Vocal Works
Resources for Soloists
Over the relatively few years that I've been soloing in church, I have discovered some useful resources that I think would be of interest to fellow soloists who may not yet have discovered them. Here they are.
1. Recording your rehearsal
In the absence of a good coach or other third-party feedback, I've found that recording my rehearsal, and then listening to it before the service has given me a useful perspective that has improved my eventual performance. Today's MP3 players can do a remarkably good job of recording in the absence of elaborate recording equipment. I'm happy with my own solution to this problem, and for a detailed description of my technique and equipment for recording, please click here.
2. Using the computer as your accompanist
I think that many, if not most of us rely just on the Sunday morning rehearsal to prepare the solo. Sometimes this may lead to anxiety and unpleasant last-minute surprises, and it may even cause us to steer clear of new or difficult material. I've discovered software that allows me, with very little trouble, to use my computer as my rehearsal accompanist. Click here for details.
3. Transpositions and arrangements
Along with Louise Maynard (below), Susan Lindquist is one of the two pillars that have provided enormously valuable support to soloists (and music committees) in Christian Science churches. You can send Susan an e-mail asking for a transposition of any of thousands of solos (assuming you own a copy of the original), and she will send the music you need via e-mail (as an Acrobat document) with a remarkably quick turnaround and accompanied by a very modest bill. Susan also can create special arrangements of pieces that may not otherwise be readily available in solo form. Contact Susan Lindquist at slvivace@comcast.net.
4. Suggestions for specific Lesson-Sermons
Almost a decade ago, Louise Maynard (below) began publishing "Solo Thoughts" -- suggestions for solos to go with current Lesson-Sermons, along with comments about the piece, some or all of the words, and ordering information. Then 6 or 7 years ago, "Solo Thoughts" began to incorporate extensive suggestions from Susan Lindquist, and for the past 2 years, Susan alone has been providing this commentary, with some 60 suggested solos for each Lesson. Now, Susan's "Solo Thoughts" for an entire quarter (13 Lessons) is available for download from Watchfire Music (www.watchfiremusic.com). To find the publication on their site, go to the "Sheet Music" section, and find where it says "Find Music By." Select "Composer," and you'll find "Solo Thoughts CS" in the alphabetical list. The price is $24.95 for a quarter; there is also pricing for individual months.
Incidentally, Watchfire Music is fast becoming a principal source for inspirational music, not exclusively created by Christian Scientists, offering both CDs and sheet music. They represent an increasing number of contemporary composers, including Mindy Jostyn, Susan Mack, Robert Collister, Peter Link, Susan Lindquist herself -- and many others. By the way, the extraordinarily prolific Peter Link (husband of Mother Church Soloist, Julia Wade) is the Creative Director of Watchfire Music, and a key member of its management team.
5. Solo music store
For many years, Louise Maynard, operating as Solo-Finder, has been the source for ideas for solos, critical evaluations of solo music, and one-stop shopping for all sacred solo music, whether in print or not. Recently (3/11) Louise transferred her operation to CSDirectory.com (recently [6/11] renamed PrayerfulLiving.com), a highly professional organization providing resources of all kinds for Christian Scientists, serious Bible students, et al. In July 2011, PrayerfulLiving.com renamed Solo-Finder, ChurchSolos.com, and you can find it at this link: www.churchsolos.com.