The story of how Michelangelo, created the magnificent statue, David, has always been an inspiration to me.

The stone was rejected by three previous artists due to a significant flaw (a large crack running down one side). But Michelangelo insisted this flawed, 40-ton block of marble be hauled from the quarry to his studio. It took one week, and the combined efforts of approximately 100 men and horses to do the job.

When questioned about why he wanted this block of marble he is said to have replied simply: Non siamo tutti imperfetti? (Are not we all flawed?).

He then began the daily toil (Regimen?) in his Studio. He labored first to remove the larger pieces of stone that were more obvious. Then, he began working to a finer and finer level of detail.

As artists often do, he worked with size and perspective. It was one of the largest free-standing sculptures ever created, standing some 18 feet tall. At the time, about 3 times the height of the tallest man; some say, this was his acknowledgement to the Trinity.

The head, hands and feet were all larger in proportion to signify the dominant philosophy at the time, Humanism. The larger head, hands and feet corresponded to human Intellect, Industry, Exploration, respectively.

Even though nearly finished, his support staff reported the Maestro would sometimes sit for hours at a time. He sat and (and sat…) and stared at the emerging statue. Then, he would suddenly stand and walk across the room. Taking up his hammer and chisel the staff heard a distinctive – ‘chink’ – as a tiny sliver of stone fell to the floor.

This process went on for months at a time, until finally, after three years (3 years!?!) the Artist’s work was complete.

When unveiled, public response was overwhelming. The Italian public – quite accustomed to Fine Art – had nevertheless never seen anything quite like this. The scope and scale of the work was beyond compare.

Michelangelo was asked “How, Maestro, did you do this?”

He is said to have answered: “It was easy. I chipped away everything that was not a masterpiece.”

“Easy?” we think. Perhaps for someone of his ability…yes.

But for all of us? Right: Not hardly.

Yet he does have a point, and it’s this:

Each time you set up your Vocal Training equipment and go through a practice training session. Or you prepare for our weekly sessions. Or when we work one-on-one in a Zoom or in-person Vocal Training Session, we are essentially doing that same work.

Over time, you learn to identify, release and replace all the tiny vocal and cognitive ‘chinks’ that don’t need to be there. These are the small, almost unnoticeable physical habits that hold us back. Or it could be the swirls and eddies of inner thought that draw us away from mindful best practice.

• Vocal Training
• Mental Conditioning.

Yes: every little ‘chink’ and detail matters – inside and out.

And the masterpiece that is finally revealed? Well, my friends, that’s you.

Your God-given talent and intellect, as well as your passion for learning to sing. And your desire to share that gift with others. Those are what make you the Masterpiece.

Now, I’m no Michelangelo. But my job, like his, is simply to help you remove the ‘chinks.’

When we do that work, then the incredible work of art that’s you and your voice can emerge. On its own and in its time.

#chinkinthinkin
#dothereps
#majovta

Previously puslhished as Slow, Patient, Gradually. Edited and updated 15 September 2024 by MaJo.