So one day last week, someone described my singing ability as super advanced.
While I would agree that my vocal pipes are above average, that kind of claim can put a lot of pressure on a person. Especially one whose best work is done in the confines of my own home, where only my wife and cats have to listen to it.
But this wasn’t just some rando on the street or person listening outside my bathroom window. This was an actual vocal teacher by the name of Emily Jaworski. And if you haven’t heard her sing then you’re missing out. She’s pretty darn good and don’t just take my word for it. Jaworski recently won the New England Regional for the National Association of Teachers of Singing and will be competing for the national title in Boston in July.
And to be fair, my recollection of when Jaworski used the phrase “super advanced” during our vocal lesson may not have had anything to do with my signing at all. Actually, I’m quite sure of it, but it sure was a great way to get you hooked.
You see, I’ve always thought it would be pretty sweet to play an instrument, or be a lead vocalist in an awesome rock band. My instrument experience is defined by my recorder work in elementary school – that is unless Rock Band for XBox counts? And you’ve already heard about my signing ability, or lack thereof.
But despite my limited work in the music industry, Jaworski agreed to take me on as a student. So I stepped out of my comfort zone for a quick lesson. Anything for a story right?
I’m not sure, but there’s a good chance I was Jaworski’s first 33-year-old student taking an introductory lesson with just about zero experience. Walking into the sanctuary at the Unitarian Universalist Church, where Jaworski serves as the director of music ministry, I had no idea what to expect.
Was she going to ask me to sing a random song or expect me to recite my favorite tune? Whatever it was, there was a good chance it wouldn’t sound all that good.
My nerves were soon put to rest by Jaworski as she explained what she was going to do. She talked about how a singer uses the larynx, vocal chords and even mouth to create sweet musical sounds. Unfortunately mine were not ready to be placed in that kind of category.
First up was a simple scale. Jaworski played a set of notes on the piano and matched it with her voice. Then she’d play a different series of notes to try and match what was being produced by my vocal folds. Now that’s a good teacher – one who plays to the students’ strengths.
It took a few tries but we finally settled somewhere in the middle and I was off an running. Soon my inability to match the notes was long gone and I was one step closer to a bigger audience. Watch outs birds that eat from the feeder outside my living room window – your ears are next.
Then it was the moment I feared going into it. Jaworski simply asked me to sing a song I enjoy. And I’ll admit, I froze a bit. I could think of a bunch of songs, but the lyrics were escaping me. So instead, I sang “Happy Birthday.” It was a tune I had done a million times and felt quite comfortable with. But to be safe and not get too nervous, I actually turned away from Jaworski. It’s a technique she uses to help new students feel comfortable, and it worked.
There was also a short version of “God Bless America” thrown in there, but it was nothing like my rendition of “Happy Birthday.” I really nailed it, and can’t wait for the next birthday party I go to. Nobody is going to see my masterpiece coming.
But the nice thing was that it wasn’t all singing. Yes, it was a lesson, but Jaworski wanted me to understand how the voice works. She informed me that the soft pallet allows for more space for vibration and that even though I did it every time, sticking my chin in the air did not do anything to help with the higher notes.
I wouldn’t say I’m ready for the big time. I think a few more lessons would need to happen if another person was going to hear these pipes. There’s no plan for another run at it, but I can always sit in front of my bathroom mirror for hours and practice on my own.
And who knows, maybe I’ll get to the point where I can conduct all of my interviews in song. A reporter can dream can’t he.
