Friday, March 30, 2018 by Patti Barrow | General

So you want to go to Music Camp ...

Whether my students are thinking about going professional, majoring in Voice or Musical Theatre, looking into music production careers, or just generally wanting more music in their lives, summer programs are incredibly fun and rewarding!

So, dear ones, if you are interested in local or national summer Voice /Acting/ Musical Theatre camps, I have several that I can recommend! (and parents, some may even coordinate with that anniversary trip you've been wanting to make.)

But first... you have to know what you hope to gain from the program!  And of course, there are #choicesoverload.

Once you've thought about the bottom questions,  
I can help find the programs most likely to best suit your needs.

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How to Choose the Right Summer Music Program
(shared via my friends at MajoringInMusic.com, adapted here for our purposes)

Start by answering the following 6 questions:

1. What do you want to gain from a summer music program? 
For example:

• Private lessons with a specific teacher
• Learning to practice more efficiently and effectively
• Opportunities to sing in ensembles, orchestras, bands
• Opportunities to perform in musical theatre
• Opportunities to learn more about composing
• Opportunities to jam with other students, faculty
• Opportunities to learn about music production
• Music theory preparation
• Sight-reading proficiency
• Aural skills (ear training)
• Audition preparation and support
• Help in reducing performance anxiety
• Master classes

2. What besides music would you like to explore or participate in?

3. What kind of environment do you want to be in?

• A well-rounded camp experience vs. a focused music experience?
• In what area of the country – or world?
• Do you want a cultural experience in conjunction with a summer music program? Or do you need or want to be a commuter?
• Do you want to learn more about a specific college or conservatory while studying music on their campus?

4. What’s your current proficiency level? Are you able and willing to audition to be accepted?

5. Length of program

• How long of a program are you able and willing to commit to? And during what part of the summer?

6. Finances

• Any financial restrictions?
• Will you find the time to apply for scholarships and other financial aid if needed? (Note that financial support often requires applying early.)

Types of Summer Music Programs and Their Benefits

Some of these overlap but this should help steer you toward a summer music experience that will meet your needs.

1. Performing arts camps

• Get lessons, practice, and performance opportunities in a well-rounded summer experience.
• Meet other musicians who also seek a broader summer experience.
• Experience traditional camp activities: water and land sports, hiking, social events, overnight excursions, crafts, etc.

2. Programs on college campuses

• Experience the campus, faculty, and dorms at a school where you might apply.
• Take lessons from faculty you may end up studying with.
• Feel out the location – how do you like the area? Would it work to be there for four years?
• Gain college-planning and audition skills.

3. Instrument and genre-focused programs

• Immerse yourself in your area of musical focus and passion.
• Meet lifelong friends and mentors in your field.

4. Programs associated with music festivals

• Meet faculty who perform all over the world as well as a select group of students with shared interests.
• If housed on a college campus, see #2 above.

5. International summer music programs

• Immerse yourself in another culture to broaden your musical interests.
• Experience how a different culture informs your compositions and arrangements.
• Meet mentors and fellow students from around the world.

Enjoy the journey! I'm here to help!

Friday, February 23, 2018 by Patti Barrow | Technique Helps

This is a short video showing the three best exercises to help relieve jaw tension!

Often, we take our jaws for granted.  Want to see how much tension you are holding and aren't even aware of it? Try these exercises!  Jaw tension can affect our swallowing, our balance, our alignment, gives us headaches and can even affect our speaking!  I provide a lot of these exercises in my studio, so if you student is saying "Patti had me do these crazy things where I had to push up under my jaw, and then we did..." you'll have a better idea of what I'm providing here LOL!

Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QwhD5UTUW60

Friday, February 23, 2018 by Patti Barrow | Technique Helps

Driving in the snow, homework, crazy work associates, not enough sleep... it all takes it's toll!  If you are like me, you carry most of your stress in your jaw and shoulders (clinching your teeth together while saying "no, I'm fine" LOL).  Jaw tension caused all kinds of issues!  Not only can it lead to headaches and neck tension, but also affects our singing!  Many of you have come into the studio burdened from the cares of the day, and we've done some shoulder muscle stretches and jaw massage.  Here is a video that will show specifically how to do proper jaw (TMJ) massage. This is to help with immediate pain relief and can be completed in under a minute!  Enjoy!  (these guys are awesome, gotta love their theme song!).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=338&v=7b73yE0U2t0