VOCALS
WHAT STYLE BEST SUITS MY VOICE ? | Sheri Gould
Can you choose the style of your voice or are you simply subject to the physiology of your vocal components ? Does it even matter ? Let ’ s explore some different possibilities for you …
CONTEXT Firstly , let ’ s look at the context in which you ’ re singing-because that can change , and ultimately affect the way you might best present . For example : are you singing background or other supportive role ( group , choir , harmony ) or are you singing in a more prominent ( or even entertainment based ) position ? Styling takes on a completely different role depending on your position function . An appropriate question might well be , “ what kind of singer am I ?” Please remember that often others see you as a certain “ type ” of singer , in fact , you may well have been asked to sing specifically because someone was looking for a certain type and you fit the bill ! This is not something to particularly fight against . It ’ s important to know and understand who you are , not just who you ’ d like to be . Both are valuable .
Jenna Fischer who brilliantly played “ Pam ” in the hit series “ The Office ” shared on her podcast that although she wanted to put forth a powerful self-assured woman on her resume , she realized that she came across more as “ the girl next door ”. Eventually , she learned how to capitalize on it and the rest is history . That said , I ’ m quite sure she could play a powerhungry vixen if she had to and in the same way you can also stretch yourself to become , at least , functional in multiple different styles in case you ’ re called upon to be flexible . Just remember that at your core lies your strength and you will do best there .
Sometimes it ’ s helpful to have a trusted friend or colleague give you feedback in this regard . Common advice for choosing a great business headshot is to ask someone else which one seems to best represent you . Not how you wish you looked , but how you really look . I always find it disturbing when I meet someone for the first time and the headshot they chose to go with their bio looks nothing like them ( or at least not in this decade ). In addition to getting a little outside input , try to come up with three adjectives that best describe your voice and what you ’ re going for vocally . This will help you to hone in on what you do well ( and ultimately help you to focus as you seek to improve ). Remember , it ’ s not about being the perfect singer , it ’ s about being you .
WHAT ’ S THE BEST STYLE FOR ME ? Oftentimes we choose to sing in a way that feels good to us . Perhaps we sing in a way that we think best represents how we ’ d like to appear / sound . Other times , we might be thinking about the best way to show our skill level . None of these is wrong exactly , it ’ s just that it ’ s not the best place to start . Our thoughts , first and foremost , should be “ what ’ s best for the listener ?”. Keep in mind that you are singing for an audience ( even if it ’ s an “ audience of One ”) and that audience has a desire to experience something and that sometimes might or might not include you doing what you do best . For example , with Christmas coming up there is no doubt that you will be listening to lots of Christmas music . There are lots of types of Christmas music to enjoy , but I want to center on two types for now . The type that demands your attention versus the types that can slip into the background if necessary .
Let ’ s take two artists renditions of Christmas songs that arguably demand your attention : “ Let it Snow ” ( Jessica Simpson ) and “ All I Want for Christmas ” ( Mariah Carey ). These are upbeat with the vocals right up front for you to listen and pay attention to . It would be hard to have a leisurely conversation while these songs were playing in the background . Those two singers are famous for their entertainment abilities as well as their singing voices . Now I ’ m going to juxtapose those two with entire albums that can pretty much be enjoyed up front or listened to in the background “ James Taylor At Christmas ”, “ A Christmas Album ” ( Amy Grant ) and “ Christmas Night ” ( Lenny LeBlanc - one of my all-time favorites ). There are many others of course but these came to mind easily . All of these are Christmas music but tend to play best in different environments .
When it comes to what style is best for you , look around at your environment . Take into consideration your skills and gifts . Bear in mind what the listener wants / needs . Then you can begin to put together who you want to be as a singer . Be flexible ! Practice singing in many different styles of music so that you can move freely into different style mediums when necessary . This will maximize your effectiveness and your usefulness .
May God Bless you as you sing for Him !
Sheri Gould Sheri is an internationally acclaimed vocal coach . She ’ s been helping artists and worshipers find their voice for over 40 years . For help and resources visit her site . www . SheriGould . com