I haven't been able to hear the finished product yet. Looking forward to that.

no more big chunks

I look at last week and how busy I was, just keeping up with everyone at home, and I feel grateful that I was able to practice as much as I did. A couple of reasons...my wonderfully helpful son Sam was cooking and helping out. The other kids keep Caitlin and Grant entertained. And I followed some advise from the Artist's Way; stop looking for big chunks of time. When I thought about practicing...piano, guitar or singing I just did it, even just a few scales or one song.

I got to the third vibrato CD and found it very helpful. The excerizes aren't fun because vibrato is such a tricky thing...but I can apply them to the arias and they seem to help. I also did a lot of breathing exercizes that I made up myself while doing some similiarly self-made-up yoga positions, pulled a few muscles, but kept up with it. I hope they help! I'd like to be a good breather. Haha.

I've been trying to "coerce" some original material out of myself...not with much success. But today I made some progress on a piece of music I am arranging from a friend's hymn. We'll see.

First week of summer vacation

I've made it to the end of the 12 CDs and I've moved on to the vibrato CDs. I'm going to listen to it either while making dinner, or organizing my drawer, which ever comes first. I went on the Singing Success website and spent some times reading the tips of the week. I think I will join Singing Success on-line after I finish the CDs and DVD.

My appointments and reservations for plane and hotel are all scheduled...thanks to my "manager" Rob. He is very supportive and I am very grateful for that. I am excited but now a bit concerned about doing all that I can to prepare..so I don't get tips that are already in the back of my mind. I want to do the things I am thinking about doing now...so they can give me new suggestions.

So material is a big issue for me and just knowing what style to move towards.

style CDs

This week I focused on the style CDs. I particularly like the lessons on improvising over chord progressions.

I set up appointments for voice lessons in Nashville. Now to make the other arrangements.

I managed to practice guitar several times during the week.

I need to be better about keeping up with the classical practice. I also want to prepare program notes for the next time we perform the recital.