Vocal Development

Dr. Chandra ClarkTCF 321

Singing Voices

First Understandings

Progress takes timeYou need an outside ear, you can’t trust what you hear

from the insideStep outside your comfort zoneBe prepared mentally as well as vocallyRemember it’s a cycle of learningYou’re not learning to develop a voice for singing at

an opera or concert, but you are developing a voice that you want people to remember

Mouth Articulators

Mouth Anatomy

Vocal Mechanism

Pyramid of Vocal Skills

Posture-the foundation Breathing-how we move

our air Phonation-process of

turning air into sound Resonance-the

vibrations that give you tone and carrying power

Articulation-how you shape the sound to make words

4 General Goals of Vocal Development

Quality- how well we present the sound to the audience and the rapport we set with them

Consistency-build muscle memory that there’s no other way to sing it; repetition without error

Power-how you connect with the audience through on-air magic

Freedom-a free voice has twice the power of a forced voice; example: actor vs. performer

Circle of Vocal Performance

Holding your instrument Phrasing and delivery Accuracy Articulation Sound

a. Clarity (clear; quality)

b. Depth (serious; emotional)

c. Sonority (producing sounds)

d. Lift (high/low/young or old)

e. Consistency (patterns)

News Broadcast VoicesYou only get one opportunity to make yourselves

understood so be clear and concise.Use conversational tone. Write like people talk.Use short, declarative sentences and contractionsUse active voice: “The governor gave a speech.”

instead of “A speech was given by the governor.”Use present or future tense when appropriateUse today language not yesterdayBroadcasters use ellipsis and underlining for pausesDon’t make viewers or listeners work to get their

information

Examples:

Shephard SmithNancy GraceDiane SawyerKatie CouricBrian Williams/Matt La

uer/Al RokerAnderson Cooper

David LettermanStephen Colbert

Producing Sound

Posture:• Standing: Feet apart

standing on balls of feet, knees flexed, hips straight, abdomen pushes out as you breath

• Sitting: sit on edge of chair with feet flat and back straight

Key Elements:Volume: loud or softPitch: high or lowRate: fast or slowTone: (timbre);

resonance or qualityArticulation: clearly

speak where lips, teeth, tongue, jaw and palates work together