VOCALS
SPEECH LEVEL SINGING | Sheri Gould
Long before there was such a thing as “ Speech Level Singing ” as made famous by Seth Riggs ( the “ legendary voice teacher to the stars ”), I was using the concept in my own way to help students achieve a more natural and contemporary style of singing . I often used a student ’ s speaking voice to help them launch into a more authentic singing voice . Although there may be some criticism regarding Mr . Rigg ’ s techniques , I believe there is merit to the concept , especially if one is under the care of a qualified vocal coach . For the remainder of this article , I will be using the term “ speech level singing ” to indicate a type of singing that utilizes the normal functions of speech as a means to a better overall sound for singers . I am not specifically referring to Seth Rigg ’ s teaching .
I have personally found it advantageous for singers to get in touch with various areas of resonance when they are structuring their tone quality . For a student to be “ stuck ” in one particular area of their voice , with the inability to move into another , is a waste of potential . Speech level singing , or singing that is done in the natural speech range with the resonance qualities of speech , is easy to achieve and often introduces a student to areas of resonance that they may not have previously used during singing . Often , I have found that untrained singers will try to affect their singing voice in an unnatural way that create an isolated resonance that is unpleasant to listen to . However , this technique is not as foolproof as it once was . In years gone by , people tended to have healthier speaking voices . Today there is an epidemic of voice maladies . These are more often related to speech issues rather than singing technique , although they are often interrelated . It ’ s hard to have a healthy set of vocal folds if you are constantly abusing your voice through improper speaking habits . For this reason , as a vocal coach , I must examine both the speaking voice and the singing voice of my students . They need to both be working properly before they can work together .
Once it ’ s been established that a singer has a healthy speaking voice , then we can move toward the concept of and ideas behind the use of speech level singing . Speech should be properly supported with the breathing muscles , as should all singing . Depending on the areas of resonance the student uses naturally for speaking , we should be able to utilize those same areas for singing in the speech range available to the student / singer . Here is where one hand washes the other , so to speak ( pun intended ). We can use the speech range and resonance to warm up and authenticate the singing voice , and we can use the speaking voice to stretch , become healthier and more vibrant . If the speaking voice lacks resonance and warmth , we can draw from the singing voice and improve those things .
Another important aspect of speech level singing is that it can help a singer do a better job of communicating their message . We need to always keep in mind , as singers , that our most important job is provide a clear message . When people come to hear or see someone sing it is because they want to have an experience . What they are able to experience is intricately connected to the message that you , as a singer , bring . It ’ s not about your tone quality , your appearance , your powerful and amazing voice , as much as it is about the message you bring . Sadly , this is not focused on as much as it could be when we prepare our individual songs or the songs we bring as a team or choir .
To improve upon this skill , try this : speak through the words of your song . Speak through them in the way you would say them if you were talking conversationally with someone , not in a “ sing-song ” manner of speech . Make sure that the message of the song comes through clearly and powerfully as you speak the words . If you can ’ t get the message across through speech , what chance do you have of getting it across once you add a melody ? Try to rely solely on your ability to bring the message through the words alone . Notice your natural inflection , cadence and accents . Once you feel confident that you can communicate this well through speech alone , then you are ready to add the melody ! Do your best , as the music allows , to replicate the same inflections and accents ( dynamics ) that you did when you spoke it . ( Good songwriters take these into consideration !)
So , in conclusion , the benefits of connecting your healthy speech to your singing voice can be many and it ’ s a simple technique to master . I pray you find this helpful as you continue to 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