Personal development diary

What is your practice strategy? How will you practice? How often? How long for? What methods will you use to ensure technical improvement? I very much benefit watching Cheryl Porter, a singing coach who specialises in developing vocal ranges and helps to correctly warm the vocals so that singers do not hurt their vocals, the way I can practise is to do regular vocal warm up exercises on YouTube. Whereas I’ll watch videos on YouTube on the piano to practice and rehearse my piano and vocals for 2-3 hours a week to achieve a successful healthy performance and to hopefully make a huge difference in my instruments. In order to ensure that I will continue to practise, I will have a weekly schedule for which field I can practise both vocals and piano, how long for and make a journal discussing what I was able to accomplish in the practise and write what went well and a even better if. I will continue to do daily diaries in the process to show me later in the future the amount of progress I have made or it will make me aware of what I still need to focus on, for example, I do need to work on my head voice and I will do this by doing warm-ups and write if I have improved in doing it, if I haven’t been able to made a change I will make it a importance in the future.
Personal Development Diary
WEEK 1	Progress update / progress against current targets This week I was working on a song with the group which is called 'Heather' by Conan Gray. -We learnt the lyrics of the song pretty quickly, additionally, we were also able to find the chords of the guitars and get them sorted. -We were able to perform for a short period of time, in front of the class and receive constructive criticism, in regards to our individual/group performance.	What research have you made this week? -Made a list of some new songs to do such as: Sam Smith- 'I'm not the only one' Adele- 'rolling in the deep' and 'someone like you'    Resources used: YouTube Guitar voice

Targets for next week: -Rehearse the song together fully -Be able to create harmonies for the song between the vocals. -Bring some other suggestions of song that the band could do.

WEEK 2

Progress update / progress against current targets -I practised with another vocalist this week, every vocalist sang a song, and we gave each other some constructive criticism on each performance. I attempted to perform with the other vocalists. However, I was afraid of how they would perceive  my singing voice, but, ultimately, we were able to sing a song as a group of vocalists, which gave me a bit of reassurance and comfort. -We sang a variety of styles Musical theatre, solemn and pop. - Slogan: on time is late, but five minutes early is on time -Honey and lemon tea is good for vocals.

What research have you made this week? -How to improve and develop  harmonies in order to make them audibly sound better. -The factors that go into  improving the performance as a whole.   Resources used: YouTube. Vocals Terminology: Etiquette: the customary code of polite behaviour in society or among members of a particular profession or group.

Targets for next week: Developing my confidence as a vocalist and trying to sing a song again in front of an audience, so that I am hopefully able to overcome any nerves. -Decide on a song that is suitable to my vocal range. -Practice on controlling head voice and chest voice and being able to handle volume.

WEEK 3

Progress update / progress against current targets This week we rehearsed a few songs especially 'Hallelujah' for one of the vocalist and 'Both of you' for another singer, which included the other singers to be back up vocalist for each song to help add layers and harmonies. Since we are looking on Unit 40 about ensemble work. Well I also discovered that I was singing the wrong range, since my teacher ensured me that I can sing a higher pitch if I practice and use the technique of helping to widen the back of mouths which then enables to improve our range, and helping me sustain a healthy belt. -We were able to rehearse the songs with accompaniment of piano and guitarist. -Learned techniques for vocals. -Sang a chorus in front of everyone.

What research have you made this week? -What is involved to making a ensemble group successful. (e.g. rehearsal) -Finding songs that suits my range through YouTube and other vocalists:  -Adele: Chasing Pavement -Lewis Capaldi  -Sam smith -Sam Fender: hypersonic missiles -Alster bridge: Hallelujah (acoustic) -Home town glory Resources used: YouTube. Microphone. Voice Piano

Permanent Targets: Long term: I want to be able to singer a higher note.                   -Sustain a healthy belt                   -Become a much better pianist on the piano. Short Term: Become confident to sing in front of others.                   -Singing different variety of music styles                   -Be less critical about myself.

WEEK 4

Progress update / progress against current targets This week we continued to rehearse on songs from last week as an ensemble group by adding having harmonies on the songs, and being able to rehearse some verses and choruses with piano and guitar which showed some development of the songs from last week practice. -Becoming more confident -Develop the chosen songs -Vocal warm-up

What research have you made this week?  -Learning songs that I'm deciding to perform.  -Factors of how a ensemble can be successful.   Resources used: YouTube Piano Guitar Vocals

Targets for next week: -Perform a song with confidence and be able to work on the parts I struggle with, so then my next performance will be improved. -Try and harmonise with the other singers in the ensemble group.

WEEK 5

Progress update / progress against current targets Since we kept practising the song 'Hallelujah' and making the back up vocals give some layer for the song and sending some song suggestions to our guitarist in the group, we were able to rehearse more songs from the vocalists and integrate it into the ensemble group and get everyone 's participation. We rehearsed several other tracks, such as 'Halo' by Beyonce and 'Selfish' by Maddison Beer, accompanied by a pianist, guitarist and vocals.

What research have you made this week? -Cheryl Porter warm ups: https://youtu.be/1XHXezdnL0A         Resources used: YouTube. Piano Guitar Vocalist

Targets for next week: -Continue to practice my chosen songs and perhaps incorpate some chords. -Keep a reminder to warm up before singing.

WEEK 6

Progress update / progress against current targets We continued to rehearse the same songs this week as we are now focused on attempting to become an ensemble group so that once they have been properly polished, we can recite the constructive criticism of our fellow pupils later in the future. I was also able to sing a few songs from a range that I selected and found chords to accompany me, hopefully singing and making it more interesting.

What research have you made this week? -Youtube link for piano chords: https://youtu.be/o-6KzOys22A        Resources used: YouTube Piano Vocalist

Targets for next week: - To be able to play the chords throughout the whole song whilst trying to sing along with it. -Sing songs completely without any pauses and get some feedback hopefully from Teachers to help boost my confidence.