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How many times have we watched a vocalist stand frozen and expressionless on a stage and been bored by their performance, regardless of how beautifully it was sung? Have you ever watched a singer and felt uncomfortable because you could see how uncomfortable they were?
Vocal students commonly forget one important aspect in their practicing; they forget to practice performing. While technique such as breathing, resonance, pronunciation and vowel placement are all important aspects of practicing for vocal students, performing or acting their repertoire is just as important.
Once a song is learned, it needs to be analyzed. What is the mood of the music? What do the lyrics say? Measure by measure, map out a script for yourself. What expression will you have on your face? Where will you look? How will you stand; or will you sit? What kinds of gestures will you use and where will you use them?
Once you have a game plan, it should be incorporated into your practicing. So many times I’ve heard singers say they were just going to wait until their performance and let it be an organic experience. Unfortunately, we all have nerves and 99% of the time this will backfire on us. By the time you put your song up in front of an audience, the acting or performing should be second nature to you. You don’t want to have to think about it in the moment.
Practicing your performing will make you a better performer. When you are a good performer, the audience will hear what you are singing. They will enjoy your performance without being distracted by your awkward or uncomfortable presentation.
Even the youngest of students can benefit from this. Would you send a young violinist up on stage without teaching them how to use their instrument? Probably not! The singer’s instrument is their body. It is the entire body, not just the vocal chords. Teaching them to perform and use their body in an effective way helps them to feel prepared for their moment on stage. Being prepared builds confidence. Confident singers are effective communicators of music.
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By Guest Contributor and TakeLessons Instructor, Christie Lynn Devoe.
Along
with being an instructor for TakeLessons.com, Christie has an impressive performance resume, as
well. She spent 7 years as a working actor
and singer in New York City. During her time in New York,
and in film. She has performed at Madison
Square Garden,
at the Original Improv Comedy Club, and was seen at the NJPAC performing “The
Lord of the Rings Symphony” with the New Jersey Symphony. She studied vocal
music performance at Montclair
State University
under world-famous counter tenor Jeffrey Gall and music education at Asbury
College. She also had the great
privilege to study acting in New York under the amazing Gene Frankel. Christie now resides in Howard County adives singing lessons in Baltimore and the surrounding area.
Suzy S.