Balance

Balance


The trouble with using experience as a guide is that the
final exam often comes first and then the lesson.
~Author Unknown

 

What is important about being in balance as an artist, and human? Why is that important, and how do you create that?

So many times I have noticed that those that are artists, whether they are auditioning or performing, often are off balance within themselves and thus allow that inner voice I call, The Brat, to take hold and ruin something that started out so well. Most of that inner chaos can be tamed if you are willing to do the work. Sure, you may think it has nothing to do with vocal technique, your overall craft, or staying focused. So, lets just talk about a few of these distractors and see if maybe I can help you figure out how to handle even just a few of them.

Lets start with this. Be willing to give up your need to always control everything that happens to you and around you – situations, events, people, etc. Whether they are loved ones, coworkers, or just strangers you meet on the street – just allow them to be. Allow everything and everyone to be just as they are and you will see how much better that will make you feel.

All that negative, polluted and repetitive self-talk doesn’t get you where you want to go, correct?  So, don’t believe everything that your mind is telling you – especially if it’s negative and self-defeating. You are worth more than that. Who’s in charge in there anyway? Get yourself unstuck from those limiting beliefs so you can spread your wings and fly!

How about giving up your need to impress others. Know that no matter what you do or how you behave, there are going to be those that don’t like you and will judge you and that’s OK. One of my favorite sayings is, “what you think of me is none of my business.” That gives me the opportunity to be very present and actually listen to others without trying to find clever come backs as they are talking. I can then respond with comments or questions and I might actually learn something new and different about them.

Step up your game and take charge of what, why and how you want to accomplish anything and you will be ready to hit the ground running.

Avanti. Carol

Carol Kirkpatrick

For as long as she can remember, singing and performing have always been in Carol Kirkpatrick’s blood. From her beginnings in a small farming town in southeastern Arizona, through her early first-place triumph at the prestigious San Francisco Opera Auditions, and subsequent career on international stages, Ms. Kirkpatrick has thrilled audiences and critics alike. “A major voice, one worth the whole evening.” (The New York Times) Since retiring from the stage, she continues to be in demand as a voice teacher, clinician, and adjudicator of competitions including the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions.  Combining her knowledge of performance, business, and interpersonal skills, she has written the second edition of her highly regarded book, Aria Ready: The Business of Singing, a step-by-step career guide for singers and teachers of singing.  Aria Ready has been used by universities, music conservatories and summer and apprentice programs throughout the world as a curriculum for teaching Ms. Kirkpatrick’s process of career development, making her “the” expert in this area.  She lives in Denver, Colorado.   YouTube.com/kirkpatrickariaready