Selling the song

Whether you are singing for a recital, in an opera, or even in a rock band you have to be able to sell your songs. If singing were only about having an exceptional tone and wonderful pronunciation, millions of unknown singers would be able to be stars. What separates Placido Domingo, Michael Buble, and Barbara Streisand from the hundreds of singers that have more impressive voices? What factors contribute to an all around polished performance? How important is it to know what the text of the song means? Please share your thoughts about performing and what your considerations are when you "sell a song."

Vocal Exercises

Vocal exercises are done by every choir and vocal student across the world. They are most beneficial prior to singing but can be used at anytime. I traditionally use lip trills, 5 note scales and arpeggios with a series of syllables (ex. na-nee-na-nee-na). What exercises have you used in the past that you have enjoyed? What about them did you like? Try to explain the benefit of using that particular vocal exercise.

Posture

When a singer has excellent posture very few will notice but if the posture is poor, it is one of the first things that a judge will mention. Very few beginning students use perfect posture and many have little knowledge about what correct posture is. I describe to most students that correct posture should include a high sternum, straight spine, and shoulders rolled back. The preceding diagram shows many forms of bad posture. Please describe what happens to the singer's breath mechanism when you have poor posture. Which of the examples best matches your posture when you first began studying voice.

Stage fright

The crowd has assembled and is anxiously awaiting your performance. You are having a hard time catching your breath...your heart is beating out of your chest....you are thirsty...you are becoming lightheaded....What is happening?

Stage fright has affected all singers to certain degrees at some point in their life. Because of the sensitive nature of vocal performance, the singer's voice can be sabotaged by a few overactive nerves. Many singers have developed varying techniques to deal with nerves. Please describe your thoughts on nervous energy. What techniques work for you? How do you keep from letting your nerves get the best of you? Can you channel your nervousness into something positive?

Breath Support

Many vocal teachers often speak of "breathing from the diaphragm," and "supporting the sound." What is the diaphragm and what does it actually do? How does one really support their sound? There will be a variety of answers posted to this question, and you may find ones that are in opposition to your own. When answering this questions you may find it benefitial to read this article: http://www.workingthevoice.com/2008/01/diaphragm-and-singing.html. There are also helpful links listed on this page.