Greg and I traveled to Guatemala over the summer. Guatemalan's sure know how to make a joyful noise with their voices and instruments. Here are some of our friends playing the marimba's.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Saturday, July 26, 2008
The Craft of Vocal Performance
I recently attended a craft seminar at Ashland University with well-known performance poet Michael Salinger. He taught a workshop on vocal performance. His emphasis was more on public speaking, however, I was reminded as I participated in the workshop that many of the same principles apply in musical vocalization. Along with making good use of your breath through correct breathing techniques and using the diaphragm, here are a few more key points about the craft of vocal performance:
1. You Must Use Your " PIPES! "
Projection
Inflection
Pacing
Eye Contact
Stance
Projection: Resonance, think of it as 'moving the air', not yelling. Project from your diaphragm! (Remember: when you inhale, let your tummy expand like a balloon, and when you exhale, use your gut to expel the air till your tummy is flat against your spine again).
Inflection: The emphasis you place on certain words or syllables. Gives the piece you are singing dynamics and variables. Can change the meaning of a phrase depending on where you place emphasis. (In music, this often corresponds with the changing notes).
Pacing: Speed, dynamic pauses, slowing down or speeding up (singing a bit on the "front" of the beat, or hanging more on the back of the beat).
Eye Contact: If you have a sheet in front of you, don't cover your face with it. Think of the page as a plate, not a mirror. Connect with your audience. If you must, look a little above their heads, but it's most effective to pinpoint people and make eye contact now and again.
Stance: Feet shoulder width apart. If you're sitting, sit up straight, shoulders relaxed, use that strong spine to support your diaphragm!
* Remember: Singing is more than just technique, you want to perform your piece in a way that draws in the audience, gets them to feel the meaning of the words you're singing. You get the meaning across in the way you present your piece! Think of using your "PIPES" when you perform--weather it's a song or a school paper or lines in a play!
1. You Must Use Your " PIPES! "
Projection
Inflection
Pacing
Eye Contact
Stance
Projection: Resonance, think of it as 'moving the air', not yelling. Project from your diaphragm! (Remember: when you inhale, let your tummy expand like a balloon, and when you exhale, use your gut to expel the air till your tummy is flat against your spine again).
Inflection: The emphasis you place on certain words or syllables. Gives the piece you are singing dynamics and variables. Can change the meaning of a phrase depending on where you place emphasis. (In music, this often corresponds with the changing notes).
Pacing: Speed, dynamic pauses, slowing down or speeding up (singing a bit on the "front" of the beat, or hanging more on the back of the beat).
Eye Contact: If you have a sheet in front of you, don't cover your face with it. Think of the page as a plate, not a mirror. Connect with your audience. If you must, look a little above their heads, but it's most effective to pinpoint people and make eye contact now and again.
Stance: Feet shoulder width apart. If you're sitting, sit up straight, shoulders relaxed, use that strong spine to support your diaphragm!
* Remember: Singing is more than just technique, you want to perform your piece in a way that draws in the audience, gets them to feel the meaning of the words you're singing. You get the meaning across in the way you present your piece! Think of using your "PIPES" when you perform--weather it's a song or a school paper or lines in a play!
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