Results

It's been a very busy week in my survival job- but I have results to report!

Firstly, I finished my singing teacher hunt. I found a working singer who teaches affordable lessons only 10 blocks from home. She is experienced, well trained, and teaches a modern technique that will come very handy for my acting too. Ever noticed how opera singers are now good actors too, and move about the stage (and even dance or do other physically demanding actions) as opposed to standing motionless and delivering the song? Well, that's her approach. Plus, her criteria is very much in line with that of my voice teacher at Adler, so it will be enormously helpful in preparing me for next year.

Secondly, last Saturday I tried my hand at teaching voice for the first time. Here's how it happened: when I returned from Adler, I met up with a former acting teacher who was curious about what I had learned there. I proudly told her my adventures, with particular emphasis in my discoveries in voice and speech. She then went on to offer me the chance of teaching her students one class. Needless to say, I accepted. I visited her class to see her students working (most of them are former classmates). I prepared my class, and taught it last Saturday.

It was scary at first, but I held my own, managed to convey most of what I wanted to, and ended up being treated like an expert by my former classmates. Seeing their change of perception of me was certainly interesting. Moreover, teaching helped me assess what I know, and become aware of what I need to improve. I managed to make corrections and answer everything I was asked, and arrived at the conclusion that I'll be a good voice teacher when I know 3 times more than what I know now. It motivated me to study more music and practice my vocal warm-ups. Needless to say, being in class in a different role helped me understand and appreciate my teachers even more. Tomorrow I have to teach my last lesson (yeah, don't ask me how it happened, but one lesson became two).

Other than that, I had to turn down auditions due to conflicts with my trip. What they say is true, as soon as you book a trip auditions start appearing out of the blue.

My life is basically upside down. There are many unanswered questions regarding how I'll make my trip happen. I'm exhausted but I have to keep going. There are many challenges to be faced, and I'm thrilled to have to face them. I'm proud of my growth and independence. And I can confidently promise that there are many more adventures to come.