Trust the process

I'm trusting the process.

I have to - because my show is no further advanced than it was yesterday.

Today (Wednesday) I take up all the opportunities on offer.  I participate in three masterclasses.  None of the songs I sing today will feature in my show on Saturday.  Today is just a personal development day.  The three workshops are - European songs, Sondheim songs and Ballads.

Many of us challenge our own self-concept today. I hear comments such as "I'm not a jazz singer"; "Should I even dare to sing this?" I'm glad to know that I'm not the only one to have the occasional self-doubt. I've never thought of myself as a "musical theatre person".  I only know one Sondheim song - "Send in the Clowns", so I sing that one.

I'm loving the culture of achievement and daring.  We all take risks. No one is told that the song they've chosen is too ambitious.  I begin to realize that no one performs a song perfectly the first time they sing it. And what is perfect, anyway? You are meant to perform your own version of the song - there's no point in trying to re-create something that already exists. It's not about meeting a standard, but but utilizing your unique qualities to the full.

Although these workshops divert me from the path of preparing for my show, they enable me to spend more time singing. As a professional speaker, I know that getting plenty of stage time is crucial. It's just not as valuable to practice in your bedroom or with a teacher, as it is to get in front of a real audience. During the past two years, I've sung at open-mic nights, and I generally get three minutes of stage time per month - maybe six, if I get the chance to sing two songs. Even that small amount of performance time has helped enormously. You have to get used to being on your own in the spotlight and engaging the audience. The feeling is completely different from singing with a band, where there is a whole line-up of musicians and instruments,  In that situation there is plenty going on and plenty for the audience to look at. You're really just one of several instruments in the group, and you can all draw energy from each other. In cabaret it's just you. 

Last year I performed more often -in extra shows during the Festival Fringe, and with my own twenty-minute show as part of a Kabarett event in the Cabaret Fringe. The extra stage time made me feel more comfortable on stage, and I've begun to feel I could do more - I could even have my own full-length show. I would not have believed this a year ago.

It's like anything - the more you do it, the easier it gets, the more you enjoy it, and the better you get at it. 

I'm hearing so many songs and a lot of creative ideas for how to perform them. I'm glad I decided to take part in these workshops, instead of holding back because I didn't know the songs well enough.

It occurs to me what a privilege it is to be asked "What would you like to sing?" Whatever sheet music you produce, the very skilled pianist can play it. 

Cabaret Summer School is a hot-bed of talent.

Now, about the show for Saturday.....

View my video blog from Wednesday of Cabaret Summer School