VOCALS
[ VOCAL ARTISTRY | Tim Carson ]
A vocal artist is different than a singer. Singers and beginning to develop the inner workings of STYLE
reproduce notes and words. Vocal Artists are the larynx. Most singers do not think of vocal style
able to connect heart to voice and find the ability
as something they have any control over
to accurately convey their heart’s message STRENGTH whatsoever. If they tend to sing with a traditional
through their songs. Singers approach their Each of us has two “parts” to our voice: the or classical sound, then they resign themselves
stage presence with what they think they should head voice (sometimes referred to as “falsetto”) to believing that is the “box” they need to stay in.
be doing-externally motivated. Vocal Artists are and the chest voice. Most of us feel confident in When we lack stylistic control and versatility, our
able to physically express their songs in a way only one of these two parts, and thus we often own performance is limited in expression and we
that is natural, engaging and authentic - internally neglect the other part of our voice. We may feel are unable to match our style to that of others
motivated. Singers are left to do the best they can embarrassed by that “other” part of our voice or with whom we’re singing in order to achieve a
within the limitations their voice has placed upon even feel that something is wrong with it, that it unified sound.
them. Vocal artists are in control of their voice, simply doesn’t possess the potential to become able to maneuver this instrument with freedom, balanced in strength with the part of our voice The reality is that developing stylistic flexibility in
strength, expression and style. In this article we with which we are more comfortable. your voice is a very real goal. I’ve seen operatic
will look closer at these four characteristics that The truth is that if you identify the “unused” part sopranos develop the ability to sing with a
define the Vocal Artist. of your voice, develop a vocal exercise plan that cutting-edge style, and “rockers” learn to sing
allows you to strengthen it and coordinate it with a song with such control and purity of style
FREEDOM the stronger part of your voice, you will find you that their songs touched people’s hearts with
Every singer I’ve ever met is frustrated, to one have far more potential than you ever dreamed tenderness and vulnerability. But if you don’t
degree or another, with a sense that their voice possible. Suddenly, songs and range you felt have practical tools to help you in this journey, it
is dictating to them what they can and can’t “just aren’t right for my voice” are well within can feel like an elusive pursuit.
do. They are not in control of their voice. They reach…and a lot of fun to sing!
experience these limitations with range, tone
The key to developing in this area is to identify
quality, stylistic flexibility… and the list goes on. EXPRESSION the specific areas of vocal production that really
The first step to true vocal freedom and control Too often, communication and stage presence define style. Things like vibrato use, diction, tone
is to eliminate vocal tension. can end up being about what we think we should color and pitch inflections are just some of the
be doing-with our hands, our body movements, “colors” vocal artists have available to them. The
Vocal tension is any muscle outside the voice our arms and our facial expressions. We next step is to form a strategy that allows you to
box (larynx) that manipulates the voice and its try to bring “energy” to our performance, isolate each of these colors and develop your
production. And while these different tension attempting to look engaged in order to draw ability to use them until they are added to the
areas do help - you can sing a little higher or a people into the experience. But all of these palette with which you express your songs.
little louder, and “survive” that challenging part motivations are externally focused, and what of a song - the limitations that come from these ends up being communicated is an artificial, THE JOURNEY TOWARD VOCAL ARTISTRY
tension areas far outweigh the help they provide. disconnected performance. Regardless of musical background or ability
level, we can all take steps forward in realizing
Your voice box is designed (miraculously!) in The Vocal Artist approaches his or her stage our full vocal potential. The journey toward
such a way that all the flexibility you need is presence with a vulnerable authenticity that is becoming a vocal artist is one of life’s most
provided by its inner-workings. Your full range, all powerfully expressive and contagious. The keys rewarding experiences. Take the next step
the dynamic contrast, and the style, nuance and to this type of communication are: toward connecting your heart to your voice and
“color” with which you sing is possessed within • Know the lyrics of the songs you are singing. discovering the freedom, strength, expression
the voicebox itself. The key to realizing your full Have you simply memorized words, or have and style possible as a vocal artist.
potential as a vocal artist is identifying the areas you allowed the song to speak to you in the For more info, visit www.vocalartistry.com.
of tension holding you back, developing a vocal preparation process? exercise plan that will help relax these areas of • Tell your “story”, bringing ALL of who you are to the
tension (neck, jaw, face, throat, and tongue) songs you sing rather than simply playing a role.
Sep Oct 2017
GearTechRec.com
Tim Carson: Founder of Vocal Artistry and the Vocal
Artistry training series. Master’s Degree in Voice
from Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago, IL.
VocalArtistry.com
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