The 4-Letter Acronym All Aspiring Singers Need to Know

The 4-Letter Acronym All Aspiring Singers Need to Know Sign up successful Vocalists are the only musicians  who do not have the option of making actual, physical contact with their instrument in order to produce a sound or tone. This is an important thing to consider when youre thinking about how to be a better singer. It  puts us at both an advantage and a disadvantage for a couple of reasons. For example, advantages include not having to carry much with us to a gig or having to spend money replacing parts we ARE the instrument.  However, being the instrument can also be a disadvantage, as many things can affect our singing voice:  the weather, our bodys natural hormonal balance, our diets, sleep habits, stress levels, and our emotions. Even sneezing too hard can cause an issue for some (especially if the sneeze happens while on stage yikes!). In my work as a music therapist, music educator, and artist development specialist, many of my clients bring some level of anxiety with them to our first voice lesson. By the time they leave, it is always my goal to have thoroughly expressed the necessity of sharing their emotional space with their audience, as this is what  allows connection and authenticity. For example, if you are singing in a choir, it is the use of realistic and authentic gestures, facial expressions, and vocal color that can only be the result of connecting with the piece of music. This cannot happen solely on an intellectual level. This must happen in an emotional way, as well. I am not suggesting that students expect a full-on therapy session whenever they go to a lesson or gig.  On the contrary, I encourage my students and clients to utilize the following tools as ways to paint the song into the hearts and minds of the listener. I use the acronym  L.I.V.E. to remind my students of these tools. L Laser I have seen much success in employing metaphors and symbolism into my teaching style. One of my most popular metaphors includes visualizing the voice as a laser. Somehow, students are able to better understand how to direct their voices. This is specifically helpful for artists-in-training who are learning how to project and properly sing forward. I Internalize Even the most touching song is only considered as such because the listener experienced some kind of emotional connection with the artists interpretation, the story of the song or even their own personal journey in life. Every song has several different avenues that lend toward artist connection and interpretation. Some artists connect with the melody, whether its haunting or flirtatious. Some feel more connected to the drum and bass of a song, while others are drawn toward its auxiliary instrumentation (strings, horns, etc.). Other artists connect with the lyrics, the actual story of the song. Finally, some will find their emotional bearings through another artists interpretation of the song. These connections are certainly interchangeable, sometimes from moment to moment. This is where a vocalist can recall real life situations and repurpose them as spices and herbs in our musical stew. V Visualize Anybody can sing karaoke! Chances are, if a student has worked with a private voice teacher or vocal coach, he or she is not aiming to just get through the song. My guess is that the student aspires to be much more polished and skillful at the art of singing. Visualizing yourself performing, and using visualization as a way to prepare for that long phrase coming up, may be the difference between singing pretty and throwing down! E â€" Explore Enunciation/Exaggeration No, Im not suggesting that every singer should aspire to become the Jim Carey of vocal acrobatics and shenanigans. I am suggesting we remember the fact that music is in the entertainment industry. As such, the most common underlying expectation people have when they come to a vocal concert is to be wowed and entertained. One of the easiest and most accessible ways to entertain your audience is to allow yourself to enunciate and exaggerate certain words and phrases in the song. Enunciation can be a tool applied to the melody, rhythm, lyrics, or emotion. Choosing to lay back behind the beat, or to syncopate a phrase or two to express a certain mood, emotion, or color, may be what sets you apart from others musically. Or, perhaps calling into mind that lovely person who cut you off in traffic may be just the thought to add some extra oomph  into your version of a power ballad, blues number, or musical theater piece. (I generally use the phrase, Put some STANK on it!) Got it? Heres a recap of what to remember: Remembering these tips can help you be a better singer and improve your stage presence. Additionally, exploration can be the difference between a working musician and a starving artist. Get out there and network! For example, in my lovely city of Baltimore, there are many clubs, venues, places of worship and coffee shops that provide ample time and opportunity to explore other genres, network, and much more. Get involved in the music community of your city to explore your musical authenticity! And, that’s it! Let’s not separate our lives from our music. When it’s go time the time to perform the most memorable performances are by those who remember to L.I.V.E. through their music. Dont just sing the lyrics, let your heart sing! Thanks for reading! Post Author:  DeTrece L. DeTrece L. is a radio show host, artist development specialist, music therapist, music producer and singing teacher  in Baltimore, MD. She has performed internationally since age 8 with stars such as Brenda Russell and Steven  Tyler, and has been  teaching singing lessons for over 15 years. Learn more about DeTrece here! Photo by Robert Pratt Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher