Vocal Training

Several hours a day should be spent on repertoire study. Part of this time should include a silent period to allow for memorizing words; some of the time should be spent at the piano going over the music; and the rest of the period should be spent with an accompanist or coach if possible, singing […]

Everyone knows that when a business concern engages an employee to represent the firm in a foreign country, its first consideration is whether the applicant for the position has a satisfactory knowledge of the language of that country. It is imperative that he be able to make himself understood and to understand, else he will […]

Experience, study, and musical understanding form an artist’s style and as this style or musical personality is developed, it becomes the artist’s claim to fame, corresponding in importance with his vocal technique. I once asked a well-known music critic and composer on what basis he judged a singer’s musical talent, and in […]

I once told a friend that I would rather hear a tenor with a soul than a high C. "But," said the friend, "what do you mean by soul? How can a singer express soulfulness, as you call it, when singing? I’ll take the high C!" Years of listening to singers has not […]

When a voice is not especially large, and its possessor wishes to please his audience, he must realize that he can do so only by using the voice at his command with perfect placement, feeling, artistry, and intelligence. He must endeavor to charm rather than to dazzle or astonish. I have said repeatedly and […]

 
Every type of voice should be agile. Although the Allelujah by Mozart is called a coloratura song, it should be part of every singer’s repertoire, not necessarily for public performance, but as a required vocal exercise. It is a song that requires such control and vocal agility that many singers with low voices, accustomed to […]

To the mind of the audience, personality and poise and the ability to "put over" a song may excuse vocal shortcomings. But although as part of an audience I agree, and enjoy interpretation as much as anyone, as a teacher I feel that too many students think they "get by" on their interpretations and feel […]

Range Many singers who do not understand the principle of "point and focus" in their singing find that high notes elude them. Lacking correct placement, a soprano will often sound like a contralto, a splendid tenor will find it easier to sing baritone parts, even though the quality of the voice makes the […]

Off-pitch singing can, in most cases, can be remedied. And it must be remedied if the singer is to attain a modicum of success. Singing Lessons can help. Vibrato vs. Tremolo At some time or other everyone has heard a voice that sounded dull, all on one unwavering line, lacking timbre, richness, […]

Singing off pitch . . Vibrato . . . Tremolo . .. Range. . . Agility . . . Danger of forcing . . . Interpretation. . . Musicianship . . . Foreign languages "SHE’S flat!" Distressing words! Why are they heard so often? Why do singers so often sing off pitch?
There […]