It is always so encouraging to see progress after you've worked on something! For awhile I was freaking out about going to NATS since I haven't done a vocal festival in a long time, but after my lesson with Dr. Hepworth on Wednesday I am feeling a lot better about my progress on Green Finch and Linnet Bird and I also feel more comfortable with Down in the Forest and Mandoline. I am getting excited/a little nervous as NATS approaches, but I know I'll be ready :)

One thing I am really going to work on this week is making sure I keep my chin down when I sing vowels -especially vowels that sound 'i' (ee). oh, I will also work on keeping the "A-frame" space thinking in my mouth -- especially on words like How and Now.

This week I have been working on my first German song..(not my favorite, but it's ok) Green finch and linnet bird (from Sweeney Todd) and O del mio dolce. I like them all so far, but Green finch and linnet bird is definately my favorite. It's super pretty, but it rides a little on the higher side of my tessetura so by the end my voice feels kind of tired. I love musical theater! Thank you Dr. Hepworth for letting us sing these songs! Watching the snippet of Johanna singing this song from the movie has really helped me get into character. Instead of making up a character from scratch, I have something to imitate. I like that very much.

Some of the German words are tripping me up, but I'm sure with more practice and lessons with Dr. Hepworth I'll get the hang of it! :)