Hamden High School. Department of Fine Arts. Musical Theatre. Vocal
Technique. “Never try to teach a pig to sing. It wastes your time and annoys the
pig.”.
Hamden High School Department of Fine Arts Musical Theatre Vocal Technique “Never try to teach a pig to sing. It wastes your time and annoys the pig.” (attributed to) Mark Twain Many voice teachers and choral directors have used similar methods to develop good vocal technique. The vocabulary may differ from teacher to teacher, but the concepts are the same. All styles of singing require good posture, good breathing habits, the ability to control one’s vocal mechanism, and the ability to make it sound as good as possible. These four elements of singing can be described as follows: 1. 2. 3. 4.
Posture (Instrument) Motor (Breathing) Vibrator (Vocal folds) Resonators ( Adjusting)
Every musical instrument has its equivalent elements that relate to the motor, vibrator, and resonators. Can you think of some examples? Technique can be described as the ability to consistently repeat the same patterns of coordination. This definition could equally apply to the science lab or the sports arena. Singing is no different than any other discipline in that it requires us to use our bodies and minds in certain unique ways. We will approach vocal technique in a manner that addresses the four elements listed above through exercises that will build the skills you need to get the most out of your instrument. Let’s also keep in mind that technique is an important part of being a successful musician, but that the other equally important part is musicianship. Technique is an important ingredient without which a performer is limited, no matter how “musical” he or she is.
