For the longest time, I had difficulty being comfortable enough to belt out. I’d always been told by vocal teachers and spectators that I had a big voice, but I was always too shy to let it “all out,” so to speak. This all changed when I got into the Masters’ program at Cal State Los Angeles, but that’s a story for another day. The point I’m trying to make is it’s always interesting coming from one side of the spectrum (trying to create sound from nowhere because I was too shy to do so from the start) and encountering someone from the other side of the spectrum (trying to reign in an already big, present sound).
I started working with one of these types of students recently. Don’t misunderstand–when I say “rein” in a big voice, I don’t mean changing style or that individual’s unique sound. It is simply a way to help the vocalist add shape, dynamics and/or contour to their vocal performances. Usually the main thing that needs to be corrected is breath control–this can affect, volume, pitch, and the overall timbre of the voice.
One great tool for gaining better control of your instrument os the “steady release” exercise. I’ve mentioned it before in posts, but it really does work wonders. You breathe in for a count of five, hold for a count of five, and exhale, either releasing on a hissing sound or a “shh” sound. As your stamina increases, so will the amount of time that you inhale, hold and release your air. Knowing how to release air at a slow, consistent pace is a vital fundamental of controlled efficient singing. This exercise helps you to become more in tune with your instrument, giving you a better idea of how much air to take in for a phrase or note. Technique always ties into everything. Once your breath control improves, there’s less tension on your vocal chords, less likelihood of pitch issues, etc. Stylistic technique–where to put inflections, melismas, and where to take a breath within a phrase or throughout a song–can also help to make you more aware of your instrument and bring down the volume, if necessary.
I haven’t had the opportunity to work with a student with so much potential before, and, of course, students who take direction well make the whole experience of teaching someone with a big sound easier and more enjoyable. It’s these times that make me love teaching; you get to work with the student, witnessing where they started, and see where they end up. It’s very exciting to know that with just a little bit of work and determination, this individual could achieve great things and I look forward to seeing just how much they improve in the weeks to come.
