Herman Leonard's Stolen Moments June 6,7,8 - New Jersey Jazz ...

Yours For A Song
By Laura Hull
NJJS Music Committee Member
Mastering Voice
and Performance
Most singers study with a technique teacher to keep the voice in
shape. A good teacher can quickly diagnose vocal problems
and imbalances, and guide a vocalist in correcting issues that
prevent the full realization of the singer’s vocal potential. This
typically takes into account the singer’s body and psyche and,
coupled with the teacher’s knowledge of vocal physiology and
psychology, can produce a significant transformation. Having strong
technique allows the vocal freedom to sing with ease through a
singer’s entire range, high or low, loud or soft, and without strain.
Although the title of vocal coach is a widely used term, there still is
much confusion about what a vocal coach actually does. The vocal
coach assists a singer in everything except technique. A coach is
usually a pianist who has worked with singers, but not in the
customary role of accompanist or collaborator. The coach pays
attention to a wide array of vocal and musical issues. The basic
musical elements the coach must listen for include correct pitches,
rhythms and words. Are the pitches in tune, are the rhythms
accurate, and do they give the music life? Are the words not only
correct, but also pronounced accurately and clearly, and are they
inflected appropriately and expressively? A coach assists a singer in
selecting repertoire, and helps the singer to grasp their style, as well
as shaping of phrases, a convincing communication of the text, an
efficient taking and using of breath, a smooth vocal line and an even
resonance, not to mention color and placement of tone. If there is a
shift over to any technique issues, the vocal coach will tell the client,
“Take this to your teacher.”
Then there is the singers’ master class. A master class is typically an
hours-long or day-long workshop with an artist with expertise in
singing and performance. This style of teaching allows the performer
to share their best practices, a collection of lessons learned
along their pathway to success. I enjoy attending a master class now
and again.
In the master class setting, each singer comes to the class with their
own portfolio of strengths, weaknesses and interests, which both
intrigues and challenges the master. And like any other musical
experience, it begins with listening. The singer steps up to the mic
and talks about his/her level of experience and what issues they are
working to improve or correct, or what they are looking to achieve
by attending the class. Then the singing begins, and at the conclusion
of the song, the master offers advice to improve sound, intonation,
phrasing, the adding of color and texture, and recommends
changes to the physical performance of the song. It isn’t only about
the song, but watching your performance delivery. Did the singer
show confidence, deliver the story of the song? Was posture and
body movement correct, were there appropriate hand gestures? All
JerseyArticlesJazz
continued on page 49
P.O. Box 995 • Easton, PA 18044-0995
Presents
VINCE
GIORDANO’S
NIGHTHAWKS
Dedicated to playing the
Golden era of jazz repertory
Sunday, June 22, 2008
2:00 – 5:00PM
Easton Moose
~
Lodge, Easton PA
PJS Members $18
Others $20 Students $5
Food and Drink Available
Tickets available at the door or send SASE to:
PENNSYLVANIA JAZZ SOCIETY
PO BOX 995 EASTON, PA 18044
Info: 610-740-9698
More info: www.PaJazzSociety.org
or e-mail: PAJazzsociety@aol.com
July 13 Jazzfest – Plainfield Twp. Fire Co.
Bucky Pizzarelli, Marty Grosz and His Hot Winds
Gary Dee and His Dixie Dandies
32 __________________________________ June 2008