realexplodingcat | (no subject)

On a whim I decided to try taking voice lessons, specifically the Bel Canto technique. I've never thought much about the mechanics of singing, but obviously some people have. So, I'm now intrigued by its history and the reasons behind different techniques. Bel Canto is very dependant on the Italian language and is intended to enable a singer to be heard above an entire orchestra in a room with proper acoustics. I listened to the student after me, a deadly serious opera student training to be a professional. She is one of the loudest unamplified instruments I've ever heard. I actually physically felt the sound waves bouncing off me.

Clearly, volume is important. But I'm a quiet guy. I thought the first lesson went well. I intuitively matched the pitches I heard on the piano without any trouble, which surprised me. But the teacher could not accurately assess my voice because I'm not yet singing loud enough. I am amused by this. It's a new goal for me. In order to be successful at this, I am required to be louder than I have ever been in my entire life. Anybody who has spent any time with me in person will know how odd this is. If I continue with the lessons, one thing I do hope to take away from it is the ability to be comfortable with being loud. I've already mastered silence.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

I still remember the day that I figured out how to sing full voice when I was just learning guitar about ten years ago now. It was so amazing ... it was just like the day I finally learned how to swim, and I didn't want to stop now that I had finally figured it out. I think I'm still kinda quiet normally, but I can always feel the difference in my voice after I've had a good practice session; my voice just sounds deeper and much more full.

Good luck with the lessons!

I already sang louder than usual in that first lesson. I was getting dizzy from it. And she tells me I not singing at full volume yet! This shall be interesting.

Yeah, that night I got dizzy, too, and my cheeks started feeling tingly, which is what finally made me stop. Have to be careful *not* to hyperventillate... :)