Classical singers, listen up! Here’s a resource you absolutely shouldn’t miss, reviewed by voice teacher Molly R…
If you are a classical singer, you know that it can be difficult to find quality resources for your craft. Whether it’s vocal warmups, technique tips, or reviews of the best music programs and competitions, having a reliable source for all things singing-related can be hard to come by.
Classical singers – rejoice! Here is my must-have resource for classical singing, plus a few other helpful tips to assist you on your journey.
What is a Classical Vocalist?
A classical vocalist is a type of singer who specializes in classical singing:
- This is a genre that is characterized by its use of proper technique and the use of a wide range of notes.
- These vocalists typically have extensive training in music theory and performance practice, allowing them not only to understand the fundamentals of their craft but to bring it to life through complex modes and timbres.
- Classical singers must typically invest countless hours of study into music lessons, studying everything from proper breathing techniques to individual pitches and intervals.
- These highly trained artists focus on perfecting their sound until they can express emotion and ideas through song in ways that reveal intricate subtleties behind their music.
If you want to become one of the world’s most famous classic singers, it may be a good time to sign up for singing lessons. Your instructor will be able to acquaint you with all kinds of singing techniques, skills, and styles, like what you see in the video below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xf9DuDf3QQ8
Who Are the Best Classical Singers?
Looking for inspiration as you begin your journey as a classical singer? One of the best resources, for me, has always been to look to some of the greats for inspiration!
When considering who the best classical singers are, there is no shortage of talent to choose from. From soprano and contralto vocalists like Maria Callas and Renée Fleming, to tenors like Plácido Domingo and Luciano Pavarotti, these incredible singers have brought timeless beauty to their art form.
Another key figure in the field of classical singing is baritone Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, whose many recordings remain signature vocal works. His artistry has captivated audiences for decades, making him one of the greatest interpreters of the classic repertoire.
Ultimately, there are countless names that deserve recognition as some of the best classical singers ever — it really is just a matter of personal preference in terms of who holds this prestigious title.
Tips for Classical Singers to Improve Their Craft
As a classical singer, you are no stranger to the phrase “practice makes perfect.” However, as with anything else in life, practice can become tedious if not done with intention and focus. So, how do you practice effectively while still having fun and being creative? Read on to find out!
Warm Up Regularly
Warming up is essential for any vocalist, but especially for classical singers. This is because your voice is your instrument and it needs to be properly taken care of. Try starting with simple scales or lip trills to get your voice in the right range and ready for more intricate pieces.
Learn To Breathe Properly
Proper breathing techniques are one of the most important skills to master as a classical singer, so it’s important to understand how breathing works before diving into songs. Make sure you understand inhaling through your nose (not mouth), exhaling through pursed lips or an “ahh” sound, and engaging your diaphragm in order to fill your lungs completely with air when necessary.
Record Yourself & Listen Back
Recording yourself is one of the best ways to identify what needs improvement and what sounds great already. And don’t worry; this doesn’t mean you have to spend lots of money on fancy recording equipment! Most modern phones come equipped with basic recording software that will work just fine for this purpose. When listening back, make sure you give yourself honest feedback about where you need improvement—and also take note of what sounds great so that you can replicate it again in the future!
Practice With Backing Tracks for Classical Singers
Backing tracks are recordings of music without vocals or solos. They provide musical accompaniment that can help you practice singing without a live band or orchestra. The benefit of using backing tracks is that they allow you to focus on your vocal technique and phrasing without having to worry about staying in time with an accompaniment.
Using backing tracks is a great way for singers to work on their technique in a safe environment. When singing with backing tracks, there’s no pressure; you can take as much time as you need to perfect your delivery and make sure every note is just right.
Plus, having the ability to practice with backing tracks means that you don’t have to rely on finding accompanying musicians every time you want to work on your craft.
There are countless resources online that offer pre-recorded backing tracks for classical singers. Do some research and find songs that fit your vocal range and style of singing.
Take some time before practicing with the track to learn the song thoroughly so that when it comes time to sing along with it, you won’t be struggling to remember lyrics or melodies.
It can be helpful when learning a new song or working on improving your technique if you practice at varying speeds or tempos. This allows you to focus on different aspects of your performance at different speeds, helping you become more comfortable and confident in your singing overall.
Recording yourself when practicing with backing tracks allows you evaluate how well (or not!) things went after each take – allowing for quick adjustments and improvements in real-time as needed!
The #1 Best Resource for Classical Music Singers
If you teach classical voice, you are probably aware that one of the biggest challenges is accompaniment! We can fake our way through standards and simpler Disney tunes for our other students, but this is not usually the case when it comes to Mozart or Verdi.
And if you are a classical soloist, it’s every bit as frustrating. It can get very costly to hire an accompanist whenever you need to run through your arias and songs. It can also be time-consuming to find someone and schedule rehearsals, find a space, and so on.
So, what’s a classical singer to do?
My Online Resource Recommendation
This is where Your Accompanist comes in. This amazing resource is the classical singer’s dream come true, allowing you to download accompaniment tracks for practically everything you need. I had the opportunity to check out the site, and after spending some time browsing with a few of my voice students, I wondered where this site has been all my life (and my students are asking the same thing!).
How I Use the Site in My Lessons
Your Accompanist has downloadable piano accompaniment to almost every aria and art song you can think of! Even better still: many of the art songs are available in various keys to suit a wider variety of voices.
Here’s how I used the tracks in my lessons:
- I needed a particular French song for a young soprano student, and we were both so pleased to see they offered it in a key suitable for her higher voice! This is already coming in handy for her as she prepares for a big singing contest. We were also able to find a large number of other things she’d be needing in future lessons, including art songs in German and English.
- Oratorio is also available, and thank goodness for that! A young countertenor I work with was able to get the aria from “Messiah” he needed instantly, so we could polish it for his upcoming performances.
- A mezzo student of mine was relieved to finally find the Barber opera aria she needed. I also found several “staples” (classic beginner Italian arias) to download that I knew I’d be using for students later on. And I’ll admit it: I got a few things for me to sing along with, too! In fact, I had a hard time narrowing it down. I wanted to get every mezzo-soprano aria on there!
Since this site is based out of the United Kingdom, old music hall and parlor song favorites are on the site, too — certainly not something you see every day! I was delighted to see such a variety. A student also noticed that the site offered holiday classics. Right away, I knew I needed a few, as December concert time will be here before you know it!
There are a few art songs that I could use, but did not see on the site. However, there’s an option to request that they record what you don’t see. After discovering this option, my students and I started getting together a brief list of songs we may ask for in the future.
Downloading Tracks from Your Accompanist
Downloading and paying for your chosen songs is extremely easy, and playing them back is just as simple. When we found the Faure art song that we needed, all I had to do was press a few buttons and it was in my iTunes library and ready to play for my soprano to sing along to!
My countertenor was a bit worried that his oratorio aria was going to be either too fast or too slow — but before we downloaded we were able to listen to a very helpful sound sample. Now he can rehearse with confidence: with me in the studio, or at home on his own!
As for the accompaniment tracks themselves? Absolutely beautiful! All of the tracks I have used have been sensitively phrased and played most musically. Sound quality is top notch. As my students were singing along, I felt that they were supported by the playing, and not at all overpowered. It’s also so incredibly nice to be able to focus on my students’ singing instead of worrying about my piano playing abilities.
Why This is a Must-Have Resource
One singer of mine told me that she felt that using the Your Accompanist tracks is as close as you can get to having a live accompanist right there with you. How right she is. As I tried some of the accompaniments myself, I felt like I was in my very own recital hall!
So again we ask: where has Your Accompanist been all our lives? Thanks to the Internet, we classical singers and teachers have a tremendous resource available to us. Check it out and see what you think!
Ready to Become a Better Classic Singer? Follow These Tips!
If you have ever dreamed of being a classical singer, now is the time to get started!
Taking singing lessons will help you improve your range and develop essential techniques to become the best singer you can be. Learning this style of singing requires a lot of dedication and practice, so having an experienced teacher will make all the difference in how effectively you master the art form.
Taking singing lessons will give you access to a qualified instructor who can guide and encourage you throughout your learning process. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to open up your voice and begin your journey as a classical singer. Sign up for lessons today and let the music begin!
Readers, what other websites and singing resources do you use to download accompaniment tracks? Leave a comment below and let us know!
Post Author: Molly R.Molly R. teaches online and in-person singing lessons in Hayward, CA. Her specialties include teaching beginner vocalists, shy singers, children, teens, lapsed singers, and older beginners. She joined TakeLessons in November 2013. Learn more about Molly here!
Suzy S.