AIMS Update 8: One Week Down, Five To Go

July 10th, 8:15pm - The Heim in Graz, Austria

One week ago today, I arrived in Graz. I can't believe I've already been here for an entire week and I am loving every second of it!

Like yesterday, today was very relaxing. One morning class followed by an open afternoon and a fuller evening of plans. From 4 to 5 tonight, I attended a Period Movement Class for women only, which foccussed on many aspects of movement within opera. We discussed and practiced walking properly depending on the time period the opera is placed in, as well as how to properly curtsey depending if your character is a noble or a servant. We also addressed how to properly fan, work with trains, work with capes, handle long evening gloves and properly place/use feather boas. I am very glad I signed up for this class, and after tonight's post I may throw on my own evening gown and practice how to work and move with the train. Practice homework!

After the movement class, many of us stayed for a lecture, titled: The Story of Graz told by a Graz Native. As the title insinuated, the man who presented has been a native of Graz his entire life and he not only told us about AIMS, but also some of his personal life in this city. He talked about the times when he was young, in school and also WWII. It was a very interesting and moving talk that flew by, and had we more time with him, we could have been listening to him for hours on end.

After arriving back at Jakominiplaz, a few of us grabbed some gelato, quick dinner (Austrian McDonald's which was surprisingly good) and returned to the Heim. The work week is now over, and the weekend is pretty free so I may spend some time exploring the city more!

Preview of What's to Come:

I had mentioned in yesterdays post that we had met with our assigned teacher, coaches and finalized our schedules! Here's a master list of all classes and courses I will be part of while here at AIMS, a bit about them and how often they are held:

• German I - Entry level German class, basics and survival German mainly - 5 days a week
• Voice Lessons - Private lessons with assigned teacher; specific work on operatic repertoire Teacher: Stephanie Weiss (bio can be found on the AIMS voice website) - 2 lessons a week
• Coachings - Continued work on operatic repertoire, overall approach - Coach: Christina Haan (bio can be found on the AIMS voice website) -2 coachings a week
• Stage Artistry 6 - Advance staging class; individual and class sessions with focus on acting, movement and presentation during performance of listed repertoire - 2 times a week
• ATS Opera I - Audition workshop class, basic level - 2 times a week
• Diction Coaching - 1 diction coaching a week (German, French or Italian) - Once a week
• Other Classes: Special Events, Voice Teacher Studio Class, Vocal Coach Studio Class, etc.

In addition to these classes, I may be selected to sing in various orchestra concerts or mass services through the city. Additionally I have also chosen to participate in the AIMS Chorale, a volunteer ensemble, which will perform various times throughout the summer. Brace yourselves, everything officially begins Monday!

That's it for now! See you again on Monday!

AIMS Update 7: Teachers and Coaches and Schlossberg, OH MY!

July 8th, 9:50pm - The Heim in Graz, Austria

Let's start with this:

Schlossberg Castle

As I write tonight, I have just returned home from climbing the Schlossberg, and wow, was it amazing. While it was quite a hike the payoff at the stopping points and the views from the highest points of the castle were incredible. I took tons of pictures from all places and at all angles but I'll have to wait until I come home to post them. I was not planning on climbing the Schlossberg today, but I did!

Let's back up a bit. Today we were assigned out private teachers and vocal coaches! I am lucky to have gotten my number one picks for both and I cannot wait to start our lessons and coachings. An added bonus at AIMS is that I have the opportunity to go to any coach or teacher here this summer and ask for extra lessons and coachings. I plan to ask most, if not all, the teachers here for at least one lesson or coaching session as I want to learn and absorb as much as I can.

After meeting our teachers and finalizing our schedules for the next five weeks, we Western Crew headed to a restaurant for dinner. I had what I liked to call "German Mac n' Cheese" - shpetzel noodles in cheese sauce with whatever toppings you'd like. Like everything else to eat here in Austria, it was delicious. It was after dinner when we were walking back to the Heim that a group of us suddenly decided to climb the Schlossberg. It was getting cooler and the sun was just beginning to set, so we decided it would be a perfect time to climb it, especially since I had never done it before. So we left the Heim, grabbed some Gelato (because why not) and climbed up the Schlossberg. It was beautiful.

And now we are where we began. I have just returned home from climbing the Schlossberg, and wow, was it amazing.

AIMS Update 6: First Impression City

July 8th, 11:15pm - The Heim in Graz, Austria

On the whole today's schedule was pretty lax, except for the part where I sang for all the AIMS voice teachers, coaches and key members of the program. After being accepted initially into AIMS, I knew I would have a hearing upon arrival where this summers teachers/coaches could hear all the voices and make decisions regarding studio placement. Not only are these hearings informative about student voices, but the performances we give also determine if we will be singing in orchestra concerts or other perform in other various solo performance throughout Graz.

PRESSURE!

Despite my nerves and the fact that I was giving this hearing in front of 25 to 30 very important people, I was happy with the result. Like every audition or hearing, not everything goes perfectly and there are always areas to improve, but given the circumstances I'm quite proud of my performance this afternoon.

I continue to remind myself that I am on the younger side of the age scale and there are people here who have bigger, more settled and much fuller voices then my own - but this doesn't make me inferior. The fact that I'm young doesn't mean I don't deserve to be here, and just because right now I can't sing Queen of the Night or the Doll Aria, just to name a few, doesn't make me any less of a singer. This summer is purely a learning experience not a performance experience, and for where I currently am in my course of study that's perfectly ok!

After my hearing, I had tons of time to kill before the next lecture. I hung in my room for a few hours, Matt made us Westerner's dinner and then we all headed back out for a talk with information about the Operetta program at AIMS. It was a great meeting with the operetta coaches presented information about the solo concerts, ensembles and gave some general background on the world of operetta. Another opportunity for me here!! Later tonight I also attended the first rehearsal of the AIMS Chorale which will be performing various times throughout the summer. More and more times to sing!

Tomorrow looks like another easy day, but in reality is pretty important. Tomorrow we meet our teachers for the program, our vocal coach and get to know all the other singers in our studio for the summer. I'm excited to see who I will be studying with and can't wait to start lessons!

With everything finally falling into place, I really feel like I'm starting to settle down here in Graz. Everyday I become more familiar with the area, try out more German and continue to focus on my studies. Graz is love, Graz is life and I wont take a single moment of this experience for granted.

"I was always walking alone.
When I looked back, everyone was far away.
Nevertheless, I walked on,
That was my strength.
I'm not afraid of anything anymore." Translated lyrics - Brave (Aoi Tada)

AIMS Update 5: Little Fish in a Big HOT Pond

July 7th, 11:30pm - The Heim in Graz, Austria

Today was our first "real" busy day. My day began with German where we reviewed our work from the previous class along with some other materials and survival phrases. I then had some time before taking the train to the Pharrsaal where a lecture entitled 'German Diction with Conviction' was held. A German woman spoke on the importance of German diction and had a few people come up, recite their German repertoire text for the class and fix mistakes in the German pronunciation. This was the first thing that alludes to the title of this post: little fish in a big pond. The first speaker did very well, articulating all the vowels and slight shifts in the language, but the second speaker was a bit of a mess. These first few classes, masterclass sessions and hearings are our first opportunities to hear each other sing or perform, so everyone is feeling some pressure right now, but hearing this young girl get up and look like she was sight reading this German for the first time in front of the class, was something special. The "professor" running the lecture made a great point: "You must come into a diction coaching having done at least 80% of the work. Otherwise you are wasting my and your own time". Needless to say, when I attend my diction coachings I will be very well prepared.

After German diction, I headed back to the Heim to rest. The average temperature in Graz this afternoon was around 95 degrees, so it was SUPER hot which makes for an exhausting day. At 5pm I headed downstairs to meet my assigned pianist for my hearing tomorrow morning! I am the last hearing before make-ups or the late arrivals perform, so I'm hoping to make a good impression on the staff, teachers, coaches and faculty. The rrehersal ultimately went very well and I feel very prepared for tomorrow.

An hour or so later, a group of us went out to grab some dinner before boarding the train again and sitting in on another session of Masterclass #1.
Let's just say this session was "VERY INTERESTING" and I had some very choice words and feelings after it was over....

Anyhoo, another day has come and gone. Tomorrow is, in the long run, a much easier day but a little more intense with my hearing just after noon. Tomorrow I prove why I'm here and why I should be selected/programmed for various recitals, orchestra concerts and other performances - let's do this!
Guten nacht!

AIMS Update 4 - The Start of Something Amazing

Since I write today's post at almost 1am Graz time, I'll try to keep my latest update brief.

Today AIMS official started: lectures, German class, masterclass sessions and exploring the city. I attended part one of a lecture series entitled 'Mindfulness for Singers' which focused on feeling the body while singing and what it means to channel anxiety through your breath and singing. Later this morning I had my first German class! Our class, level 1, is pretty small and both Claire and Levi are there so we can all struggle through it together. Our German teacher is also super awesome, so there's that too. Immediately after German, Claire and I headed to the Odelian-Institute where the first sections of Masterclass 1 are being held. The session had started before out German class so we only arrived there to see the last two singers of the morning, but it was great to hear other AIMS singers working with Soprano Gabriele Leichner. Around 1 in the afternoon we headed back to the Heim where we had some down time before a social hour and official welcome dinner with the entire AIMS faculty, staff and vocalist/pianist participants. We had time to mingle and had dinner in the Gosser Bar next door (more schnitzel!). Since dinner was our last official event for the day, a few of us walked down to the Jakominiplaz for some Gelato before coming back to the Heim for the night. Claire, Matt and I hung out for a while, had some wine and talked about all sorts of stuff. I forget how nice it is to just sit down and talk to someone sometimes, so I was glad we were able to do that tonight. Anyway, I'm still up here but I should go to bed. Tomorrow is another day and tomorrow is a busy day! Guten nacht!

AIMS: Updates 1, 2 & 3: So It Begins...

Update 1

July 3rd, 10:16pm (US time) - Aboard flight from Detroit to Frankfurt

Today marks day one of my Austrian adventure! After frivolous packing, some brief internal screaming and just a little bit of panic I am currently aboard my flight from Detroit to Frankfurt, Germany! Once I land, my six hour layover begins and eventually I'll board my second flight which will take me directly to Graz. While nothing of "huge excitement" has happened yet and I definitely wont get any sleep on this flight, I am still very excited!

Update 2

July 4th, 11:3 (Graz time) - The Heim

Welcome to Graz!

I made it!!

After two long days of traveling, tonight at 6:30pm I finally arrived in Graz, Austria! A group of us were picked up at the airport and driven to our summer home away from home - The Heim. Similar to a dorm, the Heim has various levels with lobbies, common areas, bedrooms and full kitchens! Rooms are paired in two and my suite-mate is Claire, so I'm sure we'll have some fun nights in Austria together.

Shortly after arriving and unpacking I met up with Claire, the other Western-folk and met a few other singers who had just arrived. Claire, myself and a new friend decided to grab some dinner and ended up taking a walk down to the central square known as the Jakominiplaz. By exploring various paths and alleyways we decided on a small restaurant tucked away from the business for dinner. We must have spent a few hours there talking about AIMS, ourselves, our schools, not knowing any German and of course, the amazing food we were about to eat. I'm proud that my first official meal here in Austria was Weinerschnitzel with parsley potatoes - and boy was it amazing! After dinner we headed back to the Heim so I could finish unpacking, write the days post and get to bed (since I hadn't slept for quite some time).

The most amazing thing about Graz is the city itself. Graz is absolutely beautiful. The streets can be busy, but the entire city is so relaxing and has the rustic look/feel. Much of Graz looks like something out of a 'Hansel & Gretel' fairytale book: cobblestone roadways, tight alleys, beautiful buildings and more. The Jakominiplaz also contains a huge shopping center as well as various food vendors (this is where I plan to eat my fill of Brats on this trip). I already love it here and don't want to leave, but thankfully for me it's all just getting started!

My first night in Austria was wonderful between great people and the amazing food. I know unforgetable memories will be made on this trip. Until tomorrow!

Update 3

July 5th, 10pm - The Heim

Can I move here? Seriously, Graz is gorgeous. After a great nights sleep I woke up for breakfast served at the Gosser Bar next door with the Western peeps. After breakfast I went on a City Tour of Graz with many other participants of this summers AIMS program, we walked about the city and I was able to take lots of pictures. Most shops and businesses are closed on Sundays, so the streets were quiet and empty except for the music that could be heard from a nearby Cathedral. We say many of the city highlights and now I have places to visit and go to before my stay in Graz is over!

After the tour and a short break, the singers and pianists headed "downtown" to the school where we had a brief orientation. It was my first time taking the tram, or Strassehnbahn, which makes various stops throughout Graz and it was fun to see the city by tram. Once we arrived at the school, we met a few members of the core staff and went over a few policies and expectations for the summer. Afterwards we took a walk to locate all the other buildings around the school where all our various classes and rehearsals will be held. After grabbing a quick bite from a local sandwich shop we headed back to the Heim where I relaxed for a few hours. I rounded off the night with Matt and Levi, walking around the city and making a late night Gelato run. Day two is in the books!

The Next Summer Adventure

The first time I left the country was back in 2008.

That summer before my freshmen year of high school, I left the U.S to attend the Royal School of Church Music in England with choristers from my church. My mother had attended the same program when she was my age and I couldn't be more excited to take such a trip.

The next time wasn't until 2010.

Just short of becoming a Junior, I left home to travel to Germany with the Okemos High School Orchestra. We gave many concerts, attended school and stayed with wonderful host families. It was on this trip that I met my "German Sister" who I still talk to today.

Most recently was last summer.

I had just finished my Sophomore year at Western and was accepted into the OperaMaya Voice Program held in Tulum, Mexico. Though it ended up not being performance-oriented, I made friends and had the opportunity to work with some wonderful teachers and coaches while enjoying paradise on the beach.

And now as I approach starting my Senior year of college, I'm leaving home again to attend the American Institute of Musical Studies Opera Studio Voice Program in Graz, Austria.

The AIMS program is one that since starting college I've always wanted to participate in. It is considered one of the best voice programs in Europe and one of the most attended by both undergraduate and graduate students from various schools and countries. I somehow never thought I'd actually be attending the program, even though I'd already made up my mind that I'd be attending sometime while in college. And now in two days, I'll head out again to take this next amazing adventure.

While in Graz, I will have weekly voice lessons and coachings, as well as diction classes, German classes, Masterclasses, various recitals and performance opportunities, discussions with professionals musicians and many more amazing opportunities.

My goals of attending this program are simple:

1. To learn as much as possible
2. To attend everything - all events and musical performances, even if I am not selected to participate
3. To make friends, create memories and have the trip of a lifetime

Unlike my recent excursion to Mexico, I will have full access to internet and various forms of technology that I will use to communicate with family and friends back home. I will also be updating my blog as much as possible in lieu of writing in my travel journal, so more people can read about my adventures and keep up to date with everything that happens over these next exciting six weeks! Check out my blog daily for new updates, stories and maybe a few pictures too!!

AIMS will be a new chapter for me. An opportunity to focus on my passion for six weeks which also serves as a "first look" into the career I continue to pursue. A time to grow both as a musician and as a person. And it all starts in just over 48 hours. Auf Wiedersehen!