Daily Practice

PST! | Practical Singing Techniques for All Ages

Hello All,

If you are reading this post because you attended my presentation called PST! Practical Singing Techniques for All Ages  at the Tennessee Music Educators Association 65th Annual Convention in Nashville, Tennessee, thank you! Here are my presentation slides. I am hopeful the slides that I added—particularly describing my Number Warm-ups (slide 18)—provide even more clarity. Also, I edited several pages to reflect more of what I demonstrated and discussed that was not in the original outline.

I truly enjoyed sharing a few of my teaching methods with all of you. Preparing for the presentation enriched my own teaching and learning, and I am hopeful my thoughts are useful to you as well.

Of course, if you are finding this though you did not attend the presentation, welcome!

Thank you all again, and Happy Practicing!

Relax, and Just Sing!

beach calm clouds horizon

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

When singing and medical professionals are asked about how to stay vocally healthy, nearly all list alleviating stress as one of the components for successful practice and performance. Yes, staying well nourished, hydrated, and getting a good night’s sleep is vital, but how can we reduce our stress levels, especially leading up to a big audition or concert? Here are some fundamental tips to help you relax daily even when it’s not summertime, and you are not feeling so fine!

  1. Whenever possible, don’t rush yourself: Many of us are forced to move quickly through meals and other daily activities, but all the rushing around can induce anxiety. When we’re anxious, we usually feel more tension in our neck and shoulders, and often our breath support suffers. For an inconspicuous way to find a little relaxation, try sipping your water a bit slower— especially during rehearsal. Simply taking the time to sip and breathe rather than gulp and run can calm your heart rate and let you feel more peaceful. Perhaps an herbal tea is your beverage of choice, so you can savor the flavor with that slower sip and breath. Try this during your practice sessions, too!
  2. Take time to dance to a favorite song: You don’t have to move the coffee table out of the way to start a dance party, but a little happy tapping to a favorite song can put you in a more relaxed frame of mind. If you’re feeling frustrated with a specific practice objective, take a break and jam to a favorite bop. Moving your body a little should relieve tension and brighten your thoughts. You can even use it as your internal “hype music” before and as you walk on stage or into the audition room!
  3. Always take time to practice songs you like to sing: Yes, you like singing, so let the songs you love, whether or not it is a part of your upcoming audition or performance, be the foundation of your practice without neglecting your current repertoire. Those beloved songs don’t have to be complicated, but remember to be good to yourself—no unhealthy shouting! Whether it’s your favorite song from second grade music class or your signature dance jam you love to sing, practice them, too. Make positive connections about how your vocalizing feels from song to song regardless of genre. Also, apply technical practice ideas to these songs. You will feel more versatile and freer when all eyes (and ears!) are on you.
Video

Vai, vai, vai to the tone

Hello Divine Singers!

Within 20 seconds of viewing this video, you will know why Salvatore Fisichella is one of the most admired tenors of our time. Watch and listen to him help Andrew Owens, an American tenor, improve his tone when singing “Che gelida manina” from Puccini’s La Bohème. May we all learn to feel and demonstrate as much three dimensional tone placement as he can! Search their names and Classic FM to see the video with a few subtitled translations of Fisichella’s instruction.

(Mediterranean Opera Studio and Festival, 2013)

Now . . . Set the Stage to Practice Singing.

Auditorium – Pexels

Pexels/Pixabay

You’re rested, you’re hydrated, and you’re ready to practice, but is your space ready for you? When choosing a space to practice singing, consider the audition or performance experience. Will you be in a classroom, a choir room, or a theatre room with a small stage? During my undergraduate years, my favorite practice space was a small recital hall because it was spacious and uncluttered—just a piano, my music, a music stand, my supplies, my portable tape recorder and my “boom box!”

Assuming you can’t afford to build a personal recital hall in your home, you only need a few adjustments to turn any space into a good “practice room.” For example, here are seven tips for how to set the stage to practice for all-state auditions:

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