Blog Archives

The Power of Words for Singers, Actors, and Voiceover Talent ~ Blog No. 8

6/14/2023

Hello Creative Performers,

Let's take a moment of silence for legendary vocalist/feminist, Sinead O'Connor, who's memorial service was held on Tuesday, 08/08/2023. She was a passionate, brilliant, and brave soul, who struggled with a traumatic life, a radical hysterectomy, and borderline personality disorder.

Did you know that, according to Billboard Magazine, 73% of musicians struggle with mental illness? It's a sobering reminder of the challenges that can come with a creative life.

Sorry for not blogging last week, as I needed a mental health break I had to take a mental health break after a pretty traumatic incident in Atlanta, where I could have gotten shot! (Thank God, I'll be moving to a suburb!)

Speaking of safety, if you're dealing with mental health issues or past traumas, yourself, it's good to know that some acting techniques like Stanislavski, Adler, Meissner, and Method all rely heavily on recalling memories to get into character. But that can be a minefield if it triggers you or affects your acting ability!

Now, these four renowned acting techniques are used by many celebrated actors around the world. However, they may or may not be most helpful to you ~ and your needs.

If you could use an alternative, there is another way ~ Chekhov Technique.

Award-winning actors such as, Johnny Depp, Jack Nicholson, Clint Eastwood, Helen Hunt, Anthony Hopkins ~ and one my mentors, T'Keyah Crystal Keymah (In Living Color) ~ use Chekhov Technique, which was developed by Michael Chekhov (a relative of playwright, Anton Chekhov).

Chekhov Technique, is an acting approach that focuses on imagination, psychological gesture, and the use of the actor's body and energy.

Here are 10 Chekhov techniques to help an actor get into character:

Psychological Gesture: Create a physical gesture that symbolizes the character's inner essence. This move becomes your emotional key to access the character's emotions and intentions.
Imaginary Body: Imagine the character's physical features, such as height, weight, and posture, to transform your own body and movement.
Imaginary Centers: Locate and focus on different centers of energy within the body to express various emotions and intentions.
Qualities of Movement: Explore how the character moves and use qualities of movement (light, heavy, sharp, flowing) to express their personality and emotional states.
Imaginary Radiating: Imagine that your character radiates energy beyond your physical body, embuing the space and other characters around you.
Sensory Awareness: Develop a heightened awareness of your senses and use all 5 senses to enrich your character's inner life.
Atmosphere: Create an atmosphere that supports the character's emotional state, the mood of the scene, or the overall tone of the performance.
Imaginary Objects: Improvise interactions with imaginary objects as the character, considering weight, texture, and purpose.
Archetypal Images: Tap into universal emotions by channeling archetypal images and behaviors.
Inner Monologue: Create inner monologue for the character, allowing thoughts and emotions to flow freely during the scene or on a journal page.

Don't forget, dear reader, that your creative journey as a performer thrives best in a safe and creative environment that keeps your mental health and unique needs in mind. Take care of yourself, advocate for your mental and physical health, and remember to stay safe out there!

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When Your Song Feels Off: Part 3 ~ Emotions ~ Blog No. 7

6/7/2023

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,Hey there, music lovers! Last week, was Part 2 ~ Key, and we talked about how the key can radically change a song. Today, let's dive into the world of singing with emotion. We all know that music has the power to move us deeply, and as singers, we strive to convey those emotions to our audience with authenticity and impact. We wouldn't want to sing a happy song in a sad or angry or shocked way, right? So, how can we take our singing to the next level and make our performances truly unforgettable? Well, let's explore four essential elements: facial expressions, sound, gestures, and sensations.

Facial Expressions
Our faces are like a canvas for emotions, capable of expressing a wide range of feelings. As singers, we can tap into this expressive power to connect with our audience on a deeper level. Think about the lyrics and experiment with different facial expressions that match the emotions portrayed in the song. A love ballad might call for a soft smile or a heartfelt gaze, while a powerful anthem might require more intense and focused expressions. Let your face become a mirror that reflects the emotional journey of the song.
Sound
Next up, we have the sound. Yes, hitting the right notes and mastering vocal techniques are foundational, but injecting genuine emotion into your sound is what truly captivates listeners.

a. One way to achieve this is by playing with the tone color of your voice. Experiment with different tonal qualities that suit the emotional context of the song. Explore the full range of your voice to create warmth, vulnerability, power, or melancholy, depending on what the song demands. Each phrase should carry the emotional weight of the lyrics, and your voice becomes the conduit for those emotions.

b. Don't forget about dynamics! Controlling the volume and intensity of your voice adds depth and authenticity to your performance. Think of the song as a rollercoaster of emotions, and use crescendos, decrescendos, and subtle variations in volume to convey the ebb and flow of those feelings. Let the dynamics of your voice enhance the emotional journey you're taking your audience on.

c. Also, make sure that every vowel and every consonant is clear. If the sounds of the vowels and consonants. are hard to hear, the story gets lost, the emotional impact is diluted and the audience does not get the best performance.
Gestures
Now, let's talk about gestures. Our bodies have a language of their own, and using that language can significantly amplify the emotional impact of our singing.

a. Start with your posture and stance—stand tall with an open posture, allowing your body to project both confidence and vulnerability simultaneously. Find a stance that feels natural and comfortable, enabling you to express yourself freely. Your body becomes an instrument, channeling the emotions flowing through your voice.

b. Use deliberate and purposeful gestures to emphasize the emotional content of the song. Whether it's raising your arms triumphantly or gently swaying to convey vulnerability, let your body movements flow seamlessly with the music. But remember, less is often more. Avoid excessive or distracting movements that might overshadow the emotional connection you're trying to establish.

c. Lastly, develop a strong stage presence that radiates authenticity. Engage with the space around you, connect with your audience, and let your passion shine through. Remember, it's not just about singing the right notes—it's about creating a memorable experience that moves people at their core.
Sensations
If you have trouble accessing an emotion, think of the 5 senses. How does this emotion taste, feel, smell, look like, and sound like? Do you sweat when you're frustrated? Do you tighten your chest when you feel angry? Does a certain smell send to you back to a certain time?
More Than One Emotion
People are complex creatures with often contradicting emotions. As Wendy Parr recommends, you want to express at least 2 emotions in a song. An emotion that you are reaching for, and an emotion that you are going away from. Different sections of a song may express completely different emotions, as well.

Let's unleash the power of facial expressions, sound, gestures, and sensations, to take our performances to new emotional heights. Connect with the lyrics, let your voice carry the weight of those emotions, and allow your body to speak the unspoken. Singing with more emotion isn't just about technique—it's about creating a profound connection with your audience and leaving a lasting impact. Let's bring our songs to life and make every performance an emotional journey to remember!

~~~~~
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

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The Holistic Voice Coach Blog

The Power of Words for Singers, Actors, and Voiceover Talent ~ Blog No. 8

When Your Song Feels Off: Part 3 ~ Emotions ~ Blog No. 7

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