HaMelekh, by Jonathan Leshnoff, is a setting of two chapters from Heichalos Rabasi, an ancient Jewish mystical text almost 2,000 years old, that detail the approach to the presence of the Divine. Each space is a different room (heychal). The first movement set by the composer, Oso Odom, expresses both the fear and trembling of […]
Whether in a choir, a vocal group, a band with multiple vocalists, or singing in a group of any kind, of any genre, singing with other people is a musical skill to be honed and developed just like any other. Here’s a list of certain things to keep in mind and work on to make you […]
A Passion for Solo Voices, Chorus (SATB) and Orchestra Martin Bresnick’s Passions of Bloom for solo voices, chorus (SATB) and orchestra is based on the writings of Walt Whitman, Herman Melville, and Emily Dickinson. It was composed in honor of Professor Harold Bloom and the love of literature he has instilled in generations of devoted […]
(Piano-Vocal score) Rufus and Rita, by Lauren Bernofsky, is an adorable, light-hearted opera about a girl and her zany dog, commissioned by Reimagining Opera for Kids for in-school performances. The libretto features several forks in the road where the audience votes on what should happen next. The opera is scored for four singers of any […]
Sing from Your Core addresses singers of all kinds, from professionals to amateurs. It is about empowerment. The voice is different from any other instrument because it is a part of your body – emanating from your core. You are the instrument. The core principle of this book by Jole Berlage-Buccellati is that joyful and […]
Everything You Need to Know to Start Singing Now Alfreds Teach Yourself to Sing, by Karen Farnum Surmani, will open up a new world of musical knowledge. Beginning with the fundamentals, you will learn about equipment used by singers, vocal health, and getting acquainted with reading music. You will then move right along to breathing, […]
Singing utlilizes contractions and muscle movements in the mouth, voice box, and diaphragm in a highly controlled way. The movements are on a smaller scale than if you were doing push-ups or running, but you still have to take care of your mind and body in order to sing properly. We all know that our […]
Excelcia Music Publishing’s new solo vocal collection, Accessible Solo Repertoire Series, 10 Folk Songs and Spirituals, contains fresh arrangements from renowned composers/arrangers in the vocal and choral communities. Covering all voicings — with one book for Medium Low Voice (Alto and Baritone) and another for Medium High Voice (Soprano and Tenor) — the books are perfect […]
By Stefanie August In my numerous years of working as a nightclub and theater vocalist, I always had to keep my voice strong and focused. We singers must be able to keep from sounding winded while singing, especially if we are dancing or playing an instrument. Below are some best practices for strengthening one’s voice […]
Head voice, falsetto, and whistle are the three highest-pitched registers of the voice. This article will help you understand what they are, the differences between them, and how to exercise your voice within your uppermost registers. What is head voice? Head voice is the primary register you use to sing high pitches. To raise […]