Life is amazing! Since two weeks ago I actually host my own weekly karaoke show. The former host passed it on to me, since I have consistently provided him keyboard accompaniment for the last four months. I think he left because the audience has been fading away and he’s not really motivated enough to promote it because he’s been at it for about 4 years. So now it’s my turn to attract an audience for the benefit of the organization I work for.
Originally, it really wasn’t a karaoke show. More like a jam session where the host would invite some friends to play along with him.
What killed it was that he didn’t keep developing his repertoire and people finally got tired hearing the same old songs. The number of people that showed up related more to how he managed his social circle than to his music.
Because the karaoke is held in a basement where also other activities take place, I have to set up the equipment everytime I do the karaoke thing. So I’m actually gaining hands-on experience installing PA’s and putting together a semi-professional sound system.
Besides being able to perform for an audience, this whole karaoke thing gives me another advantage: I have a basis to start my own band, because I have a place we can rehearse for free.
Oct 23, 2007, 05:39PM PDT | 0 comments
15 – Started learning the basics of music theory and playing piano.
18 – I couldn’t sing or even scream for help when I found myself stuck in an elevator. It made me think. My voice is the only musical instrument that is always available. I love music. I should get it in shape. Started doing vocal exercises, every now and then. Not a lot of progress. Going too long periods without practice is like taking one step forward, two steps back. I realise that I should discipline myself to practice on a regular basis if I want to make progress.
19 – Practiced my vocal abilities like almost every day to the point I could sing practically any song. Stopped doing that after a half year, due to a period of increased study pressure.
24 – Started singing again, with the intention to NEVER drop it for whatever reason. My goal is to do vocal exercises whenever possible, sing several times a week and audition.
Intermezzo – I’ve done my first audition and failed. Way too nervous and not completely in control of my voice. I knew I wasn’t “ready”, but I did it anyway.
25 – After a year of consistent vocal training my singing has improved a lot. My voice is more reliable and I’m able to keep it under control a lot better now. I’m recording myself regularly to monitor my progress in order to get past sticking points. I have learned how to improve my vocal abilities without needing “off days” and more aware of what I am (not) able to sing. I’m almost ready to do open mics with confidence. My goal for this next year is to perform on at least three open mic nights. After that, I’ll start doing auditions.
Dec 31, 2006, 06:46AM PST | 3 cheers | 0 comments
