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The gruppetto (indicated by the sign cv) derived its name from the fact that it twines about its principal note. The usual form consists of four notes: first the tone above the principal one; second, the principal note; third, the tone below it, and fourth, the principal tone again. In the inverted turn, the order […]
It would be difficult to give a definition of standard English that would be entirely satisfactory to everyone. Perhaps it will suffice to say that it is the careful choosing and enunciating of words. It has been described as the speech which is least likely to attract attention to itself as being peculiar to any […]
Pronunciation of English, like other languages, is subject to change from time to time and from place to place. If you listen to elderly people converse, you may find that many,of them often pronounce words quite differently from current usage. Also, if you travel in different sections of the country, you will hear different pronunciations […]
Consonants, like vowels, often appear in combination. If you select a book at random, a cursory glance of even a few lines will show many different groupings. For example, in the following words one consonant sound must quickly follow another for correct pronunciation: still, splendid, blast, strand, thread, clamp, church, grudge, Scotch, splinter, sprinkling, stumble.But […]
Your effectiveness as a singer depends not only upon your voice, the manner in which you use it, and the appropriateness of your songs, but also upon your general appearance or your stage presence. Although some people seem naturally to have a good platform manner, the majority have to cultivate it. When singing, you should […]
Throughout the ages, literature abounds in references to the power of music to move and influence men. Confucius, Plato, and other philosophers of an early day recognized its power, and to Pliny is ascribed the remark that the living voice moves men more than what they read.- Poets, including Shakespeare, Tennyson, and Pope, among others, […]
Vocalizing on chord sequences serves three very essential purposes in choral training: (I) offers a means of securing pitch accuracy and tonal blend by holding each chord and listening for effects before proceeding to the next chord; (z) trains each singer in the idiomatic voice leadings for his part (This experience develops an harmonic sense […]
An important means of vocal training lies in ensemble or choral singing. Not only does it develop musicianship through participation, but it also may be a source of genuine pleasure. Throughout history, uniting voices in song has served to inspire and stimulate man and has been a potent medium of self-expression. The usual combinations of […]
As individuals are grouped into races and nationalities so are voices classified according to common traits. Two main divisions are made on the basis of sex, namely, men’s and women’s voices. Further classifications are made with reference to timbre ‘ or tone color and, to some extent, compass or range. Men’s voices from the lighter […]
A scale, from the Latin word Scala meaning "a ladder," is a series of tones arranged according to a certain prescribed plan or order. The evolution of their mode, or arrangement, as we know them today, extends over many centuries and provides an interesting and important development in the history of music. Scales have changed, […]