nourish

Oak sapling in a jar, Photographed and copyright of Lisa Moffat

It’s cold and dark, we are wrapped in blankets, drinking hot tea, trying to avoid turning the heating on… Here are some simple ways to nourish mind and body as a musician or performer that won’t break the bank.

1. Exercise

If you haven’t already started a fitness goal for the new year - don’t worry! It is totally acceptable to start Any. Day. Of. The. Year. Yes, who knew. It doesn’t have to be expensive, there are easy beginner yoga classes and workouts on youtube, and taking a brisk walk outside is easy and said to be as effective as running.

Taking a 30 minute brisk walk is an easy way of stepping away from your desk or music stand, and returning refreshed ready for your brain to learn more. Set a reminder on your phone to schedule this and make it a habit.

2. Sleep

Too much caffeine, not enough daylight, alcohol, screens, internet scrolling… what’s stopping you from getting a good night’s sleep? We all know our weakness that might be letting us down, make the changes you need to prepare for your best sleep.

Sleep not only helps us learn music, it is the time when our bodies repair - there is no reason not to try get more or better sleep.

3. Meditate

You don’t need training or classes for this, a quiet space or calming music, and 5 minutes are all it takes. Practice slow deep breathing, and letting your mind think of nothing.

Alternatively, some people enjoy exercise for its ability to free the mind - have you tried some Contemplative Running?… google it! (other search engines are available)

4. Eat the rainbow, and make sure protein is in balance with carbs and fats

When we are busy its easy for food planning to slip out of schedule, but it is even more important to support your mind and body when you rely on them to get you through the busy days.

5. Breathe deeply

Breathing calmly, deeply, and easily without effort are all good ways to foster a calm mind and body. There are lots of apps and programmes on technology - some free - to encourage good breathing habits and bring calm.

6. Declutter

You know that drawer that never closes properly?… the pile of paperwork that is never-ending? The music pile that has more added to it than is safe? Make a few minutes in a break to tidy it, move objects to the correct room they should live in, and generally declutter. It’s a five minute job that makes us all feel more calm, easy to do a little and often without feeling overcome.

7. Make Time for Hobbies and Interests

I seem to spend a lot of time writing in my blogs about making time for outside interests, but I think it is one of the most important things you can do. It gives you a new perspective, it challenges your brain and body in a new or different way from your 9-5 (or whatever hours you work as a musician/performer/student!)

It also gives you new experiences and perspectives on your performance. You will meet people from other backgrounds, age groups, and professions, you will work in a new way that might teach you new skills that help in your work. You might make friendships with people out-with your work that are deeper or more interesting.

I hope you’ve enjoyed these suggestions to nourish mind, body, and of course, your music!

Have I missed out anything you think should be added to the list? As always, add it in the comments, and follow me on Instagram an Twitter for more quotes, blogs, and tips on singing.

Singer Down! What to do when illness strikes

You’ve done everything right, big scarf, lots of water, no socialising, threw salt over your shoulder… but illness can still strike!

We’ve all been there, a busy Christmas Schedule/Auditions/Performance time and all of a sudden… ‘is that a slight sore throat?’, ‘how many times have I sneezed today?’, ‘my speaking voice feels more raspy today…’

So. You have two options, 1. panic, panic and worry, or 2. hunker down and read every piece of internet advice and old singer folklore on tinctures, lucky omens and cures… there’s got to be a magic tea or brand of cough sweet to help?

No. Fear not, for I bring you news of modern medical science! Here is your third option: Follow my list of practical and proven methods to help, with some science to back them up (Please see links below for a little science).

Plus, feeling proactive and taking control will help give you a positive mindset, as you need your energy for healing, not mental anguish!

• This list is meant as a lighthearted self-help guide for standard colds and viruses - but please seek medical advice if you are experiencing medical symptoms that are more serious or you are worried. Remember that what starts as a simple cold may have a longer effect on your voice/health that requires the services of a medical expert, so monitor your progress and find help if you need it.

1. Cancel Work/Performances

   This is a tricky one, as no one likes to cancel. It can be hard to let people down, or go without income. But there is more harm to be done trying to sing when you are not well and possibly straining your voice. You will not be singing your best, your audience will not be enjoying your best performance. We’ve all sung while ill, it isn’t pleasant, and it can hinder your recovery. Please try to cancel when you need to.

2. Vocal Rest

You’ve maybe heard about it, there are many famous singers who have talked about it like Mariah Carey, or maybe you haven’t. This is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to ensure you heal and recover as quickly as possible, and get back to singing as soon as you are able to.

When your throat/vocal tract/vocal chords are enflamed and swollen, or maybe you are coughing a lot, it can be very helpful to talk as little as possible, and certainly don’t sing. It’s the equivalent of staying off a twisted ankle while the swelling goes down. There is also evidence that whispering or playing a woodwind/brass instrument may not be helpful.

Your aim is to reduce the the tension and burden in the area while the muscles and soft tissues are inflamed. Relative voice rest (as opposed to total voice rest) is one of your best hopes.

3. Fluids

You are already dedicated to keeping hydrated, so keep this up when you are ill. Water, Caffeine, Juice, or herbal teas, they are all good for you and helpful if you have are ill or fighting a temperature. Many singers swear by hot water with lemon and honey - I certainly find this very soothing. I do not use expensive honey, sometimes I add some fresh ginger, and nothing more exciting than a lemon wedge. It is certainly no worse or better than cough medicine! Plus, you may already have these ingredients in your home.

3.5 Nebuliser

There is evidence to suggest that the use of a nebuliser to inhale (0.9% NaCl) saline solution can have benefits for singers.

There is a perceived decrease in discomfort, and an increase in the mucosal wave of the vocal folds.

Many singers use them also for travel when flying or when around air conditioned atmospheres, as they can improve the feeling of being dry, even if you are not dehydrated.

There are lots of sources to research the benefits, you can read more in this article:

4. Finding other ways to Work - optional!

It can be frustrating feeling like your busy schedule is suddenly decimated - but if you want and have energy, there are other things you can do without physically singing.

• update your website, CV, Biography. Write your next blog/newsletter

• update your tax return info. Whatever system you are using, make sure everything is up to date, or research a new system/accountant/tax breaks you could make use of

• Learn words. You can still listen and learn words, write in translations and pronunciation into your scores

• research new repertoire/concert work. Listen to new composers/compositions

5. Rest

Overlooked, and often ignored. It’s ok to just have a duvet week: sleep, eat, and watch your favourite box sets. Enjoy the time you have been given to focus on you and get yourself better.

There are lots of relaxing audio books and guided relaxation tracks to make use of, so that you keep calm, rested, and positive as you come through your cold. Finally getting around to reading that positive mindset manual is being your future friend!

I hope you’ve enjoyed this short list of things to help you get back on your feet and singing the high (or low!) notes. Take care of yourself and get well soon!

Let there be Light!

In order for the light to shine so brightly, the darkness must be present.

- Sir Frances Bacon

Welcome to a blog post with a bit of a difference! For this month, I have chosen the subject of light as a contrast to last months dark and spooky themes.

Music (being noise) does not directly contain light, but I am going to make a list of music that seeks to examine, describe, and explain light in some way. Click on the link below to take you to the youtube playlist on my youtube channel where you can listen/watch the excerpts back to back.

Here in the blog there will be short explanations and listening notes you can choose to follow along with, or not, as you feel like it.

As ever, feel free to comment and let me know your favourite pieces about light. Have I missed anything out you think should have been included?

Rusalka’s Song to the Moon, Dvorák

Rusalka is a water nymph, singing to the moon which is reflecting in the pool of water. She asks the moon to send her love to the human Prince who hunts around the lake, who she has fallen in love with. The music is full of shimmering ripples and dark forboding, as this story won’t end well.

Lux Aeterna, Ligeti

It won’t surprise you to find that several pieces in this selection about light are from the latin mass. This, however, is one of the more modern and perhaps the most challenging piece I’ve chosen, written in 1968.

Featuring a 16-part choir, this setting was used in Stanley Kubrick’s film ‘2001: A Space Odyssey’. The words are:

Lux aeterna luceat eis, Domine, cum sanctis tuis in aeternum, quia pius es. Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine; et lux perpetua luceat eis

Translated as: "May everlasting light shine upon them, O Lord, with thy saints in eternity, for thou art merciful. Grant them eternal rest, O Lord, and may everlasting light shine upon them."

The music is written to be very close harmony cluster chords and dissonance, so many have a mixed response. Some people find it very unsettling, others find it relaxing. What about you?

In splendour bright is rising now the sun, The Creation, Haydn

Here is a sunrise, written to illustrate the creation as depicted in Genesis. The chords build to a radiant burst of sunshine where there once was nothing. Short and sweet, but very dramatic when seen live!

Lux Aurumque, for Wind Ensemble, Eric Whitacre

Eric Whatacre is a living composer who has become a celebrity in music circles for his beautiful choral music. Here I’ve chosen a wind ensemble version of this choral piece, as it really demonstrates the beauty of his writing to describe the golden light of the title. I also think the wind arrangement is very peaceful and atmospheric for our playlist, a mid point to reflect.

Lux Aeterna, Requiem, Verdi

Now that you’ve heard some very modern interpretation of Lux Aeterna, here is Verdi’s version performed in 1874.

The requiem includes some huge music scored for a large orchestra and large choir, but here the music is much more quiet and intimate, the soloists are partly unaccompanied, all eyes are on them as they sing of angels and the light shining, with twinkling woodwind.

Four Sea Interludes: no 3 Moonlight, Britten

We started with the moon, we had a little sunshine in the middle, and now we are ending with the moon again.

the Four Sea Interludes are taken from the opera Peter Grimes, first performed in 1945. The story follows the life of an unfortunate fisherman from a small fishing village. Several of his young apprentices go missing, drowned. The village people decide Peter is in some way to blame.

Written to cover the scene changes, the sea interludes describe the light, energy, and brooding of the sea, one of my favourite pieces of music.

Listen to the full playlist on Youtube by clicking on the link.

I hope you’ve enjoyed exploring some pieces of music about light - which is your favourite? Have I missed out something? As ever, write me a comment, and see you again next month.