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Vocal Mechanics

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    Commonalities Between Classical and Musical Theater SingingWSMA Conference 2011

    On the Index Card Please Write:

    One of the things you most fear

    about teaching Music Theater forcontests.

    Email address if you want a copyof the powerpoint.

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    Commonalities Between Classical and Musical Theater SingingWSMA Conference 2011

    Kjerstie JohansonArtistic Director MadCap

    Melanie Cain, DMAFresco Opera Theatre

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    Commonalities Between Classical and Musical Theater SingingWSMA Conference 2011

    I. Common Terms, Different Definitions

    II. Vocal Mechanics: How the Voice Works

    III. What are the Differences in Technique?

    IV. Researching the Songs- Movement- Gestures- Poetry- Musical Hints from the Composer

    V. Masterclass

    VI. Q & A

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    Commonalities Between Classical and Musical Theater SingingWSMA Conference 2011

    Common Terminology/ Different Definitions

    Support:

    Classical: the word support goes hand in hand withbreath.

    Musical Theater: support is more about giving the

    thicker cords an anchor underneath.

    -Using rest of the bodys muscles to providesupport.

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    Commonalities Between Classical and Musical Theater SingingWSMA Conference 2011

    Common Terminology/ Different Definitions

    Intonation:

    In both Musical Theatre and Classical Singing, intonation is hastwo different levels.

    One, intonation problems due to pitch matchinginadequacies.

    Second, intonations issues due to incorrect vowel placement

    (use if interiors of the face and throat) and support issues.

    Spin: velocity and shape of the resonators

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    Commonalities Between Classical and Musical Theater SingingWSMA Conference 2011

    Common Terminology/ Different Definitions

    Diction:

    Both classical and musical theater demand good

    diction.

    Musical theater takes more liberties with correct

    pronunciation due to character and possible accents.-More Speech like Diction, not as formal, intimate

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    Commonalities Between Classical and Musical Theater SingingWSMA Conference 2011

    Common Terminology/ Different Definitions

    Vowel Placement:

    Both classical and theater singing demand good vowelplacement. Terms include Mask, Forward, Nasal, Twang.

    Classical singing uses a more open, heady placement.

    Musical Theater is placed more forward and more inthe speaking area of the voice. Singing in the chest

    voice, head voice, and mix.-Mix vs. Belting

    C li i Cl i l d i l h Si i

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    Commonalities Between Classical and Musical Theater SingingWSMA Conference 2011

    Common Terminology/ Different Definitions

    Vibrato: Lots of theories!

    Free oscillation of the vocal cords from (1) an open pharynx or open throat along with (2)healthy "closure of the cords"

    Even sub-glottic breath pressure. This is regulated by the"support system" which involves the abdominal muscles.

    Movement of the Larynx: Shaking of the throatmuscles like a tremble

    Pulsing with the Diaphragm

    Movement of

    Slight variation of pitch

    What is it?

    C li i B Cl i l d M i l Th Si i

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    Commonalities Between Classical and Musical Theater SingingWSMA Conference 2011

    Basically, its all the same vocalmechanism!

    VOCAL MECHANICS

    Differences come in how the

    mechanism is manipulated tomake specific sounds.

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    Step 1: Turn on the Power

    Inhale: Diaphragm lowers, creating open space for thelungs, air rushes in.

    Exhale: Process reverses, Diaphragm comes back to startposition, pushing the air out of the lungs up through the

    trachea.

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    Step 2: Good Vibrations

    The cords close over the air stream creating pressurized air.The air pushes through the cords. The air pressure fallsunderneath the cords sucking them back together. This isknown as the Bernoulli Effect. This opening and closingaction happens hundreds to thousands a time per second!

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    Step 2: Making the Pitch

    The pitch is determined by the length and tension of thevocal cords, the speed of the vibrations. This length andtension is created by the muscles in the larynx.

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    Step 2: Shape Up!

    At this point the sound produced is much like a trumpet mouthpiece.The RESONATORS are going to shape that sound into unique tonesand vowel shapes.

    Resonators: Throat, Nasal Passages, Mouth, Lips, Tongue, Palates.

    Commonalities Bet een Classical and M sical Theater Singing

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    Commonalities Between Classical and Musical Theater SingingWSMA Conference 2011

    Technique: What are the Differences?

    Laryngeal placement

    Classical: Usually a lowered larynx, creating a taller space inthe throat: deeper/darker soundsInstrument comparison Flute vs. Double Reed instrument

    Musical Theatre: Higher larynx: Smaller space, smaller/ poppy

    sound.

    Character voices: Larynx placement can be used to createcharacter voices: i.e. Wicked: Glenda

    Commonalities Between Classical and Musical Theater Singing

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    Commonalities Between Classical and Musical Theater SingingWSMA Conference 2011

    Technique: What are the Differences?

    Cord Thickness

    Classical: Thinner, longer cords, only using the edgeof the cords: Breathier, lighter tone.

    Musical Theater: Thicker, shorter cords using muchmore of the cord: Speech like, Full tone.

    Commonalities Between Classical and Musical Theater Singing

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    Commonalities Between Classical and Musical Theater SingingWSMA Conference 2011

    Technique: What are the Differences?

    Amount of air

    Classical: Can take a larger breath, there is much lesspressure under the cords.

    Musical Theater: Much smaller, often higher breaths:Because of the full closure of the cords,

    need much less pressure under the cords.(For full belt/ chest voice.)

    Commonalities Between Classical and Musical Theater Singing

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    Commonalities Between Classical and Musical Theater SingingWSMA Conference 2011

    Research: Doing the Homework!

    Movement

    Musical theater: blocking the scene, setting the stage,less is more is the general rule.

    -New change, no costume mention.

    -Not about the things, but more about the intension.Ex. Setting up chairs

    Classical: Can I move? When do I move?

    Commonalities Between Classical and Musical Theater Singing

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    Commonalities Between Classical and Musical Theater SingingWSMA Conference 2011

    Research: Doing the Homework!

    Gestures

    With both styles, gestures should be inspiredby text and emotion. Not necessary to signlanguage each word.

    Examples

    Commonalities Between Classical and Musical Theater Singing

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    Commonalities Between Classical and Musical Theater SingingWSMA Conference 2011

    Research: Doing the Homework!Poetry

    Read the text allowed without the music, memorize itlike a monologue. Note inflections, what your voicenaturally does.

    -Poetic reading, Paraphrase in modern speak:-Relate personally, stories/movies. Help thestudent reframe it in a contemporary way.

    Commonalities Between Classical and Musical Theater Singing

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    Commonalities Between Classical and Musical Theater SingingWSMA Conference 2011

    Research: Doing the Homework!

    Poetry

    Tu lo saiBy Torelli

    Alfred Version

    Commonalities Between Classical and Musical Theater Singing

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    Commonalities Between Classical and Musical Theater SingingWSMA Conference 2011

    Research: Doing the Homework!

    Poetry

    Someone Elses Story from ChessLong ago,

    In someone else's lifetimeSomeone with my nameWho looked a lot like me

    Came to knowA man and made a promise

    He only had to sayAnd that's where she would beLately, although the feelings run just as deep,

    The promise she made has grown impossible tokeep

    And yet I wish it wasn't soWill he miss me if I go?

    Commonalities Between Classical and Musical Theater Singing

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    Commonalities Between Classical and Musical Theater SingingWSMA Conference 2011

    Research: Doing the Homework!

    Musical Hints from the composer

    Examples of accompaniment characterization

    Placement of breaths, rests, high notes, etc.

    Why did the composer write it like that?

    Commonalities Between Classical and Musical Theater Singing

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    Commonalities Between Classical and Musical Theater SingingWSMA Conference 2011

    Research: Doing the Homework!

    Musical Hints from the composer

    Examples of accompaniment

    characterization

    Wishing You Were Somehow Here AgainfromPhantom

    Giants in the Sky fromInto the Woods

    Mandoline by Faur

    Commonalities Between Classical and Musical Theater Singing

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    Commonalities Between Classical and Musical Theater SingingWSMA Conference 2011

    Research: Doing the Homework! Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again fromPhantom

    Commonalities Between Classical and Musical Theater Singing

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    Commonalities Between Classical and Musical Theater SingingWSMA Conference 2011

    Research: Doing the Homework!

    Giants in the Sky fromInto the Woods

    Commonalities Between Classical and Musical Theater Singing

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    Commonalities Between Classical and Musical Theater SingingWSMA Conference 2011

    Research: Doing the Homework!

    Mandoline by Faur

    Commonalities Between Classical and Musical Theater Singing

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    Commonalities Between Classical and Musical Theater SingingWSMA Conference 2011

    Research: Doing the Homework!

    Musical Hints from the composer

    Placement of Breaths, Rests, High

    Notes, etc.

    Fine Fine Line from Avenue Q

    Silent Noon by Vaughan Williams

    Commonalities Between Classical and Musical Theater Singing

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    Commonalities Between Classical and Musical Theater SingingWSMA Conference 2011

    Research: Doing the Homework!

    Fine Fine Line

    Commonalities Between Classical and Musical Theater Singing

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    Commonalities Between Classical and Musical Theater SingingWSMA Conference 2011

    Research: Doing the Homework!

    Silent Noon

    Commonalities Between Classical and Musical Theater Singing

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    Commonalities Between Classical and Musical Theater SingingWSMA Conference 2011

    Masterclass TimeSee it in Action!

    Jemima Liposcak

    The Perfect RelationshipfromBells are Ringing

    Commonalities Between Classical and Musical Theater Singing

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    Commonalities Between Classical and Musical Theater SingingWSMA Conference 2011

    Q & A


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