First Week of Lessons

Well, everyone, the first week of lessons is now over and I am very pleased with how you all are doing. The NEW GUYS, Jeff and Richard, are both great additions to the studio and our department and I hope you all take the chance to get to know them.

Make a point to find someone else's lesson that you can visit on a regular basis (if it's ok with them). The experience of observing is often more valuable than your own lesson. It enables you to gain confidence in the techniques that you are learning when you see them work for someone else and it also gives you insight into problems that you might be having when you watch someone else work them out.

Also, get a PRACTICE BUDDY. This is just someone else that you can occasionally rehearse with that can be a pair of ears and give you honest feedback. Find someone you trust on a personal level that you feel confident giving criticism to and from whom you can receive it.

Get started finding your ACCOMPANIST. There is a list posted on the Choral and Vocal Website under "current students" or just click this link. I also can recommend talented students for you to ask. I expect an accompanist at your lesson in about a month.

Finally, especially you non-freshman types, get to work on your DICTION. The standards are higher this year for all of you and I expect it to be really good. This is an important part of your development as an artist, and it cannot be crammed, so start now!

I'm very excited about the prospects for this year. You are all greatly talented students and I know it will be a great semester.

Dr. T.