It is only when you learn to play and instrument or sing that you realise how hard it is to count to 4, this is because there is so much else going on such as listening to your fellow singers, interpreting the text, watching the MD, considering dynamics, remembering a melody line, using dynamics and […]
Singing in a foreign language adds variety to a concert program and in order to be able to put a song across in a foreign language you must understand exactly what it is you are singing about. The text is usually learnt phonetically unless of course you are fluent in the language already. It is […]
I recently delivered a workshop to a choir and naturally started with how to breathe for singing (as discussed in previous weeks). After the session a choir member came up to me and told me she was a respiratory physiotherapist and that all that I had said about breathing for singing was also what she […]
Some songs are ideally suited to include some movements to create a bigger impact. For example simply stepping forwards and backwards to the beat in certain sections of the song “One Day more” from Les Miserables creates a lot of drama. Some small movements create a stronger support for your sound and thus create a […]
This is always difficult for an MD as there are so many people in a choir with so many different tastes in songs. No choir member can be happy with all the choice of songs the MD selects and a big reason for choir members leaving is that they don’t like the repertoire. The MD […]
To create the best performance possible every choir member should aim to sing their parts without having to look at the music. It can be hard for some to learn text off by heart and it can also be scary to not have your music in front of you. It becomes like a comfort blanket. […]
What is the purpose of humming or blowing into a straw that is in or out of a glass of water and does it really help you create a better sound? Singing/humming through a straw is called an SOVT exercise. Semi Occluded Vocal Tract. The purpose of the straw is to create a back pressure […]
An added bonus to singing correctly is that with regular practice your face will change shape for the better, which can only be a good thing as we age. Raising the soft palate for a better sound and resonance will help lift the cheeks creating more definition. As you raise your soft palate feel the […]
Gestures can be very helpful when working on sections you find hard as they distract from negative thoughts that serve no useful purpose. In the absence of these negative thoughts better singing can occur. Our brains know what to do but we get in the way, so using a few gestures will help. There is […]
In order to sing many things have to work together in your head as well as your body. Singing is both a physical and mental workout and gives a sense of wellbeing and camaraderie. Physically, 140 muscles are involved in singing and many different regions in the brain have to work together and be co-ordinated. […]