The term Messa di voce means “Place the Voice.” This is an advanced singing technique which may be practiced and performed on one pitch using dynamic control of crescendos and decrescendos. The dynamics begin from soft (p), gradually moving to loud (f), and returning to soft (p). Keep the voice even, stable, and unified throughout …
September 2013 archive
Sep 19
Stages of Breath
There are four stages of breath while singing: Inhalation, Suspension, Exhalation, and Recovery. The air must enter quietly and efficiently during inhalation into the space of an (a) vowel. Once air fills the lungs, suspension takes place. For example, the air must be maintained and compressed with an open throat before exhalation. Compression of air …
Sep 18
Passion for Singing
I have been reading the book “Body, Mind and Music” written by Laurie Riley, founder of Harp for Healing LLC, which is a certified program for therapuetic musicians. She has wonderful ideas which may be easily applied to a singer’s life and career. Today, I want to highlight the concept of passion. Being a professional …
Sep 17
Breathing Exercise
An excellent breathing exercise is to exhale all of the air from the lungs with energy and force, as if blowing out many cake candles. Once air has been expelled, inhalation should immediately travel to the lungs. Allow for full expansion in the middle to lower torso, engaging the abdomen, ribs, and back. This expansive …
Sep 16
Lip Trills and Humming
Excellent ways to gently warm up the voice are lip trills and humming. Lip trills provide relaxation in the facial muscles and energize the breath. It is important to keep the lips slightly pressed together. If there is too much space, breath will escape. When the coordination is correct at the lips, add sound and …