I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who contributes here, and especially the teachers who provide their professional knowledge.

I've always wanted to learn how to sing, and finally took the plunge about a year ago. Unfortunately, the first teacher I found wasn't good, and I ended up straining my voice after a few lessons to the point that it hurt to talk towards the end. This didn't really happen in lessons, but they could never explain to me how to practise (and possibly didn't even think that I actually would have the dedication or motivation to regularly do so between lessons). Once, they even told me I was wrong when I told them that it felt like I was pushing to achieve a note (the note sounded nice and resonant, but felt completely miserable and unsustainable). Thankfully, I'm intuitive enough about my body to know what isn't right in spite of what others may say, and stopped lessons with this person after I felt like I'd given them enough of a fair try. I finally found my current and amazing teacher, in large part thanks to this forum.

There is so much information on singing on the internet, but most of it is just junk. Maybe it's because of all the reality shows, and because the instrument is part of you, but so many websites sound more like commercials, people with an agenda, or people who want to be helpful but really have no clue what they're talking about. It's hard to wade though the information to find what's truly valuable and honest. If it wasn't for this forum, I don't think I would have had the intellectual knowledge to back up what I was feeling, or be more discerning about finding a good teacher.

So ... thank you so much for everyone's helpful input, and the passion, energy, honesty, and love you teachers have and give for your subject. It helps us all.

Happy Holidays!

I know where you're coming from. I had my first concert as a cellist on Wednesday and the beginner's orchestra was on first, with solos from all the youngsters as well. I was dreading this, but it went well. The young violin, piano and trumpet players were fine. The bad ones? Two girls (~ 12 and 14?????) who a) sang what I would call 'age inappropriate' material, which was 'pop' style, and b) they were both poor: poor tuning, poor rhythm, poor intonation. The 7, 8 and 9 year olds on their grade 1 and 2 pieces were much better. Obviously a pair of 'wannabees'.

Main orchestra in part 2 went well too (I busked my way through that)

EDIT: Hmm, just re-read that and realised it didn't quite say what I wanted it to say It should have said: "I busked my way in a few places here and there - not the whole time.."

What a lovely post, Inacka!
I agree, the internet does seem like a 'big, bad world' when it comes to singing advice - there is so much rubbish out there! Of course, not even this forum will always have all the answers, but there are many extremely clever people on here who's advice I trust and sometimes it's nice just to hear a few differing opinions and to share your own experiences.
I'm glad you're doing well with your singing teacher and that you decided to persevere after your initial bad experience.
Happy singing!

Great post, Inacka!

There will never be a consensus about every last little detail when it comes to singing.
I personally believe it is good that way - it keeps us thinking and questioning things (hopefully also our own approaches every now and then!), and that's the only way to ultimately progress...

If it wasn't for this lady and a few others I would not be continually questioning what I do. If it wasn't for the questions of those who are looking for answers and challenge, I would not have the fun and enjoyment of trying to help.

Dugazon is right about there never being a consensus about every minuitiae. However, the ability to question 'received wisdom' as new information comes to light is part of the joy. There are several different schools of thought and methodologies. As teachers we are all individuals, and we are dealing with an organic living instrument as individual as the person we are teaching.

Like Dugazon, I will agree that as there are so many variables and preferences it is good as this keeps all of us on our toes and is the only way to keep on improving and honing skills. The biggest thing I have learnt in 2011, is that largely she knows her stuff, and that before I disagree with her it is worth 'wet-lab' testing what she is suggesting with the one guinea pig at hand.... ooh that would be me then to see if her idea or my idea holds water, then exchanging findings in a PM, but only if I can be very accurate in how I recreate her hypothesis or I am not being fair. More often or not it is simply a difference in approach, many times she is right, and I guess there are times when it works the other way around too, but I wouldn't know about that !

All I know is she is a great person to have on the forums. The other two people whose knowledge here I greatly respect are AnnC and Cyrilla for completely different reasons. Thouston and Katyjay both have a great knowledge of repertoire and it would be remiss of me to omit them too.

Thank you very much for your kind replies .

I definitely agree that there won't ever be a consensus about details in singing, and that it's a good thing. But ... there are good opinions and methods, and blatantly bad or dangerous ones too. It can be hard for a beginner to know the difference, especially since we all want to believe a lot of the claims people make. Thanks to everyone here, and the knowledge and experience that everyone shares, it's easier to find the right kinds of information. There are other forums, but this one is truly unique and the only "good" one I've found for someone who truly wants to learn (and isn't afraid of a little challenge and hard work, as jod notes!).

Thank you again for all of time and thoughtfulness you put into your posts, and please don't stop! I know it's helped me and other posters who just don't know enough and don't know where to turn, as well as others who simply "lurk" unregistered.