Observation #2

For my second observation experience I decided to set in on Dr. Hepworth teaching Austin Devorak.  Austin in a Senior this year and studying to be a vocal educator.  He has developed his head voice and sings a high tenor if not even some in the alto range.  I love his voice because somehow he keeps it very flexible, as in runs and malismas don't seem to even phase him.  Most of Austin's warm-up was focused on extending his range.  They first loosened up with forward buzzing and then did an up/down pattern of "E-Ah-O." 
Next they went on to the repertoire, in this lesson Dr. Hepworth actually let Austin choose what he would like to work on.  This, I could tell, allows the student to point out their troubled spots to the teacher, instead of visa-versa.  First they worked on "Clair de Lune" and focused on keeping in mysterious and letting the sound resonate out.  One technique Dr. Hepworth used was for Austin to sing into his hand allowing him to hear what resonated back.  This worked great and immediately after he began to sing out fuller.  It was beautiful.  The second piece they mainly worked on pronunciation by Dr. Hepworth saying the words and Austin repeating.  They then put that to the tempo of the piece and worked on building an inner beat to keep time.
The lesson time then ran out sadly.  Overall I thought it was a productive lesson.  Austin knew what he needed to work on and he caught on and applied what Dr. Hepworth was telling him.  One thing that I realized was how multifunctional a vocal teacher needs to be.  You have to play the piano, listen to the student, sing along once in a while, and sometimes tap out the tempo all at the same time.  Wow I know I will have to work on that a little, some days I'm lucky to chew gum, talk, and walk at the same time.