2021: Year of the Strong Voice
Happy New Year! In reflecting back on this extremely chaotic year, I can’t help but be thankful for my students, old and new, who continued to sing with me on Zoom. I had to learn A LOT about teaching voice online, but I am ultimately glad I was forced to do so. This opens up so many opportunities for my studio as I was able to teach students in CA and even teach a masterclass in Paris! Though I missed in person teaching, this was a great way to be able to reach more people in different time zones and I am so thankful for that!
With all of my gigs being cancelled due to COVID and my beloved karaoke bar being closed, I had absolutely no public singing opportunities from March of 2020 until now (and for the foreseeable future). Depressing, to say the least. I took this time as an opportunity to “go back to school”, taking lessons, doing vocal psychotherapy, and re-teaching myself how to sing more efficiently. The main concept I tackled was the elusive “mix belt”. I read books, watched videos, studied singers I love, and practiced A LOT. This all led to me being chosen as a quarterfinalist for the American Traditions Vocal Competition which will be held online this February! I’ll have the opportunity to perform 9 songs, all different styles (from opera to Prince!), and you can vote for me online! More details to follow, I promise!
As I reflect back on this year, I see a theme returning in both my own vocal work and that of my students’. I see the Instagrams of my 16-year-old kids who attended BLM protests. I see them encouraging mask wearing and social distancing, despite the fact that it means they are missing major milestones in their high school careers. I see their political activism, their care for the LGBTQ community and their embracing of differences and I am floored. I learn from them each day. One thing is common: they have STRONG voices when they sing and when they speak. They know what they believe and who they are and they will not stand for less. I think back on my own high school experience when I was afraid. I was afraid to be different, afraid to be an outcast, afraid to not be popular, and afraid to speak out. This generation of teenagers is different and it is truly awesome to bear witness and encourage amplification of these voices.
Therefore, I am declaring 2021 the year of the STRONG VOICE. It’s time to drink more water, use a humidifier at night, steam, warm up, practice, and if you can’t use a microphone because of COVID…you become your own microphone! The teens will save us all, let’s all learn from them! If you see injustice-say something! If you feel a certain way-speak it! I always tell my kids “Sing from your guts.” Let’s listen to our guts more in 2021 and give them a voice. If you need a little help in amplifying it or using it safely so you don’t lose your voice….you know where to find me.
Happy New Year!
Love,
Emily xo