Getting Back In The Saddle

Although it wasn't really that long ago, last term seems so far away. I spent most of it on the road and, consequently, here I am revisiting a module I really had no time to get to. I remember trying to contribute to a Skype session from an airport security queue, which of course went so much faster than it would've done, had I not been on the phone... So, here's to getting back in the saddle and not falling at any fences this time.

When I get a moment, I'll have a good read of the handbook to remind myself of the task ahead. I've done some reading and fleshed out some ideas, so I'm out of the gate. Let's go with the riding analogy until I really am flogging a dead horse. Time management, or at least having time to manage is my goal for the next few weeks. I'll be home in a couple of weeks, so will try in earnest not to leave the country for the next few months. That should see me break this module in and before long I shall be on the home straight. Too much? Nah, or neigh? No, even. Early essay planning. The MORE form takes longer than you think, beware. And taking my own advice, I shall use some of my time with my supervisor earlier rather than later.

So, those are all my good intentions. Let's see how I do! I'll leave you with the backdrop to the last few days here in Oz. See you at the finishing post!

Post Skype - MORE Form

Never having been backward in coming forward, I feel I did a lot of talking during this session. It's great to be in a place where things are beginning to make sense, however, I do feel we could more usefully have had this discussion a couple of weeks earlier. I suppose the idea is to wait until everyone's made an attempt at the MORE form, so we all know to what we're referring.

I have been so busy of late, that I can't really remember what else we talked about, save for the forms being more slanted towards science than art. However, how information is stored and how interviewees are anonymised is something I really had not considered. Suddenly, it's all very serious!

Post Skype - Module Two (DAN4630)

Well! A strange Wednesday evening at home, going back out on tour tomorrow. Last bit of quiet for a while. However, another breakthrough. I started in on 'Intelligence In The Flesh', recommended by Helen, so some ideas had been running around. Up to this session, I had no idea what I would or could make the subject of my inquiry. Whilst I was listening to others speaking, I came up with two possibilities. Two!! Like buses!! I may not end up using either of them, but having the ideas feels like a relief. Firstly, "when considering the quality of a voice, what is soul?" And secondly, continuing a subject broached in one of my AOL essays, "when being a backing singer, how do I 'dial down' my performance?"

Sorted! I'm on my way. Just a question of all the 'other stuff' I haven't quite got a handle on. Something I do need to turn around is my usual attitude, in that I am used to providing evidence to support my arguments. The notion of asking a question to which I don't already know the answer is, for me, counter-intuitive. I am used to advocating on behalf of an idea or an organisation. What I have to do is wonder. This is something I do passively, whilst I'm doing something else. To actively wonder about something, is new. An example is how I came up with inquiry ideas, whilst I was listening to others talking. Focussing my full attention on an unknown is different for me. Perhaps this isn't quite what I have to do. I'm sure somebody will tell me. Anyway, as an experiment, it would be no bad thing.

Not so worried about methodology. I'm confident I can provide sound arguments for however I choose to proceed. Back in my comfort zone. Now I've got to get on with it. During a tour! Wish me luck...

Post Skype - Theories And Frameworks

I 'sat out' most of this call, as nothing seemed to include me. Whilst I was listening, I glanced back at this topic from last term and I had had the same response. I am a singer in a band. I have studied some dance, so I know what others are talking about when they say Graham technique or Cunningham technique, but it has nothing whatsoever to do with my practice. If you want to sing in a band, you join one. That's it. No years of study, not actively anyway. Join a band and be a singer. And, abracadabra, that's what you are.

These days I could do a degree in being a singer in a band. I could achieve a BMus, a Modern Music degree. Part of my impetus for doing this course myself was that I wasn't sure students were getting a fair deal from their BMus and I wanted to do some lecturing. I wasn't considered because I didn't have a degree. I had 50 years' experience of singing in public, but no degree. I had been in the music business for 40 years, but no degree. I have gigged all over the UK, in Europe and in the USA, but no degree. I have seven gold and one silver record, but no degree. Alright then, I'll get a degree.

I can't imagine what 'rules' young vocalists are taught, but I had no teacher. Along the way I took a few singing lessons, just to 'make sure', but can't say I changed anything. I had probably learned more from doing youth theatre, where I learned to project my voice and stand in the light. Doing dance classes from an early age made me aware of where I was on stage, in relation to others, and to smile at the audience. That was all the stagecraft I started with.

Anyway, back to the Skype call. I managed to communicate to Helen that my practice has no predetermined theory or framework, so how could I apply this idea. She said what I do is intuitive and that, in itself, stands as a theory/framework. Hurrah! There are even books! An epiphany! I was, for most of the call, thinking here's an hour I'll never get back. So pleased I persevered and spoke up. Got one of the books. I'm a slow reader and I'm back on tour in three days, where it's always noisy, but I'll do my best.

Result!

How??

First Skype of the new term. A brief few minutes in the security queue of an American airport. I don't remember which one. Then almost a whole hour one morning in San Diego. The fear's beginning to set in. How am I going to get this done, when I'm constantly on the move? This tourbus has an upstairs lounge, away from the engine, so is not so loud. It's the middle of the night, just me and the driver awake.

I'm already worried about what I'm to investigate. Ideas may come, but they may come too late. I'm interested in many things, but not sure they would be worthy of investigation at this level. I remember feeling at sea at the beginning of last term and then I finally got a handle on it. Hopefully that will come.

Just searched for this blog on my phone and realised I hadn't actually posted it. It seemed too short, shallow and unfinished. All I can do right now is read and think. Hopefully help will soon be at hand, or enlightenment will descend from wherever it now resides.

Looking For Ideas

Two days ago I had the opportunity to go to an introduction class to Feldenkrais Method. On more than one occasion, granted maybe only two, I have wondered what it was all about. I thought perhaps it might be akin to Alexander Technique, as it was being offered by the Musicians Union. It's there in the back of my mind that I need ideas for my inquiry, so a bit of exploration is on the cards.

Perhaps it has more resonance if you're injured, or have some movement impairment, or are looking for a solution, or just want to believe. I'm not a believer in anything except keeping your skepticism in a handy pocket. Lying on the floor on a thin piece of foam makes my backside numb. It's not comfortable. My fault, I should have got up and walked around. As usual, when I complain about something, all the others find their voices. Not just me then. I did the exercises too quickly. I zoned out through boredom. MY BUM HURT!! I understand slowing a movement down helps you deconstruct it, but it took too long and we did the same thing too many times.

I asked a few questions at the end. I will make an effort to read a little about Feldenkrais. The explanation sounded a bit like Mindfulness, I said. Apparently, Mindfulness was invented (she may have said developed) by a Feldenkrais practitioner. Of course it was, I said, as skeptic. Just what the world needs, a faith-based movement practice. "It's not faith-based!" "But you believe it works. The very definition!" It's not for me.

I didn't do any research beforehand, but even a cursory glance at Wikipedia leads you to the conclusion their claims don't stand up. All I can say is, if people will pay you for classes, good luck to you! Personally, I've sucked too many eggs by now to keep having someone teach me.

By the way, if anyone knows of any more of these movement practices as complementary therapies, I'd be interested in the tip. I started Yoga as a child, as my dad did it. I've tried Alexander Technique when I did youth theatre and it seemed legit. There must be more of them.

Post Skype - Communicating Ideas

There were two things I took away from this session. The first was focus, or lack thereof. I was struggling to pay attention. I have an awful lot going on in my life at the moment and couldn't help feeling my time would've been better spent elsewhere. Too late, I was in. The second thing was what I said when I was required to speak. I talked about the RPL essays and how I have never before been required to back up what I said from traceable sources. I understand entirely why this is done, but in all honesty, find it incredibly tiresome. It stops me writing. It stops me progressing. I don't enjoy it at all. It feels pedestrian to have to constantly find a source for an idea I know to be true. Will I get used to it? I may become resigned to it.

I scribbled in my journal and realised I hadn't done so for two weeks. Listening to others, I feel there's something I'm missing. To me it's a chore. Perhaps I just don't have the time. And blogging? I have writing to do, I don't have time for this. I understand it's supposed to help. Back in February, I had a revelation. I blogged about it and just read it back, but whatever was so apparent then, escapes me now. Is it supposed to engender community? Fortunately, I have studied dance, otherwise I really wouldn't make sense of the conversation or get the references. But I'm not a dancer. I'm not part of the community.

Perhaps it's a bridge too far.

Peeved.