VOCALS
SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT | Sheri Gould
I recently had the opportunity to watch the new when you recognize all the training he had 2019 documentary about the late opera singer, before he met her. I have always said that you Luciano Pavarotti, called simply: “Pavarotti” need to have that “epiphany” where you finally I’d like to challenge you to stretch your playlist
directed by Ron Howard. I highly recommend put breath support all together in your mind and to include some singing that can challenge
it, watch the trailer below. I confess that over body. What an amazing difference it can make. and inspire you to use better technique. And
the years I’ve likely not appreciated opera as I
imitate their mistakes.
let me make this clear: I’m not asking you to
should. I studied classical singing when I was So, I would like to challenge you to watch this sound like an opera star! I just want you to
in college and so I have always had a great short video (below) of the gal that taught Mr. learn some of their techniques and apply them
respect for the singers and their incredible Pavarotti, arguably the most famous tenor to your specific style. There are lots of great
ability. However, watching opera has never of his time, how to properly support a tone. I singers (and not so great singers!) in every style
been one of my favorite pastimes. My husband would like you to pay close attention to what of music. The great ones have taken time at
happened to catch the documentary on a plane moves when she sings, and what doesn’t. some point to understand their voice and learn
and thought my (vocal coach) daughter and I Namely, nothing from the chest up moves or to use it properly. This can be done in any and
would really enjoy it and we did. is strained in any way. Watch closely for the every style of singing. Proper breath support is
last, incredible, note. She is the picture of a the #1 thing all singers need to understand to
A few things struck us about Luciano Pavarotti completely relaxed and supported singing. avoid vocal damage. My mantra has long been
and his journey as a classical singer. First, Keep in mind that opera singers perform live “I want you to sing like an opera singer, just
he had a father that was a wonderful singer. every time. They need to have their craft honed don’t sound like one!” But this is impossible to
Luciano claimed that his father had a better and ready. They need technique that will not fail do if you don’t listen and learn. And while you’re
voice than he did but was unable (for various them. No tricks or help from the producer! at it, try singing a little opera yourself. You’ll find
reasons) to make it as a singer. I suppose it
yourself employing technique you never knew
makes sense that one of his famous quotes I’m not asking you to enjoy classical singing or was, “If children are not introduced to music at even Joan’s voice in particular, but I am asking an early age, I believe something fundamental you to recognize that singing “properly” requires Over the next few months I’ll be addressing
is actually being taken from them.” I couldn’t a great deal of skill. The amount of training that what happens when a singer has damaged
agree more! He grew up singing with his Dad goes into classical singing is immense. We, in vocal cords, and how to go about healing and
and also studied music constantly. He went to our more contemporary genres, often want a restoration. But first I want to encourage you to
college and became a teacher. Only later did he lot of result from our voices with very little effort. get a decent understanding of breath support,
decide to actually study voice and he studied Often, we don’t get what we’re looking for. This and how key it is… to getting what you want out
for an additional six years before striking out is, in part, for lack of time to perfect our craft but of your voice. I hope you enjoy this little trek into
into the world. It was shortly after this that also for lack of training and its causing no small the world of classical singing. You don’t have to
he had the opportunity to sing alongside the problem for singers en masse. Since most of stay long, just long enough to get inspired!
incredible (opera) singer Joan Sutherland. He us rarely listen to this type of music, we fail to said (if you can believe this) that she taught him glean even small pieces of technique. Instead, how to breathe properly. This is remarkable we listen to other untrained singers and tend to
you had.
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
Pavarotti Trailer
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Joan Sutherland
November 2019
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