Ted's Voice Academy - BLOG

Greetings, students and fellow singers! Today, at Ted's Voice Academy, we are tackling one of the most misunderstood aspects of vocal training: singing in the 'mask.' This term often elicits confusion, incorrect assumptions, and even unintentional straining. It's high time we clear up the fog surrounding it. What Is 'Singing in the Mask'? 'Singing in the mask,' 'mask resonance,' 'forward placement,' 'buzz,' and 'ring' are some of the terms you'll hear describing the same concept: the sensation of voice resonance primarily in the front part of your face, specifically around the eyes and nasal area. This isn't about sounding nasal – which is often a misunderstood association – but rather about achieving vocal efficiency and a pleasing, balanced tone. Misconceptions About Mask Resonance Mask resonance is nasal: Incorrect. Nasality in tone comes from a lowered soft palate, allowing air to escape through your nose. Mask...

  Conclusion and Next Steps: Charting Your Course in the World of Singing Disclaimer Reminder: These explanations are meant to give an overview only, and it should be understood that there is considerably more complexity and detail than what I can disseminate in this platform. As we draw the curtains on this enlightening exploration of vocal techniques across diverse genres, it's time to revisit the key insights we've gained, the importance of practice and understanding, and a roadmap for your continuous journey towards vocal mastery. Recap of Key Points From Each Post Each singing genre—opera, speech-level singing, belting, and barbershop harmony—brings its unique vocal techniques, demands, and nuances. Opera requires a more formal and powerful approach with deep breath support, round vowels, and an open throat, resulting in rich resonance. Speech-level singing leans on natural, effortless singing that mimics our speaking voice, while belting calls for a reinforced mix to hit ...

  Comparing Vocal Techniques in Barbershop Quartet and Chorus Singing: From Solo to Ensemble and Back Again Disclaimer Reminder: These explanations are meant to give an overview only, and it should be understood that there is considerably more complexity and detail than what I can disseminate in this platform. In the vast panorama of vocal music, Barbershop Harmony Singing holds a special place, brimming with vibrancy, camaraderie, and an infectious joy for harmonic resonance. We've discussed the ins and outs of singing in a Barbershop Quartet and the dynamics of Barbershop Chorus Singing. Today, we'll contrast these two captivating performance styles, highlighting the similarities and differences in their vocal techniques, and providing practical insights for singers navigating both worlds. Introduction: Understanding the Difference Between Quartet and Chorus Singing Barbershop Quartet and Chorus Singing share the same heart—four-part a cappella harmony—but they offer uniquely...

  Vocal Techniques for Barbershop Chorus Singing: One Voice in Many Disclaimer Reminder: These explanations are meant to give an overview only, and it should be understood that there is considerably more complexity and detail than what I can disseminate in this platform. The world of Barbershop Harmony Singing is wonderfully diverse, with opportunities for both solo and ensemble performers. While the Quartet style we discussed in the previous blog post allows individual voices to shine, singing in a Barbershop Chorus emphasizes collective sound and harmony. Today, let's explore how the chorus experience differs from quartet singing and discover techniques to excel as a chorus singer. Introduction: The Chorus Experience in Barbershop Harmony Singing Barbershop Chorus Singing is a captivating expression of vocal harmony, offering singers the chance to contribute to a powerful, unified sound. A chorus typically consists of a dozen or so, to even a hundred singers, or more, divided int...

  Vocal Techniques for Barbershop Quartet Singing: The Art of Harmony Disclaimer Reminder: These explanations are meant to give an overview only, and it should be understood that there is considerably more complexity and detail than what I can disseminate in this platform. As we continue our journey through the vocal techniques across genres, we have arrived at an intriguing destination – the world of Barbershop Quartet Singing. [Note: Barbershop Chorus singing will be explored in Blog Post 8 of the series.] This style calls for a unique blend of personal proficiency, harmony, and the ability to tune with others. Today, we dive deeper into the subtleties of this genre and explore how to hone the required skills. Introduction: The Unique Demands of Quartet Singing Barbershop Quartet Singing is a special form of vocal ensemble. Each of the four singers — the lead, tenor, baritone, and bass — plays a critical role in creating the overall sound. The genre's success relies on the indivi...

  Introduction to Barbershop Harmony Singing: The Quintessential American Sound Disclaimer Reminder: These explanations are meant to give an overview only, and it should be understood that there is considerably more complexity and detail than what I can disseminate in this platform. Welcome to the next installment of our series on vocal techniques across genres. After exploring styles from the grandeur of opera to the naturalistic approach of Speech Level Singing, and the bold sound of belting, we now arrive at a uniquely American form of vocal music: Barbershop Harmony Singing. Introduction: What is Barbershop Harmony Singing? Barbershop harmony singing, often referred to as simply 'barbershop', is a genre of a cappella music characterized by four-part harmony in homophonic texture. It may be sung with all men, all women, a mix of men and women, and any other gender identities. A barbershop quartet consists of four singers, each singing one of the parts: lead, tenor, baritone,...