|
Hey there, fellow performers and language enthusiasts! Today, let's dive into a captivating topic that lies at the heart of singing, acting, and voiceover: the incredible power of words. You know, those little combinations of letters that have the ability to make us feel all sorts of emotions, visualize stories, and connect with people on a deep level. So, buckle up and join me on this exploration of how words shape our performances in the most extraordinary ways.
1: Phrasing Ever been mesmerized by a singer who takes your breath away with every word, or an actor who effortlessly captures the essence of a character? That's the magic of phrasing at work. It's like breaking down words and musical phrases into precious, meaningful gems. Singers use strategic pauses and breaths between phrases, creating a natural flow that touches your soul with the lyrics. In acting and voiceover, it's all about finding those perfectly timed breaks and pauses, adding rhythm and emphasizing the essence of the dialogue. Phrasing gives performances structure, engaging the audience and keeping us spellbound from start to finish. 2. Inflection Inflection is the secret sauce that adds flavor and depth to our performances. Inflection refers to how we shape words—the rise and fall of pitch, emphasizing certain syllables, and playing with our tone. It's the art of giving words a personality, a rhythm, and a musicality. Skilled performers understand the nuances of inflection and use it to their advantage, creating a symphony of meaning. It's about highlighting the key ideas, capturing the essence of our characters, and keeping our audience on the edge of their seats. 3. Diction Diction is the articulation of our artistry. Diction covers the style, clarity, and overall delivery of our speech or singing. It's the careful choice of words, the precise pronunciation, and the finesse in our phrasing. A well-honed diction ensures that the audience receives our message loud and clear. It's like speaking or singing with a touch of elegance, enhancing the effectiveness of our storytelling, engaging the crowd, and leaving a lasting impression. 4. Stories Every performance, whether on stage or behind a microphone, begins with a compelling story. These stories serve as the foundation for capturing the hearts and minds of the audience. Through the skillful use of words, we can paint vivid pictures and transport listeners to different worlds. Each word becomes a brushstroke, creating a canvas of emotions and experiences. The power of words allows us to embark on a thrilling adventure with every performance, evoking a range of emotions and leaving a lasting impact on the audience. 5. Characters Within the realm of creative expression, the importance of well-developed characters cannot be overlooked. As singers, actors, and voiceover talent, we have the unique opportunity to bring these characters to life. By stepping into their shoes, we unlock a world of possibilities. Through our performances, we invite the audience to witness the complexities and journeys of these intriguing characters. Words become the vessel through which we embody their thoughts, emotions, and motivations. By immersing ourselves in the essence of these characters, we create a connection with the audience that resonates deeply and enhances the overall impact of our work. 6. Etymology. The origin of meaning in every word carries a rich history encapsulated within its etymology. Understanding the roots and evolution of words allows performers to fully grasp their intended meanings. Whether it's a song, a theatrical performance, or a voiceover project, delving into the etymology of words provides a deeper connection to their essence, enabling artists to infuse authenticity and intention into their delivery. Now, let's bring this journey to a close. When it comes to singing, acting, and voiceover, we can't ignore the sheer importance of words. They're the key ingredients that give performances unforgettable taste. From phrasing to inflection, stories to characters, diction to etymology, words shape the very essence of our art. They allow us to create moments that leave a lasting impression on our audiences. So, let's appreciate the magic of words and embrace their power in our quest for artistic expression. They have the ability to move mountains, touch hearts, and spark something special in those who experience our work. Cheers to the beauty of words and the incredible impact they hold! ~~~~~ The Holistic Voice Coach Blog by Karen. Lyu https://www..holisticvoicecoach.com/blog ~~~~~ Book a FREE 45-Min Vocal Discovery Call: https://tinyurl.com/MeetKarenonZoom
0 Comments
Hello, dear readers! One of the key elements that can majorly impact the overall feel and energy of a song is its tempo. The tempo sets the pace and rhythm of how listeners connect with your music. Last week, my dedicated musical theater voice student, Finnigan Green, struggled with the one of their songs. Although otherwise a fabulous performance, it affected their breathing and felt a bit rushed ~ until we changed the tempo, and slowed it down a notch.
In this three-part blog series, we will explore 3 different aspects of a song, and how they can affect the way your song resonates. Today's blog will address the issue of tempo. In the wonderful Netflix Whitney Houston docudrama, "I Wanna Dance With Somebody", there is a scene where Ms. Houston sings "Home" from the Broadway production of "The Wiz" on her very first TV appearance, on the Merv Griffin Show. Because she was an amateur, at the time, she did not know the correct BPM (beats per minute) of the song in order to communicate it to the band. As a result, it started very slow and low energy. Lucky for her, Cissy Houston, her Mom, was there and able to conduct the band and bring up the tempo, the energy, and the interest of the audience! YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/t5CeQ3twVaI But, can you imagine the alternative? What if the entire song was tentative and a bit awkward ~ like the beginning? It could have affected Whitney Houston's entire future. Today, we will focus on what to do if the tempo feels "off" by examining three scenarios: when the tempo is too fast, too slow, or just right.
Conclusion: Tempo plays a vital role in the overall success of a song, dictating its energy, mood, and connection with the audience. By assessing whether the tempo is too fast, too slow, or just right, you can identify areas for improvement and refine your performance accordingly. Stay tuned for Part 2 of this blog series, where we'll explore the significance of the key and its impact on your song's emotional journey. Remember, the magic of music lies in its ability to evolve and transform, so don't be afraid to experiment and find the tempo that brings your song to life. EXERCISE FOR BEGINNERS: Choose a song and sing it at slow, medium, and fast tempos. What feels most "right" for you? Now find 3 different karaoke tracks for that same song, and look at the timestamps. Longer versions of a song are usually slower, while shorter tracks are generally faster (assuming the song structure is the same). I usually like to pick a mid-tempo or slower tempo track for ballads, so I have room to riff and so that my words can be more impactful. I always dance out dance songs, before choosing the tempo and bpm. Also, competitive dance songs need to be at regulation tempos so dancers can do and feel their best. Modern Music Tempos (BPM = beats per minute)
The Holistic Voice Coach Blog by Karen. Lyu https://www..holisticvoicecoach.com/blog ~~~~~ Book a FREE 45-Min Vocal Discovery Call: https://tinyurl.com/MeetKarenonZoom Hello, dear readers! Are you ready to take your vocal skills to new heights? Today, I'll be sharing some simple yet effective tips on how to sing those high notes and low notes with confidence and ease.
Believe it or not, during my 16 years in choir, I sang everything from 1st Soprano, 2nd Soprano, 1st Alto, 2nd Alto, to 1st Tenor ~ based on the whims of different choir directors. The highest note I have sung in a live performance, back in the day, was an E6* (above high C6) and I believe that the lowest note that I have sung in a live performance was a A3. And, just so you know, I have sung up to a D7 at home. According to my Mom, I started singing at age 2 (there is proof on cassette tape). She says that I loved to go up to perfect strangers and sing to them! I have always loved music. So, I've learned a few things in my 50 years of singing, 34 years of researching top methods, and 26 years of holistic voice coaching that I would like to share with you.
* Now that I am post-menopausal and have less estrogen, my range has lowered and my highest note is a Bb5 ~ which is pretty good for my age. ~~~~~ The Holistic Voice Coach Blog by Karen. Lyu https://www..holisticvoicecoach.com/blog ~~~~~ Book a FREE 45-Min Vocal Discovery Call: https://tinyurl.com/MeetKarenonZoom Hello dear readers! It has been an overwhelming week, so I decided to use the Way Back Machine, and share an EzineArticles.com article that I wrote for them as an Expert Author, back in October 13, 2008. Do you feel self-conscious when you speak? How do people react to your voice? Is the sound of your voice helping or harming your ability to communicate effectively? What kind of impression do you want to make when you speak? Your voice is your most powerful tool in connecting with people by phone, teleclass, recording, radio, or podcast. It's your second most powerful tool when communicating in person or by visual media. Your voice is a key element of your identity, of how people perceive who you are. Many people spend thousands of dollars on how they look, yet don't spend a dime on how they speak. Ironically, several studies show public speaking as people's number one fear! Have you ever heard a recording of your voice and thought, "Do I really sound like that?" What can you do? Is it even possible to change your voice? Try meowing like a cat... [Meow!] You just changed your voice! The sound of your voice can alter instantly with a different mouth shape, breath, body position, tone focus or emotion. Many people adopt unhealthy habits (including postures and diets) that can make their voice sound distractingly tense, scratchy, breathy, nasal, or muffled. Vocal distractions get in the way of important messages to our clients, friends, family and relationships. These unhealthy habits can also make people lose their voices, and potentially lose income for professionals such as life coaches and public speakers. How can you find your healthy voice? With the help of effective voice instruction, your healthy, powerful and resonant voice can become as easy as a cat's meow. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1580645 ~~~~~ The Holistic Voice Coach Blog by Karen. Lyu https://www..holisticvoicecoach.com/blog ~~~~~ Book a FREE 45-Min Vocal Discovery Call: https://tinyurl.com/MeetKarenonZoom  Have you ever struggled to sing in tune? Were you ever told that you were tone deaf? I agree with Ed Sheeran that if you practice well, you can be successful as a pro singer ~ even if you start out "singing badly". In this blog post, we will explore seven different ways that anyone can improve their pitch.
1. Cup your hands behind your ears Have you ever heard a recording of yourself and thought, "Is that me?" What we hear normally every day is through bone conduction, while what others hear is through sound waves. So, what can you do? You can hear what other people hear, and dramatically improve your tonality, just by cupping your hands (with tight fingers) and placing them behind your ears while you sing. 2. Use a tuner Mandy Harvey, the 100% deaf contestant on America's Got Talent got to the finals on AGT by using a tuner! I suggest using an online tuner or a physical tuner to identify any pitch issues and then working to correct them. This will help you develop a better sense of pitch and improve your accuracy over time. 3. Focus on your breath Breath control is key to finding accurate pitch, and proper breathing technique makes a big difference. To improve your pitch, begin by aligning your body, focusing on your breath, and taking deeper breaths using your diaphragm (not your chest), and inhaling through your nose. Practice breathing exercises regularly to gain better breath control and improve your pitch accuracy. 4. See the notes visually Visualize the notes as you sing them, look at the sheet music, and imagine hitting each note with precision with your hand up and down in the air. This will help you develop a better sense of pitch and improve your accuracy over time. 5. Record yourself Recording yourself is a great way to discover areas where you need improvement. I recommend recording yourself singing and then listening back to the recording to identify any pitch issues. This will help you pinpoint areas where you need to focus your practice, so that you use your time effectively. 6. Warm up with scales Scales are an essential part of vocal training and can help you improve your pitch accuracy. I suggest starting with a 2-note interval, then a 3-note partial scale, a 5-note partial scale, then an 8-note full scale. What is a scale? Do-Re-Mi-Fa-Sol-La-Ti-Do is a C Major 8-note Scale, for instance. Scales are complicated, and I can explain more deeply in lessons. Practicing intervals and scales regularly with YouTube videos will help you develop your ear for pitch and improve your ability to hit the right notes. 7. Use a keyboard or other instrument Learning to read music and play a piano or other instrument can catapult your singing. Playing an instrument will help you match pitches more easily and learn your songs more quickly, plus learning to accompany yourself can increase your bottom line. In the end, by following the tips outlined above, I believe that anyone can improve their pitch accuracy and develop their singing abilities. Not only do I believe it, I have seen it through my experience of voice coaching over 1,000 voice students in 26 years! SUCCESS STORIES Supposedly Tone-Deaf Retiree Becomes Pro Singer and Gets EIGHT Encores in 1 Night Bill Harris began studying with Karen at age 64. He had a limited voice and was unable to sing "Happy Birthday" in tune ~ after 6 voice coaches in 12 YEARS. Within 9 months of voice lessons, Bill was able to get his first professional paid singing gig with a band ~ and a year later, he got 8 ENCORES in one night! Bill is now a full-time blues/soul/jazz singer - and he sang at the HOUSE OF BLUES in Houston, TX! Asian-American Woman Learns General American English Diction and Becomes Singing Audiobook Narrator Carmilla Jo is a second-generation Taiwanese-Chinese-American who grew up in an immigrant household, so her Californian accent had heavy influences from Taiwanese and Chinese Mandarin speech patterns, so she wanted to learn General American English diction. She also had trouble singing in rhythm and in tune. After about 2 MONTHS of voice lessons, her diction dramatically improved, she got her first professional audiobook project, and she is now having fun singing with more accuracy ~ in rhythm! Shy Shower Singer from Spain Becomes Recording Artist Natalia Laguens from Madrid, Spain, was too shy to sing in public - even though she was a passionate instrumental composer and pianist. She had ZERO voice training or experience - and had only sung in the shower until she met Karen. Within a matter of MONTHS, Natalia wrote and sang her first original song ~ and also performed Alicia Key's #1 HIT "I Ain't Got You" ~ on stage with a mic in a packed theater. ~~~~~ The Holistic Voice Coach Blog by Karen. Lyu https://www..holisticvoicecoach.com/blog ~~~~~ Book a FREE 45-Min Vocal Discovery Call: https://tinyurl.com/MeetKarenonZoom |
About
Archives
September 2023
Categories |
RSS Feed