I had my first singing lesson today! To say I was nervous is an understatement. The last time I took a voice lesson I was between 8 and 10. I remember the instructor saying she couldn't help me develop my voice until I was older, but that I should come back in a few years. Well by then I was spending all my time riding so it took me 20 years to get back to a vocal coach. I didn't want to be a waste of time and honestly I LOVE to sing. :) I grew up watching Roger and Hammerstein musicals at my Grandma's house and always thought people would be happier if they spontaneously burst into song. I even tried to put on a production of Oklahoma with one of my girlfriends when we were about 8. The project was scraped due to not enough actors. So I walked up the stairs to my first singing lesson in 20 years with no idea what to expect.
The waiting room had a few couches and chairs full of parents waiting patiently for their children banging away on a piano or practicing a song from Le Mis. I took a folding chair against the wall and waited. Suzanne Lukather opened her door and welcomed me into her studio. Hardwood floors, vibrant red walls filled with Broadway posters, a stage in the corner with lights, a mic and a single bar stool met my sweeping glance. So much more than what I expected.
Suzanne's easy laugh quickly put me at ease as we discussed my history, what I did for a living, what music I liked and why I was there. We jumped into warm up exercises and I began to realize that my diaphragm was out of shape. We worked on breathing technique, how to hold mouth as we went through several exercises. She was supportive and always willing to explain how something was supposed to feel or why I had missed a note. I appreciated her clear and supportive teaching style and the 30 minute lesson flew by. We finished by singing 'People will think we're in love' from Oklahoma, one of my personal favorite musicals.
I of course got homework to improve my breathing, but I can't wait for next week!!
If your interested in voice lessons check out Suzzane at http://www.musiclessonstudios.com/alhambra-voice-teacher-suzanne-lukather.shtml
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