Posts Tagged ‘vocal coach’
« Older Entries | Newer Entries »3 Priorities of A Worship Leader by Jamie Harvill
Thursday, June 3rd, 2010
Comment from Vocal Coach Chris Beatty: My guest author for this blog is one worth hearing, in words and music . Jamie Harvill is not only the author of Ancient of Days, Firm Foundation and many more popular worship songs. He is a pastor and highly experienced worship leader, guitarist, singer and one of my favorite worship leaders. If you go to Jamie’s site at jamieharvill.com you can take advantage of his summer Online-and-phone training classes for songwriters and worship leaders.
3 Priorities of A Worship Leader
When interviewed for a magazine a few days ago I was asked the question, “What would you say are the top three priorities for worship leaders?” My answers are simple but I believe that if heeded and practiced, they will bring fruit to your worship leading experience. My suggestions are based on the teaching of Jesus from Matthew 22:37-40 when He was asked what He thought was the greatest commandment:
Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (NIV)
1. Love God. This seems obvious at first but it is a commandment from Jesus. Loving God in every area of our life is our greatest testimony. When we have a passion for God in work, when we play, when times are smooth and when they are rocky, when we are with our families and our guard is down, our passion for God is obvious and it is contagious when others see us living what we lead.
2. Love people. We must live a singular life when we lead people. We cannot be one way with our close friends and then another with those we lead at church. If we lead by influence (and this, in my opinion, is the only way to lead), and we love and respect people–stopping to listen to their story and showing care and concern for them–they will follow us. A true leader is one who never has to force people to follow. If you find yourself coercing others to follow, you are not a leader. People will follow your leadership if you care for them.
3. Bring excellence. My pastor always encourages our team to bring our “A” game each service. We have five services each weekend and it can be easy to “phone-one-in” if we are not careful.
The best way for me to bring my best is to, first, be prepared. I believe proper preparation for our worship leading brings rest. I am relaxed. This, in turn, helps my team and the congregation to be relaxed (people have a hard time focusing on God when you are fumbling around as the leader).
Second, it helps to be focused. I try to train my heart and mind to zero-in on the task at hand for the hour or so before I lead. One tool I use to help me with this is to put a cheat-sheet (notes, keys changes, chord changes, arrangements, etc.) on the floor next to my mic stand so I can look down and find my bearings, if needed, as I proceed through the worship service.
Third, I think rehearsal is so important. I can hear you saying a collective, “DUH!” right about now! We have rehearsals on Tuesday nights so we then have a few days to study the rehearsal CD before we arrive back on Saturday afternoon to lead the services. Two services Saturday and two or three Sunday in multiple sanctuaries. It’s a busy place.
I find that all of these preps bring rest and there is no better way to lead others. When we have a passion for God and people while knowing where we are going in worship, and how we are going to get there, others will gladly follow!
I have many more things to say that I can’t write here in this one post. So, if you want to learn more, I want to give you an opportunity to join me as I am starting two new web-based schools offering virtual classrooms and personal coaching. I will be the main instructor for both tracks. One track is to train and strengthen the next generation of songwriters for the church called Song Schools. The other course, Worship Consultants, is for churches and worship leaders who want to improve leadership skills, team-building and worship services. You can find out more details about each course at songschools.com, worshipconsultants.com and jamieharvill.com. Classes start in mid-July.
0 comments:
Post a Comment
Older Post Home Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)
Tags: chris beatty, jamie harvill, vocal coach, vocal training, worship leader, worship training
Posted in Choir Directors, From the Coach, Performance, Singing and Voice Lessons, Songwriting, Tips Tailored for You, Worship Team | 2 Comments »
“Your Vocal Folds Are Completely Healthy”
Wednesday, May 19th, 2010
Lots of Experience, but Poor Technique
I recently had a new student who has been performing on stage and in the studio for many years. Recently, she has experienced several occurrences of her voice just leaving, and not returning full strength for weeks. The Ear, Nose and Throat doctor scoped her and announced, “You’re vocal folds are completely healthy.”
Good News; Bad News
It was encouraging to know that there was no visible, physical damage. At the same time it was discouraging not to know what caused the vocal loss. Her next step was coming to me, a voice teacher (technique and mechanics) and vocal coach (interpretation and expression).
A Little of the Right Kind of Training Can Go A Long Way
This gifted and experienced singer had never had regular vocal training of any kind. As we went step-by-step through her vocal technique, making adjustments along the way, she was shocked at all the big and little things that could be adjusted. She was also pleased to know the “why” of everything we did. With this full understanding, she will be able to reproduce the right technique until it becomes habit. That muscle memory will take a few months. But, meaningful changes were already starting to take place.
Start Where You Are and Don’t Stop Learning
Even if you haven’t experienced the kind of trouble this student did, there is a good chance you have more to learn. Most of us get complacent until there’s trouble. The smarter approach is to keep learning, and learning and learning. Set yourself up for success by doing regular warm-ups and singing songs. All along the way, track what’s working and what isn’t in a journal. That way you have a measure of what’s going on and can share it with a teacher or coach. Even if you don’t work with a teacher you can choose what training materials you need.
For example, if you have terrible posture during the day, and run out of breathing when singing you might consider our Compete Breathing and Complete Tone CD’s. They get right to the heart of the matter with very specific principles and exercises. If you need to be more expressive consider enrolling in a voice class or acting class at a local community college. If you have the desire, there’s probably a way to make it happen.
Let Me Know Your Thoughts in the Comments section below.
Tags: chris beatty, healthy singing, singing lessons, vocal coach, vocal health, vocal training
Posted in Performance, Singing and Voice Lessons, Soloist, Tips Tailored for You, Worship Team | 2 Comments »
First Comes the Inner Stillness
Wednesday, April 14th, 2010
By way of introduction: There are several categories of Vocal Coach Blogs. First, the purely technical, dealing with the mechanics of singing. Second, personal thoughts from Carole, called “Carole Cares.” And, third, those written for anyone who functions in a place of ministry within the Church whether choir director or member, worship team member and those in the congregation who want to give their best. This blog is from that third category, and will also be posted under the “Enhancing Your Worship” tab on the site.
First Comes the Inner Stillness
In addition to training singers and speakers around the world for a number of decades, I have also had the opportunity to lead worship in a number of different settings, large and small, in the U.S. and abroad. From those experiences, and triggered by a recent message from my own pastor, I share this thought: I believe you can accomplish more meaningful interaction with God in 10 minutes of inner stillness than an hour of desperate, distraction-filled seeking. And, that’s a good thing for every aspect of your life.
For those who worship, from the congregation or the platform, there is a necessary skill to master that has nothing to do with music. That is the skill of cultivating an inner stillness.
Be still and know that I am God (Psalm 46:10)
Inner stillness is a place of tranquility and quietness of the mind and emotions. A place where there is no competition for your attention and God can get right through to you, and you to Him. This is where the connection, correction, adjustments and inspiration take place. Then, and only then can you be sure you are prepared at the foundational level to lead others to the cross.
Inner Stillness can only be found by deliberate actions. It doesn’t just happen because you want it to. It doesn’t always happen quickly, and you can’t pay for it with a credit card and there’s no download available. Here are some tools that can help you find this life-giving place:
1. Desire. You must acknowledge the need and value of inner stillness in your life.
2. Planned schedule. You must practice getting there and staying there. After awhile you will get there more quickly.
3. Set the physical stage. Get quiet. Get comfortable. Surround yourself with only those tools that will help the process like your bible, and a notebook.
4. Pray that your body, soul and spirit will rest in the arms of the King and be still.
5. Drive out mental and emotional concerns by replacing them with Scripture, leaving no room for distractions. They will return quickly enough.
Once You’re There, Listen
Only after you have gotten to that place of inner stillness will you have something life-giving to share. Only then, when your spiritual ears are open, can you hear the fresh and new and then give it away to others.
But, what if I can’t seem to “get there,” or “stay there?”
That means you’re human, and subject to a multitude of distractions. After all, we do live in a multi-tasking, always-something-going-on world. That, of course, is the very reason we need to spend time in the inner stillness. Without it we tend to only take in and reflect what the world has to offer; not what the Lord has to offer, and that can be dangerous and very, very limiting in every area of your life.
Give Inner Stillness a try
There’s a real feeling of victory when you are able to push “Pause” on business-as-usual. Once you have experienced that you can graduate to the “Stop” button, and then you’re really there. . . in that place of stillness.
What helps you find your inner stillness? I would love hear your thoughts in the comments section.
Tags: chris beatty vocalcoach.com, finding peace., singing lessons, vocal coach, vocal teacher, worship leader
Posted in Choir Directors, Duets to Groups, From the Coach, Kids and Teens, Soloist, Teaching Teens To Sing, Tips Tailored for You, Uncategorized, Worship Team | 4 Comments »
Don’t Forfeit Your Own Voice By Just Imitating Others!
Friday, April 2nd, 2010
Don’t Forfeit Your Own Voice By Just Imitating Others!
If you never take the time and effort to discover your own best vocal sound you may well forfeit, and be deprived of ever knowing your full vocal potential. Here are some thoughts and steps to help you keep growing and be your best.
We Learn By Imitation
It is true that we learn to speak by imitation. Everything from tone quality to diction and accent will reflect those you were around during your vocally formative years. But, you are not limited to how you began. Any performer who has taken singing or acting classes realizes the tremendous potential to expand and fine-tune the vocal instrument.
There Are Limitations, But Not That Many
That being said, there are limits to what any vocalist can do, depending on the anatomy and structure of the individual. But, few of us come close to maximizing the potential that’s just waiting to happen. A modern day example of that is demonstrated in the American Idol TV show. It is common to see a mediocre singer, with good potential suddenly come alive and really communicate. How does this happen?
They are challenged, coached and rehearsed by professionals in a focused environment. They are also forced to experience new styles and genres. Some, that they may not even relate to. The result? They have the opportunity to try new things, push their abilities beyond the comfort zone and grow as artists and communicators.
Here Are Some Steps To Help You Reach Your Potential
1. Open Your Mind and Ears. Get out of the mental rut that says, “This is just how I sound.” Change that to, “This is how I have sounded, but there’s probably much, much more I can do.” Start listening to some other songs and styles within your comfort zone (for now) and sing along. If you never allow your voice to try something new you will live in a vocal and stylistic rut.
2. Be Creative and Daring Alone. Become as uninhibited as a child in using not only your voice, but also your face, arms and entire body to act out the song. Go overboard, exaggerating everything just to experience the potential. Will you need to dial that back a little in real performance? Maybe, but probably not as much as you first think. Full, honest, meaningful expression is what you owe to your listener.
3. Be Creative and Daring In Front of Others. Find a few people with some performance experience and ask them to be your audience. Let them know you are striving to expand your vocal and physical expression and get their feedback. But remember that even they should not limit your road to experimentation.
4. Use Neutral Tools. Mirrors and video feedback, using anything from a video camera, computer or iPhone can all be helpful. And, if you’re not already doing it consider some form of systematic training. That can be in the form of a few key CD’s like Complete Breathing, Warm-up & Tone to keep you on track. Comprehensive sets like Vocal Coach Singer include full training principles and exercises, journals and a guidebook to help you track your progress and make meaningful adjustments as you go. You may also find a good local teacher or coach as well as classes at a community college.
There are lots of ways to learn, but do something. Don’t forfeit your best for what just happens to be there now. Be all you can be. It’s much more satisfying for both you and the listener.
Please Share. I’d love to know what has, and has not helped you maximize your vocal gift. Comment here, or email me at chris@vocalcoach.com
Tags: american idol, chris beatty, singing lessons, singing your best, vocal coach, vocal coaching
Posted in Choir Directors, Duets to Groups, Kids and Teens, Performance, Singing and Voice Lessons, Singing Exercises, Teaching Teens To Sing, Tips Tailored for You, Worship Team | 2 Comments »
WHO IS CONTROLLING YOUR VOICE? YOU, OR IT?
Sunday, March 21st, 2010
Do you control your voice, or does it control you? An odd question? Perhaps, but I know many a singer who’s happiness with life is linked to whether their voice is working well, or not on any given day. And many of these same singers are doing absolutely nothing to build vocal foundations that result in a predictable, stable vocal experience.
In other words, they’re treating the voice as a mysterious, sometimes-it’s-there, sometimes-it’s-not instrument, and that never works. The fact is, what we call “the voice” can be as predictable and dependable as a carpenter’s tool or a professional baseball pitcher’s throwing arm. Both the tool and the arm can have issues, of course, but with proper development and maintenance they tend to serve well for many years.
My advice is to be proactive with your voice. Identify your weaknesses as well as areas that you just don’t understand at all. Be honest. Then, step-by-step, find ways to conquer each area, either with personal training, Online training, or with hardcopy or download CD’s that address your issues. The important thing is that YOU be in charge of your voice. Don’t just LET things happen. MAKE things happen.
Got some specific questions that need answering? Let me know at chris@vocalcoach.com and be sure to see the new special offer on the Vocal Coach store.
Tags: chris beatty, sing better, singing lessons, vocal coach, Vocal control, vocal performance
Posted in Choir Directors, Duets to Groups, From the Coach, Performance, Singing Exercises, Soloist, Teaching Teens To Sing, Tips Tailored for You, Uncategorized, Worship Team | No Comments »
Finding The Magic In Your Voice with Better Posture and Breathing
Wednesday, March 10th, 2010
“When something exceeds your ability to understand how it works, it becomes kind of magical.” I recently heard that statement in an online demonstration of the Apple iPad. It occurred to me that the same descriptive applies to the human voice.
Here’s what I mean: Aren’t there times when you hear a singer that just amazes you? One who can do things with their voice that you can only imagine doing, but never actually do? That’s the “magical” aspect of the voice. The part that defies analysis, or duplication by the average listener, and even the average singer.
But, what if you really, really, really want to at least come close to delivering that kind of magical performance. And, what if you are willing to invest the time, effort and resources to take the voice as far as you possibly can. What are the steps?
In truth, it’s no different than choosing to absolutely maximize your athletic performance, or your intellectual performance. It takes sacrifice at all levels. Sacrifice that most of us, frankly, aren’t willing or able to make. Sacrifice that would make having a normal family life and job almost impossible. Like being an Olympic athlete in training. It takes all that you are, often at the expense of normalcy.
Discouraged? Don’t be! No one is asking you to give up family and friends to compete for “World’s Best Singer. But, there is sacrifice and investment involved in becoming a better, more consistent singer. And, it starts with constant, non-stop awareness of your daily posture, and the way you manage your breathing in speaking and singing.
You see, many people compromise their posture throughout the day, and that leads to poor breathing. Then, they “get straight” for singing and wonder why it feels so stiff and unnatural. The key is being upright and aligned every waking hour. I don’t mean standing at attention. I just mean being upright, like any two-year-old. It’s natural, and how we were designed to function. And, it’s one of the first things to go if we don’t get daily reminders. For years I would go so far as to put reminders in my calendar to check my posture and breathing. Seem extreme? Not if you’re really serious about being your best.
When it comes to breathing it’s a matter of management, not power or push. Untrained, three-week-old babies do fine with sharing their vocal messages to the entire household with no formal training whatsoever.
Tags: breathing technique for singers, chris beatty, vocal coach, vocal training, voice lessons, voice training
Posted in Breathing, Posture, Singing Subjects | 2 Comments »
Lessons from the Olympics and American Idol!
Monday, February 22nd, 2010
Have you ever noticed that those who act on their dreams with discipline and training are the ones who reach their goals? And, those who are dreamers-only, without discipline and training usually don’t accomplish their goals?
In the Olympics we see only the best of the best. Those who for years have paid the price to physically and mentally prepare for the toughest competitions in the world. The ones who know that 2/100ths of a second can make the difference between winning and loosing.
They have to train well, eat well, rest well and do everything in their power to stay healthy. Even a small cold or upset stomach can compromise their performance, and they know it. Performing at the Olympic level is very inconvenient and costly, but that’s what it takes, and they are willing to pay the price.
In contrast, American Idol shows it all. We see everything from the very gifted and talented to those who have no idea what they are doing. Many have been encouraged to audition based on their talents and dedication. Others have been encouraged to audition by well-meaning family and friends when what they really needed was more training. It’s no different than sports. It takes more than just wanting it.
What really shows the value of intense, professional training and coaching is what happens in the performances of even the best singers. They continue to improve. Many become truly great vocal communicators. They learn to own it all: The high notes, movement and expression. They deliver complete message to the audience, and that takes work, and the right kind of training.
One big lesson for us all is to know when to just encourage someone with positive comments and when to point them towards excellent training. As I have said many of times, Inspiration Without Preparation leaves you incomplete, lacking necessary skills and consistency. And, Preparation Without Inspiration often leaves you mechanical, and boring.
Does that mean we should only dream about things we are sure to accomplish? No. I regularly dream about doing all kinds of things that I couldn’t possibly accomplish in one lifetime, and I’m fine with that. But, I also realize that if I am honestly interested in accomplishing a certain goal, I have to be willing to pay the price of training and discipline. Sometimes I am willing; sometimes I’m not, but at least I know it.
How do these thoughts challenge you? Hopefully, you will look at where you are now as a singer, where you would like to be and make the big decision: Am I willing to pay the price to get to the next level? Will I sacrifice to make the time and resources available for my training?
If the answer is yes, do the necessary research to see what training is available in your area, or what resources you should purchase. If the answer is no, that’s fine, too. You can still enjoy singing at your current level and stop being anxious about not being more accomplished at this time. In either case, it’s good to identify what should, or should not be happening right now and act accordingly.
Review the underlined phrases above and sing on!
Tags: chris beatty, singing, singing lessons, vocal coach, vocal coaching, Vocal Olympics
Posted in Choir Directors, Duets to Groups, Performance, Soloist, Teaching Teens To Sing, Worship Team | No Comments »
Welcome To The All New Vocal Coach!
Monday, January 25th, 2010
Hi Singers! Welcome to the All New Vocal Coach!
Because we are as passionate about the voice as you are we have made some great changes to the Vocal Coach Web Site and Blog.
NEW WEB SITE at vocalcoach.com with some great new features including:
Lower prices on all your favorite CD’s & DVD’s.
The Coach’s Pick is back. Each month we’ll highlight one of the many Vocal Coach training products and offer special pricing. The current Coach’s Pick gives you a 20% discount, so be sure to check it out.
Free Singing Resources. In addition to our blog articles we will be offering free quarterly online classes. Free instructive videos. Free downloadable mp3’s. Free white papers and more.
Enhance Your Worship is a new resource for those in ministry. It will feature articles and tips for worship leaders, worship teams and choir members. We will also address common issues with the speaking voice for pastors and teachers. So, be sure to share your needs and questions at chris@vocalcoach.com .
NEW BLOG at blog.vocalcoach.com featuring:
Tips and articles that answer YOUR vocal questions.
Carole Cares. Carole, who along with Chris has been working with singers around the world for over 30 years. In this section Carole will feature your vocal success stories and testimonies as well as other personal observations and thoughts. You can contact Carole at carolecares@vocalcoach.com
We look forward to sharing all that 2010 has to offer with you. Please visit us often at vocalcoach.com and blog.vocalcoach.com and let us know how we can help you be the best singer you can be.
Lastly, to be sure you don’t miss anything Vocal Coach has to offer PLEASE ENTER YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS AT THE TOP OF THIS PAGE. Even if you think you are on the list. Why? Because we have changed blog hosting and need to update our list.
Thank you for being part of the Vocal Coach Family.
Chris and Carole Beatty
Tags: blog.vocalcoach.com, chris beatty, singing lessons, vocal coach, vocal coach blog, vocalcoach.com, voice lessons
Posted in Ask the Coach, Choir Directors, Coach's Pick, Duets to Groups, From the Coach, Worship Team | No Comments »
Vocal Coach Says: “You Are The Message” Part 2
Saturday, November 21st, 2009
YOU ARE THE MESSAGE Part 2: The Visual Side
As we moved to this, our new BLOG format I wanted to again feature this important article. Just like “You Are The Message, Part 1,” this article hold a number of keys to moving from wanting to communicate, to doing it clearly and consistently.
IT TAKES A LOT OF HONESTY
It takes a lot of honesty, and a bit of reflecting, to deal with the visual side of presenting a single song or an entire concert. But, the good news is that by adding the visual to the audio you have many more ways to get the job done. That job? To get the message of the song from your heart, to the listener’s heart.
The following are some areas to consider, evaluate and act on. Before you look at that, however, you need to take an inventory of who you really are . . . now. Not, whom you think you’d like to be some day, but who you are. Why all this analysis? Because there has to be a comfortable connection between the audio message, and the visual messenger. If not, there are dozens of things that can and will get in the way of a successful sharing.
A BIT OF SELF-HISTORY MIGHT HELP
As a counselor and mentor to a number of musicians I have often used a personality inventory test to get the conversation going. It’s neutral, doesn’t care who the players are and is generally accurate. After using this test with myself, and my family I remember saying to Carole, “Am I really still doing that? Well, since you, and the kids are still seeing it in me, I guess I’m still blinded to some of my own actions.” All that to say, don’t be too shocked if you discover some annoying truths about yourself. Growing is a non-stop process.
SOME SPECIFICS TO LOOK FOR
Be age-appropriate in the way you look and act. Wow. How does one do that? Since we’re dealing with physical and mental age it’s not always obvious. For example, I’m 65, work with young musicians and teens, have a shaved head, ride a Segway for fun and travel the world with my wife teaching about the voice. I have no intention of retiring any time soon. I think and feel young and workout every day but, like it or not, I’m not a kid, shouldn’t pretend I’m one or try to be one in concert. It won’t fly, and instead of taking advantage of my maturity and experience, I’ll look like an old guy who can’t accept where he is in life.
Dress in a way that compliments you and the situation. I can dress casual, moderately mod, wear an Italian suit or my favorite, shorts and a T-shirt, but I’m still me. Why go into such detail about me? Because I see other people my age who are convinced that if they change their hair and wear smaller sizes they will magically become young. No they won’t. In fact, they will only emphasize their lack of self-acceptance and make the whole presentation less than believable. Enjoy your station in life, dress in a way that compliments you and rock on. If there are some tasteful changes you can make, such as taking off a few pounds and getting a new doo, great.
On the other hand, don’t fall into the, “I’m over 50, therefore I need to look as boring as the people I work with or others in my church. No you don’t. It gets back to identifying who you really are inside, then being that with joy and confidence.
THE VENUE and SETTING
Make sure you check out the physical setting and what the host’s expectations are for people who sing there. Singing in a church? Some churches require a jacket and tie for Sunday mornings, but not for Sunday evenings or mid-week services. Honor that, even if it’s not your norm and you have to borrow a tie. Some churches could care less what you wear at any time, but do the research. You’re job is to make sure you don’t let something as silly as clothing get in the way of your communications.
AGE OF THE AUDIENCE
Find out the demographic of your audience. If it’s 90% seniors they may not “get” certain forms/styles of songs. It is your job to change, not theirs. If it’s a youth-based audience make sure your stories and testimonies apply to that age. If not, you are not honoring their time.
SUMMARY
Do your homework so that the message and the messenger are appropriate and ready to get the job done. That job? Fully, completely sharing the message.
TOOLS TO HELP YOU GROW
Perhaps your best tool is going to be some thoughtful interaction with yourself, some mature, trustworthy friends and a video camera. Let’s all keep growing together.
Tags: chris beatty, know your audience, visual performance, vocal coach
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
Vocal Coach Says: “YOU ARE THE MESSAGE” Part 1: The Vocal Side
Monday, November 9th, 2009
Vocal Coach Says “YOU ARE THE MESSAGE!”
Part 1: The Vocal Side
As Vocal Coach moves to our new BLOG format I wanted to feature a previous article that addresses a key to being a successful singer. When you sing there needs to be a coordinated effort between a number of parts of your presentation. If not the distractions and filters between you and the listener can completely block your message from getting through.
CONSIDER THESE KEY ELEMENTS AND HOW YOU NEED TO PREPARE:
The Sound/Tone Quality
Think about it. Does the message invite a full rich, vibrant tone quality or a softer, almost airy sound? Is it a declaration or conversation? Are you testifying or asking questions? You need to answer this question then practice the various possibilities. If you can’t think of any, try listening to accomplished singers and imitate what they do for various kinds of songs. Then, begin in integrate some of these qualities into your own vocal sound. A caution: I said integrate, not copy. You still need to be you, just with more possibilities of sound.
Treatment of Diction
If you’re singing a hymn or English art song, the way you pronounce the words will be handled differently than in a worship song, or a contemporary/pop style of song. If I’m singing, “My Jesus, I Love Thee,” I’ll treat the words differently than when I sing the Broadway song, “To Dream The Impossible Dream.” If I don’t, I will be putting up walls between myself, and my audience. Again, listen to the pros, imitate and play with the different options. Build some choices into your diction options. It’s the only way to keep things real and really communicate with the listener.
Phrasing & Expression
Going back to the earlier example of the difference between “My Jesus, I Love Thee,” and “To Dream The Impossible Dream,” let’s consider phrasing and other tools of expression. To begin with, most hymns will have built-in phrases that invite breathing at certain places. And, though you may make things more interesting by stretching that a bit, you are still at least partially limited unless you are doing a real pop arrangement.
With other songs, however, you have more options as to where you might breath, pause, or bring attention to a word with more or less volume or a dramatic and sometime sudden change of tone quality. The options are many and best learned by listening to those who do it best, then imitating them to feel and hear you and your voice doing it. That’s how a singer builds a repertoire of creative options. If you have never heard and felt yourself do it, you are not likely to draw on that option any time soon, even when it would be the perfect solution.
Summary: Get inspired by those who do it well in the same way you get inspired by watching an excellent, experienced athlete. Observe, analyze, imitate and integrate. And, remember throughout that to do this safely you must maintain the foundations of posture, breathing, tone, diction and expression. It’s a lot of work . . . with a lot of rewards.
Tags: chris beatty, coaching voice, expression, performance training, vocal coach, vocal coaching
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
-
Let us know what you think
Loading ...