Teaching in Marble Halls

I Dreamt I Dwelt in Marble Halls
from 'The Bohemian Girl' by Balfe



My first real day of teaching came and went today. In many ways it is good to be back in the saddle, so to speak, but it comes as a bit of a mental shock after being away from home for so long.

What a change in my young baritone L's voice! Sometimes teenaged voices just fly off at a tangent and change under ones very nose. I did not see this one coming however. He has had both baritone and counter tenor for so long I was undecided where it would eventually settle. Well today I think we saw the birth of a bass baritone with the most dark and chocolatey tone I have heard in a few years! It rang around the music room like a large and resonant church bell, from the top to the bottom. Interestingly, he gained a whole tone at the top end as well as stronger bottom notes.

Maybe I need to go away more, and let my youngsters voices grow and change, so I am always delighted on my return! Actually, no, I need to stay at home for awhile now!

I found him a super Christmas concert solo, and with the new found top stair up to his passagio it was a much simpler task to choose repertoire.

I also had his sister N, and her voice gained about a semi tone at the top end - Mum what are you sprinkling on the breakfast cereal, and can I patent it!!

My dancing soprano came and had put all the work in and sang with such conviction, her 'I dreamt I dwelt in Marble Halls' was most touching. She is used to musicals, rock and pop but has taken to this type of repertoire like a ballerina duck to water. She restores my faith in teaching!

So, a good day all round, the Grade 6 GP is very close to peak singing, and my teeny little girl had learnt all her songs (which in fairness last around 37 seconds!) and performed me a jaunty and very loud 'L'il Liza Jane' !

Satisfied all round.