Ted's Voice Academy - BLOG

  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,...

  Breath Support Across Genres: The Invisible Foundation 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. We have explored various vocal techniques from opera to belting in our ongoing series. Regardless of genre, one element remains universally critical - breath support. Let's take a deeper look at this invisible foundation of singing across different styles. Introduction: The Crucial Role of Breath Support in Singing Breath support is the powerhouse behind every note sung. It fuels the voice, allowing for sustained tones, controlled dynamics, and long, flowing phrases. Breath support not only improves your vocal tone and range but also contributes to vocal health by reducing strain on the vocal cords. It's the cornerstone of all singing, albeit applied differently across genres. Breath Support in Opera: Deep, Sus...

  Belting Vocal Technique: Power and Intensity in 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. Welcome back to our dive into vocal techniques across genres. After uncovering the secrets of speech level singing, we now venture into a style commonly associated with musical theater and popular music - belting. This technique, packed with power and intensity, is key to delivering show-stopping performances. Introduction: What is Belting, and Where is it Commonly Used? Belting originated in the world of musical theater and has found its way into various other genres, such as rock, pop, and gospel. It refers to a specific technique of voice production that allows a singer to maintain their chest voice higher into their vocal range, resulting in a powerful and intense sound that cuts through a music mix. Physiology of Beltin...

  Vocal Techniques Across Genres - Basic Vocal Technique 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 first installment in our journey into the world of vocal mastery! In this blog post, we'll be exploring the foundational principles of vocal techniques, which form the bedrock of all singing, and introducing the genres we'll delve into in future posts. But first, let's establish why understanding these vocal techniques is essential for singers. Vocal techniques serve as your roadmap in the vast landscape of singing. They are crucial in shaping and developing your voice, enabling you to unlock its full potential. By understanding and mastering different vocal techniques, you're not just expanding your repertoire – you're also broadening your ability to express yourself and connect with your audi...

  Speech Level Singing Technique: Singing as Naturally as Speaking 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 back to our series exploring vocal techniques across genres. After our dive into the grandeur of opera, we now shift our focus to a more modern approach to singing - Speech Level Singing (SLS). Developed by Seth Riggs, vocal coach to numerous Grammy-winning artists, SLS offers a technique that promotes singing as naturally as speaking. Introduction: Understanding Speech Level Singing (SLS) SLS emphasizes a balanced and effortless approach to singing. It proposes that singing should feel as natural and strain-free as speaking. To achieve this, SLS encourages maintaining the larynx at the 'speech level,' which is its relaxed, neutral position during normal speech. You’ll recall that for opera, singers are ...

  Opera Vocal Technique: An introduction to the Grandeur of Operatic 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.  Welcome to the second installment in our exploration of vocal techniques across genres. In this post, we'll be venturing into the grand and illustrious world of opera singing. Opera, with its rich history and refined technique, offers singers a unique challenge and reward in mastering the full expressive potential of the human voice. Introduction: A Brief History and Significance of Opera Opera, a marriage of music, drama, costuming, set design, and spectacle, originated in Italy at the end of the 16th century. It has since evolved and branched into various styles, gaining popularity worldwide for its emotional intensity and vocal grandeur. Opera singers are lauded for their powerful, full-bodied vo...