Seven slices of singer’s pie
by Sarah Sloan
What does it take to be a great singer? Many beginners starting out exploring their vocal potential soon want to take their training to the next level. To be able to compete in today’s musical theatre or classical music world, the savvy singer learns that weekly voice lessons are a small piece of the performing pie. Here are seven other “slices” that make up the complete singer:
Understand good singing. Young singers are are immersed in a narrow field of top forty radio. The serious performer should listen to a variety of genres, from gospel to blue grass, to gain a more sophisticated “ear.”
Sing in a choir. All vocalists, from pop to classical, at some point will be required to sing in an ensemble. Choral groups provide beginners the opportunity to learn harmony and blending while gaining valuable stage experience.
Learn keyboard. Acquiring basic skills like scales and playing melody lines is essential for any musician and will make the vocal training process much easier.
Take an acting class. Singers are the only musicians that use spoken language. Study the basics of good acting to improve your presentation and effectively express the text.
Record yourself. Another challenge singers face is that we cannot hear ourselves accurately. There are real physiological barriers that make it impossible. The best teacher you will ever have is your voice recorder. Use it well and often.
Perform frequently. Even if it's just for Aunt Bertha at Thanksgiving, constant and consistent performing will cultivate stage presence.
As we can see, there are many ingredients that go into our Singer's Pie. Acting lessons, choral groups and performing opportunities are essential elements for the whole performer. Think of voice lessons as the crust and these other habits as the tasty filling.