Summer Singing and Summer Musical Theater Programs: Why are they beneficial and what is an option?

 Summer Singing Programs and Musical Theater Programs

Why is summer the time to do an intensive Singing or Musical Theater program?  We often have unstructured time to fill in our summers.  Do something constructive that takes focus and concentration while having a fun time!  Sing, dance, and act and fine tune those skills to enhance your experiences throughout the year and increase your chances of getting cast in bigger roles, being given a solo, whatever your dream may be.

There are so many different options to choose from, how do you decide?  Take some time to analyze what you (or your child) need and want to get out of a program.  NOW is the time to address those things that need to be worked on or what you want to fine tune.

Do you need direction in what is the best repertoire for you to sing either in the musical theater genre or in general?  Do you need Vocal technique only?   Dance training?  Acting coaching? Vocal technique in combination with acting and dancing or work on all 3 simultaneously?  Confidence building?  Do you need a small setting for individual attention or a large setting where individual work is minimal?  Do you want a combination of all of the above?  Maybe you do 2 programs of different structures.  One can give you the individual attention you know you will thrive under and the other a larger stage experience.  If taken simultaneously or back to back you maximize your potential!  What is right for you or your child?

Here is an option to consider:

Summer Musical Theater Series:  

What is it?  Longer individual voice lessons over a span of a few weeks (5 lessons of 1 hour each over a 6 week period), an Acting a Song Masterclass and Dance Workshop.  This enables repertoire selected for each individual,  focus on learning 2 songs quickly, address vocal technique, text analysis, acting a song, and delivering musical theater repertoire in a performance.

Will this work with other summer programs?  This program is designed to work on all of these skill sets and enhance your skills in any other program you may be doing.  Commitment is 5 1 hour blocks of time over 5 1/2 weeks of Tuesday and Thursday teaching times.  You identify when you are available during teaching hours presented and which of 2 Workshops work for your schedule.  Focus on the INDIVIDUAL voice and how to add it to other performance aspirations.

When is it?  Tuesday/Thursday June 8- July 20, July 12 or 17 Masterclass and July 26 Performance

NEW:  Lesson Package Options for those who want to explore lessons but have limited time.  (3-5 lesson package options)

How do I find out more?  Visit Susan Anders Brizick Website and Registration  Full Program Information and Registration page is found here.  You may also comment on this blog requesting information.   Happy Singing!!

Take care of your body and mind to prepare for practicing singing AND performing!

Taking care of yourself is the first step in preparation to practice singing AND to perform.  

Everyone says they are going to do a better job at taking care of themselves in the New Year.  It's now mid-February and how are you doing with it?  February is the NEW January in 2023, so lets get to it.  Many high school and middle school singers are in the midst of their musical theater production rehearsal schedules and others are preparing for choir festivals.  Its a time you are around so many other people, have more stress, and LESS sleep. 

What are the most important things that YOU can do to take care of yourself and your singing voice?  These tips take care of your BODY and well as your MIND to stay healthy.

1. Make a schedule that will help you to accomplish all that you need to get done. Make a list of what you need to do.  Prioritize what need to be done today and daily vs. what can possibly wait.  An example might be:

**Practice the song you are going to be working on in your lesson or rehearsal tomorrow.

**Study for your math test that is in 2 days for 30 minutes today and 30 minutes tomorrow.

** Look at lines for OFF Book rehearsal for 10 minutes each day so ready for Saturday

** Workout or do a few minutes of yoga to focus your mind.

2.  Eat a healthy diet. 

3. Stay well hydrated. Drink 8-10 glasses of water daily. 

4. Wash your hands and avoid close contact with those who are under the weather when possible.

5. Workout or do Yoga daily.  It releases feel good endorphins and creates natural energy.

6. Make a good nights rest a priority.

7. Find time to relax and do something for you, even if only for 10 minutes

8. Prioritize your practice time.  Remove your phone from your practice space (or silence it if you are using it to practice).  Staying well practiced help you to maintain healthy technique when in rehearsal.

9. Meditate or stretch, breathe relaxing belly breaths,  take a few minutes to connect with what YOUR inner voice is saying.  Do you need to take a break to eat, walk around the room, chat with a friend?

10. Pay attention to your body and its signals.  Starting to feel a scratchy throat or run down? Gargle with salt water or take vocal rest.  

Taking a few extra minutes to PLAN your days will remind you to take things one step at a time and keep your stress levels under control.  Taking care of your needs will keep you healthy.  A healthy body and a health mind equal a healthy voice!!