Studio Newsletter with Calendar
October 2024
Welcome to new student, Diane! She's taking guitar lessons again, as well, to be able to accompany herself!
Skeletal Muscle Fiber Types as Related to Singing
Created by Raja Narayan. Khan Academy
Skeletal muscle fibers can be categorized into two types: slow-twitch (Type I) and fast-twitch (Type II).
Type I muscle fibers are more efficient over long periods of time. They use slow, even energy; are engaged for low-intensity activities; and have more blood vessels (for more oxygen and longer use). They are mainly used for postural maintenance (such has holding the head upright), or endurance exercises (like marathon running). [i.e. prefer long-distance running or swimming, and are best for long singing lines with few breathing breaks—such as fast Mozart arias like “Non so Piu” from The Marriage of Figaro.]
Type II muscle fibers use anaerobic (without oxygen) respiration and are better for short bursts of speed, more instantaneous force, and big bursts of energy and movement than Type I fibers, although they fatigue more quickly. [I.e. prefer sprinting and swimming fast relays; are best for slower ballads or arias with breathing breaks for recovery, and can produce sudden high notes more strongly than Type I, such as in “Voi che sapate, Mama” from Cavalleria Rusticana.]
PASSAGES
We have lost two great actors in the last month -- James Earl Jones at age 93, and Dame Maggie Smith at 89. They performed right up to the end, and will be missed!
STUDIO CALENDAR
Oct 1, Tues — Monthly tuition due
Oct 4-6—PAVA Symposium online
Oct 12, Sat 2 pm—GROUP CLASS (Online & in-person at Erin’s house)
Oct 14, Mon—Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Oct 31, Thur—Happy Halloween!
Nov 1, Fri — Monthly tuition due
Nov 3, Sun — DAYLIGHT SAVINGS ENDS!
Nov 5, Tues — ELECTION DAY!
Nov 9, Sat 2 pm— Recital Rehearsal (Online & in-person at Erin’s house)
Nov 11, Mon — Veterans’ Day
Nov 28-30—STUDIO CLOSED for Thanksgiving
Dec 1, Sun—Monthly tuition due, Contracts for January due
Dec 7, Sat, 2 pm —Holiday Recital (Online & in-person at Erin’s house)
Dec 14-Jan 6—STUDIO CLOSED for Christmas/New Year Break
2025
Jan 7, Tues — new trimester, classes resume