In an effort to better understand the power of the mind, scientists at the Princeton Engineering Anomalies Research Lab conducted studies where individuals were asked to sit in front of a computer that randomly generated a sequence of numbers. The subjects were then asked to try to intentionally raise or lower the average mean of the numbers generated by influencing the machine with their mind.
Over years of study, the researchers found that some individuals were much better at altering the numbers than others. They concluded that the harder the person tried to influence the computer, the less likely they were to succeed.
“At first, most people get the effect, however small,” said Dr. Brenda Dunne. “Then it almost always reduces significantly. If they try harder and harder, they become frustrated and the effect remains elusive. If they just let it happen, relax, have fun, and gently encourage and tease the machine into cooperating, the effect returns and is often even more pronounced.”
One woman who was particularly successful at connecting with the machine had an interesting approach. “[She] simply sat next to it, decided in which direction she wanted the random numbers to begin to change, ate a snack of vanilla yogurt, and read,” said Dunne. “I almost thought it was the vanilla yogurt that caused it!” By simply getting comfortable with a food she enjoyed, relaxing with her reading material, and letting go, the woman—through the intention imbedded in her brain—influenced the machine.
Mezzo soprano Isabel Leonard, featured in this month’s cover story (p. 14), has a similar philosophy. When asked if she always dreamed of singing at the Met, Leonard said, “I’m sure at some point when I was at Juilliard I thought how cool it would be to sing on the Met stage, but it was never the thought of I have to or I will or it will happen or it has to happen. It was just like, ‘It would be really awesome if it did; hopefully it’ll happen . . . ’”
Some things, of course, can’t be left to chance. Good technique doesn’t evolve while you’re reading a book. Perfect diction doesn’t happen while you’re eating your favorite food. You don’t make the needed connections while curled up on the couch watching TV. All require a significant amount of doing. Leonard’s “let it happen” attitude worked only because she did everything necessary to be fully prepared to sing at the Met when it did happen.
Knowing when to dig in and exert all of your effort and then, in turn, recognizing when to step back, breathe, and let things happen is a balancing act all singers must learn. There’s no better place to learn this balance than at the annual Classical Singer Convention, happening this year in San Antonio, Texas, May 22–25. As you gather with other singers, you’ll be reminded why you do what you do—sing. You’ll get new and needed ideas for how you can work and succeed doing just that—singing.
Also in this issue, get to know those who will be at the convention. Artist manager Robert Mirshak will lay out his seven secrets to a successful singing career (p. 24). Longtime columnist, singer, and business expert extraordinaire Cindy Sadler will help you get your materials in order (p. 12). Fort Worth Opera General Manager Darren K. Woods will lead singers through strategic five-year planning (p. 28). And marketing guru Mark Stoddard will talk singers through negotiating jobs without an agent (p. 30).
The influx of energy and information you will glean at the convention can be your vanilla yogurt, giving you just what you need to relax, get comfortable, and let it happen. See you in Texas!
