VOCALS
[ HARMONY 301 | Sheri Gould ]
Welcome to part III in the Harmony series. In then go back to the original melody line to this, the final portion, we will look at one of again demonstrate how the two sound nearly the simplest ways to find a vocal harmony. identical. Then I explain that either one of these LISTEN MORE AND SING LESS.
This little “trick” will work every time, as long “melodies” could easily have been chose but Stop singing the melody. This will help you
as there is just you and the melody. If you that Mr. Carpenter chose the first. to hear the harmonies that are present in the
add a third part, it could still work, but might
So, to recap this series:
music you generally listen to. Once you can
require a bit of adjustment. Unlike my previous The thing about this approach that makes it so more easily hear the harmonies, try singing
approaches, this approach is fun and easy-ha! doable is that it’s much less intimidating. You along with them.
You don’t need to really understand anything are singing a melody line that you recognize, about music theory or chord structure to be and rather than struggle trying to find each DEVELOP VOCAL INDEPENDENCE.
able to pull it off. I always present this part last note, you are singing an entire line, and it’s It’s important to learn how to sing your own
however, because I really believe that we, as familiar. This trick can typically be used a 3rd notes while listening to others sing theirs—
singers, should be good musicians as well. I or 4th above or below the melody. Your only especially when their note is different from
encourage you to always be growing as a job is to find the right note to start on. Then yours. Do not cover or plug your ears when you
singer and a musician. Although this approach you can go! are singing with others. In order to blend and
is the easiest, I encourage you to work on the
mesh well with others you have to listen.
first two sections of this article series as well. Another way to do this, and I recommend that But when you need to learn a harmony part teams try this as an exercise regularly so that LEARN TO SING INTERVALS ON COMMAND.
FAST, this is the way to do it! ALL of their team members can become more Being able to accurately sing a half step or
proficient at both harmony and improvisation, a whole step can often mean the difference
For this approach, you will need to keep a chorus is to have a keyboardist or guitar player play between finding the right note and the wrong
in mind for demonstration. I typically use “Draw the song for the vocalists, minus any melody. note for your harmony part.
Me Close” by Kelly Carpenter in my classes Have everyone simply “make-up” their own because of the simple, yet beautiful structure melody to the song. As long as they stay within PRACTICE WITH FEEDBACK.
of the chorus. It is also easily recognized by the chord structure, anything they sing will As scary as it is to review a recording of your
most everyone in my classes. What I do first sound good. I instruct them to stay away from voice—do it. It’s one of the best learning tools
is sing the melody: “You’re all I want. You’re all the original melody notes, but aside from that you have.
I’ve ever needed. etc.” Then I demonstrate that the sky is the limit! They will find that they are by starting a 3rd lower (3 musical scale steps), making beautiful harmony without necessarily PRACTICE FINDING AN ALTERNATE MELODY.
I can sing almost the exact same melody line even trying! This is a great exercise to try for Anytime you get the chance, try making up
(only very slight variation that becomes obvious you as well. Try making up new melodies for your own melody to an existing song. Make
as you adjust for the key signature) and it existing songs that you know. Use the original sure to use the same words and rhythm.
works. It sounds almost exactly like the original words and rhythm. Stay within the chord melody. I call this the “alternate melody.” I will structure. It will be fun and sound great.
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July 2017
God bless you as seek to sing and to serve Him.
WorshipMusician.com