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Notes from this week and Imitation

2/28/2017

What a fun class. I am really enjoying seeing all of you perform, and get better, and breaking down the performing process into steps.
From the last assignment here are some tips:
1. Reading the words aloud and putting the message (or story) into your own words can really help with telling the story in a relaxed and expressive way.
2. It is easier to concentrate on the vocal without the additional complication of playing an instrument.
3. What you are working toward is YOUR take on the story.
4. don't be afraid to show emotion or enthusiasm. Why not? Let people see the light in you and feel it's magic.

For next week work on an imitation of someone. Below is an article about how this can help with your process.

http://blog.sonicbids.com/why-imitating-other-singers-can-help-you-find-your-own-voice

blog.sonicbids.com/why-imitating-other-singers-can-help-you-find-your-own-voice

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Notes for class and future classes

2/14/2017

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I noticed a big improvement in everyone's performance over the first class. Here are just a few things we talked about:
* Remember to make eye contac. Look right into someone's eyes.
* Slow down, to help the audience understand the words (story) and to help you make the most of the song.
* Try singing without playing the use. Keep the Uke accompaniment simple so as not to distract from the vocal, if that is the focus.
* Maybe keep a cheat sheet close at hand in case of a complete blank out.
* Remember to keep on moving through mistakes so that you don't draw attention to them.
* Don't begin your performance with an apology (hope I don't screw up, etc...)Pretend to be more confident that you are.
* Strong vocals are essential (if the vocal is your focus). Remember to sing with strength, which does not mean loud and to keep your instrument at a lower level so that it doesn't distract from the vocal.

At the next class (#3 on Feb 27), please sing a song without playing the ukulele. Get someone to play for you, or sing acapella, of use a recording. That way you can focus on the vocal without having the added complication of playing at the same time.
Class # 4 (March 6) - plan to imitate a singer that you enjoy or admire. By doing this you can analyze what you like about them and what they do to get that effect, and try to copy their style. This is not so that can sing like that person but rather to pull you away from your own self consciousness, and play act a little, which is what performing is.
Class #5 (March 13) - Sing or play a duet. Playing with someone else requires some different skills that performing and it can be very very fun.
Class #6 (Probably March 20 but we may look at an alternate day for this class). Back to solo performing. Consider preparing a song that you can perform in public. There is an opportunity to perform in a very non-threatening environment at the library on March 30.
You do not need to have a new song every week. If there is a song you would like to work on, and you feel you can improve, by all means, keep working on it.

Here are a couple of really interesting videos:
http://musicalexchange.carnegiehall.org/group/voice/forum/topics/how-to-communicate-more-personal-and-expressive-song-texts

Sarah Maisel has. very expressive style. You may like her or not, and you may not want to be like her but it is very hard to feel apathetic or uninterested when you are watching her. Below are a couple of videos. You will notice that when she is playing and singing at the same time, the focus is on the vocal and the ukulele very much in the background and not distracting at all

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogg5jeCPXc8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5bhJFS_VmU

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Notes from this week and Imitation

Notes for class and future classes

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