Methodology In Singing

A method of vocal development goes right to the core of one of the most controversial issues in the world of singing and singing instruction: Is a uniform system of singing possible? What about voice training? Is a uniform system of voice training possible? The answer is that while a singer’s artistic choices and singing technique are (or should be) individual to him alone, voice teaching/voice building principles and techniques are standardized and have universal application.

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Frank Sinatra: The Master of Rubato

In analyzing Sinatra’s singing at its best, lovers of the art of singing have pointed to its many virtues—e.g., his fine musicianship, his ability to sing with intimate feeling, his flawless legato (connected singing), his careful employment of vibrato, and his cello-like vocal tone. Still others have believed that the creative way he moved his golden voice through his songs was the crowning achievement of his singing. Let’s consider for a moment this last virtue. What was is about the way Sinatra moved his voice that contributed so much to his remarkable singing?

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Find Your Style

Another essential requirement for good singing brings together everything
that we have been discussing thus far—the elusive idea of style. By style I am not referring to a particular category of singing such as country singing or pop singing. Rather, style deals with the philosophy of the singer as musical artist and the ways he expresses this philosophy to interpret the songs he sings.

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Emotionally Compelling Melody Lines

If the spaces between notes have a great deal to say, then so do the notes that surround and flow from them. Clearly, stringing notes together to produce beautiful or provocative melody lines is one of most challenging goals for any singer; this is especially true when one strives for original expression—as all authentic artists should

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Creating "Emotional Spaces"

It’s not uncommon to hear great jazz players say that what a musician does not play is as important as what he does. In fact, one of the foundational principles of the craft of songwriting, music interpretation, and music production is that the spaces between notes should receive concentrated artistic attention. And why should silent moments be given so much value? Because—just as in normal conversation—silent moments are able carry extraordinary emotional meaning and power.

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