Post by Karen on Sept 17, 2006 4:21:40 GMT 10
From singing.com.au
• Your interpretation of a song will improve once your technique is developed. Practise!
• While knowledge is important, don’t let the science block your thoughts and use of your voice. Don’t rely totally on scientific reasoning in your practice; science is important but it is essential to find a balance.
• It takes courage to conquer ‘long phrasing’. Expect to be able to do it; faith can move mountains and fear is a singer’s worst enemy.
• Don't practise to the point of physical exhaustion. Rest, remembering to lubricate the throat with plenty of room-temperature water or lukewarm fruit teas.
• Listen to great performers, preferably live in concert. CD, DVD video and radio are great study tools. Only copy the features in their singing if it suits your voice, otherwise use your own style and avoid their mannerisms. Try to understand the performer’s style.
• Have a big repertoire suitable for a range of all ages, languages and styles; be sure it suits your voice, personality and appearance.
• Don’t waste time over any song that is too ‘big’ for your voice, or is in an uncomfortable key to sing.
• Don’t sing in public until your teacher agrees that you are ready to. If you receive undue flattery or discouragement, this will be damaging to your future performances. If training at home, tape your voice with a quality recorder and listen to it objectively before appearing in public.
• If waiting for an opportunity to sing solo is taking too long, go to karaoke nights or join a community choir or theatre group.
• Be gentle when singing and don’t force sound from your throat. Keeping your neck muscles and surrounding shoulder muscles relaxed will increase volume when singing. Forcing your voice may cause vocal damage.
• Seek advice from professionals before embarking on a career.
• Singing is just not use of the voice but also the spirit, mind, senses, soul and complete muscular system from head to toe.
• Singing requires the same relaxed process you use as when you speak.
• Relaxing the throat muscles (larynx, voice box) will give you more singing control.
• The quality of your breathing ability is a major factor for a controlled and professional sound for your voice.
• Correct singing posture will assist better breathing technique.
• Gently warm your vocals before every performance with gentle practice.
• Be careful and avoid forcing the sounds of constants. Soften your consonants (unless the musical piece instructs otherwise).
• Make sure your throat and mouth are as comfortable and open as possible. Many singers make the mistake of not opening the mouth wide enough.
• Correct vowel sounds are essential for quality singing. Emphasise your vowels.
• Practise overcoming the ‘break’ or ‘gap’ between vocal registers.
• Your body is an instrument, so take care of it with careful maintenance and health practices.
• Eye contact with your audience is beneficial.
• A good singer makes the song appear easy to sing to the audience. Become more than a singer; become a musician too. Introduce yourself to an instrument (preferably not a melodic one). This will give you an opportunity to learn how to read sheet music, notation and follow rhythms.
• Your interpretation of a song will improve once your technique is developed. Practise!
• While knowledge is important, don’t let the science block your thoughts and use of your voice. Don’t rely totally on scientific reasoning in your practice; science is important but it is essential to find a balance.
• It takes courage to conquer ‘long phrasing’. Expect to be able to do it; faith can move mountains and fear is a singer’s worst enemy.
• Don't practise to the point of physical exhaustion. Rest, remembering to lubricate the throat with plenty of room-temperature water or lukewarm fruit teas.
• Listen to great performers, preferably live in concert. CD, DVD video and radio are great study tools. Only copy the features in their singing if it suits your voice, otherwise use your own style and avoid their mannerisms. Try to understand the performer’s style.
• Have a big repertoire suitable for a range of all ages, languages and styles; be sure it suits your voice, personality and appearance.
• Don’t waste time over any song that is too ‘big’ for your voice, or is in an uncomfortable key to sing.
• Don’t sing in public until your teacher agrees that you are ready to. If you receive undue flattery or discouragement, this will be damaging to your future performances. If training at home, tape your voice with a quality recorder and listen to it objectively before appearing in public.
• If waiting for an opportunity to sing solo is taking too long, go to karaoke nights or join a community choir or theatre group.
• Be gentle when singing and don’t force sound from your throat. Keeping your neck muscles and surrounding shoulder muscles relaxed will increase volume when singing. Forcing your voice may cause vocal damage.
• Seek advice from professionals before embarking on a career.
• Singing is just not use of the voice but also the spirit, mind, senses, soul and complete muscular system from head to toe.
• Singing requires the same relaxed process you use as when you speak.
• Relaxing the throat muscles (larynx, voice box) will give you more singing control.
• The quality of your breathing ability is a major factor for a controlled and professional sound for your voice.
• Correct singing posture will assist better breathing technique.
• Gently warm your vocals before every performance with gentle practice.
• Be careful and avoid forcing the sounds of constants. Soften your consonants (unless the musical piece instructs otherwise).
• Make sure your throat and mouth are as comfortable and open as possible. Many singers make the mistake of not opening the mouth wide enough.
• Correct vowel sounds are essential for quality singing. Emphasise your vowels.
• Practise overcoming the ‘break’ or ‘gap’ between vocal registers.
• Your body is an instrument, so take care of it with careful maintenance and health practices.
• Eye contact with your audience is beneficial.
• A good singer makes the song appear easy to sing to the audience. Become more than a singer; become a musician too. Introduce yourself to an instrument (preferably not a melodic one). This will give you an opportunity to learn how to read sheet music, notation and follow rhythms.
