Mediocrity or bust...

I'm beginning to understand why performers are usually drama queens. 

I've mentioned before how each small improvement in my singing is a short lived moment to be celebrated - its precursor and successor a shameful "I don't want to get up there, I'm hopeless".  Many times I wonder if I should just stop because I'll never be good enough, before quickly wondering what I would do without it - it is a source of such joy in my life.  And whilst I am (as a friend kindly pointed out) not Mariah Carey, I have made improvements.

I have taken refuge in an "I'll never be brilliant, but as long as I don't disgrace myself" attitude, watching rather bemused as the best in the class suffer far worse than I in taking on board the teacher's critiques.  It is obvious to me (but not them) that she gives them more feedback because there is more point in doing so, and where there is not, she just gently encourages.

Over the last couple of weeks, a group of us, egging each other on, have done two open mic sessions, sung in the cafe several times and started working with a pianist who wants to practice with singers.  It's been lovely.

One of the girls is also called Heather - I've mentioned her here before as we have quickly become good friends.  Whilst she is one of the least experienced in the class, and her vocal technique, like mine, needs work, her performances are compelling and she's a lady of prodigious talent in so many areas that I find her quite fascinating.  I have told many people that I hope some of it will rub off on me - although she seems to find my encouragement useful too.

Today I was asked for her number by a musician who saw her sing in the cafe and thought she would be useful to know because "she swings".  I was hugely chuffed for her, until his next (unwitting) sentence came out. "I expect you're hoping to learn a thing or two from her eh" OUCH.

21.5.08 22:07