Know Your Performance!

**NOTE: The following subject will focus on vocalists; however, the same concepts can be applied to any musician.

When rehearsing/practicing for any performance, many do not understand that the majority of the time will not be spent singing. Most of the time will be spent actually studying the history, background, etc of the composition; after which you will apply that knowledge to how you sing. Whether you’ve received new music in the vocal studio with your teacher/coach or on your own accord, there are a few things (this list is not exhaustive) that you must not neglect to do in order to present an efficient and artistically masterful performance. Or at least this should be attempted to the best of your ability.

·      Identify the language.

o   Is it English, French, German, Italian, Polish, etc? Before attempting any foreign language in public be sure to study the diction of the language. Ask native speakers to assist you if you are not taking any classes through school, etc. What qualities are present based on the language? What should you do and not do as far as vocal and textual stress?

o   Read the text over and over and over until it is second nature, even if the composition is in English. You will be surprised how difficult it is to sing properly in English, so take time and be efficient by preparing the text. Be expressive even as you speak the text.

·      Research the composer.

o   What is the stylistic approach and intentions of the composer? What time frame is he or she from? What are the stylistic qualities and requirements of the time period? How can and will you implement these in your performance?

·      Study the rhythm and tempo markings.

o   How difficult is the meter? Does it change often? How fast or slow is the tempo? Will the tempo create any artistic changes or occurrences such as portamento, subito, rubato, etc? Are you quickly able to familiarize yourself with it? If not, lots of time should be devoted to this.

·      Study melody.

o   This is probably one of the most important steps to consider.  There will be more on this in the next blog.

For now you can begin applying the above steps into your performance study. You will notice this takes quite a while to do and should not be rushed in any way. So until the next post get to know your performance.

Thanks for reading,

Bryant Belin