by Tim Carson
A Vocal Artist is different than a singer. Singers reproduce notes and words. Vocal Artists are able to connect heart to voice, and find the ability to accurately convey their heart’s message through their songs. Singers approach their stage presence with what they think they should be doing – externally motivated. Vocal Artists are able to physically express their songs in a way that is natural, compelling and authentic – internally motivated. Singers are left to do the best they can within the limitations their voice has placed upon them. Vocal Artists are in control of their voice, able to maneuver this instrument with Freedom, Strength, Expression and Style.
We need more Vocal Artists in the church, and the good news is there are practical tools and measurable steps we can ALL take to move us closer to this goal. In this article we will look at four characteristics that define the Vocal Artist.
Freedom
Every singer I’ve ever met is frustrated, to one degree or another, with a sense that their voice is dictating to them what they can and can’t do. They are not in control of their voice. They experience these limitations with range, tone quality, stylistic flexibility… and the list goes on. The first step to true vocal freedom and control is to eliminate vocal tension.
Vocal tension is any muscle outside the voice box (larynx) that manipulates the voice and its production. And while these different tension areas do “help” – you can sing a little higher or a little louder, or navigate a difficult passage – the limitations that come from these tension areas far outweigh the “help” they provide.
Your voice box is designed (miraculously!) in such a way that all the flexibility you need is provided by its inner-workings. Your full range, all the dynamic contrast, and the style, nuance and “color” with which you sing is possessed within the voice itself. The key to realizing your full potential as a Vocal Artist is identifying the areas of tension holding you back, developing a vocal exercise plan that will move you beyond these limitations and beginning to develop the strength of your voice.
Strength
Each of us has two “parts” to our voice: the head voice (sometimes referred to as “falsetto”) and the chest voice. Most of us feel confident in only one of these two parts and thus we often neglect the other part of our voice. We may feel embarrassed by that “other” part of our voice or even feel that something is wrong with it, that it simply doesn’t possess the potential to become balanced in strength with the part of our voice with which we are more comfortable.
The truth is that if you identify the “unused” part of your voice, develop a vocal exercise plan that allows you to strengthen it and coordinate it with the stronger part of your voice, you will find you have far more potential than you ever dreamed possible! Suddenly songs and range you felt “just aren’t right for my voice” are well within reach…and a lot of fun to sing!
Expression
Too often, communication and stage presence can end up being about what we think we should be doing – with our hands, our body movements, our arms and our facial expressions. We try to bring “energy” to our worship, attempting to look engaged in order to draw people into the experience. But all of these motivations are externally focused, and what ends up being communicated is an artificial, disconnected performance. We want our congregations to see something real, something that draws them into what is happening and something that motivates them to open their hearts to God in the same way they see we have.
The Vocal Artist approaches his or her stage presence with a vulnerable authenticity that is powerfully expressive and contagious. The key to this type of communication is knowing the lyrics of the songs you are singing (moving beyond merely memorizing words to truly knowing the songs), knowing your “story” (the events, experiences and relationships that have shaped you) and expressing your song from the place the song lyrics and your story intersect.
Style
Most singers do not think of Vocal Style as something they have any control over whatsoever. If they tend to sing with a traditional or classical sound, then they resign themselves to believing that is the “box” they need to stay in. If they sound really good on edgy, high-energy songs, but lack the vocal control to really capture the heart of a ballad, then they just keep on rockin’. When we lack stylistic control and versatility, our own performance is limited in expression and we are unable to match our style to that of others with whom we’re singing in order to achieve a unified sound.
The reality is that developing stylistic flexibility in your voice is a very real goal! I’ve seen operatic sopranos develop the ability to sing with a cutting-edge style, and “rockers” learn to sing a song with such control and purity of style that it took your breath away. But if you don’t have practical tools to help you in this journey, it can feel like an elusive pursuit.
The key to developing in this area is to identify the specific areas of vocal production that really define style. Things like vibrato use, diction, tone color and pitch inflections are just some of the “colors” Vocal Artists have available to them. The next step is to form a strategy that allows you to isolate each of these colors, and develop your ability to use them, until they are added to the palette with which you express your songs.
The Journey Toward Vocal Artistry
To develop beyond merely being a “singer” and realize the potential within you to sing with Vocal Artistry requires practical tools and resources that help you move beyond your current limitations. If you’re interested in beginning that journey here are a couple practical next steps you can take:
• In the coming weeks, be sure to check back here at WorshipSource.com. I’ll be taking a more in-depth look at each of the four characteristics of the Vocal Artist, and offering fuller, individual discussions of Freedom, Strength, Expression and Style.
• Visit www.VocalArtistry.com for information on Vocal Artistry workshops and the Vocal Artistry CD training series.
Regardless of musical background or ability level, we can all take steps forward in realizing our full vocal potential. The journey toward becoming a Vocal Artist is one of life’s most rewarding experiences. Take the next step toward connecting your heart to your voice and discovering the Freedom, Strength, Expression and Style possible as a Vocal Artist.
To find out more about Tim Carson and the work of Vocal Artistry visith www.VocalArtistry.com today!
