Freeing the body from inhibiting the expression of the soul...

So after a long conversation with a friend earlier, I found myself musing over life and music. Ok. Here goes...Let's talk educational philosophy for a second.

I've said before, and will always stand by this statement: the motivation for mastering all facets of vocal technique and musical understanding should lie in the desire to free the body from inhibiting the expression of the soul. You're not religious? That's fine. That's my belief system, and that's where I teach from. And I believe music is transcendental in that way, IF, as a singer, you trust your body enough to do what it needs to do. I consider it my aim, as one who 'teaches' voices, to help get your technique to a point where you're no longer mentally encumbered by it. My objective then, in every lesson, is to essentially work myself out of the way of that spiritual experience, and out of a job. 

Seriously. Out of a job y'all. Students, are you listening? I want that for you. I want you to not need me. I want you to be so kinesthetically and musically aware that you basically have no use for me. I want you all to be self-sufficient, pedagogical baby geniuses. I want you to know *more* than me. You know why? Because ultimately, you are the master of your own destiny. No one will ever know your instrument better than you. And unlike instrumentalists (sorry guys, I'll never *not* be salty about this) - we can't take ours into a shop for a quick repair. 

So....take care of your instrument. Take ownership of your voice. Not getting what you need? Speak up. That new technique doesn't feel comfortable? Say it. Don't understand why you're being asked to try something different? Ask questions. Think that last judge at that last competition was just giving you crap in the comments? Cool, encourage yourself and move on. (Well.. Sometimes. Check your feelings first...cause sometimes you take every comment with a grain of salt. And sometimes you eat crow. #truthhurts ) 

Guys. I'm serious. Even my students. Do it. Question everything. Don't ever be satisfied. Want more. Oh, and continue making beautiful music, ok?