Page 93 - Music

(d) Clear communication and expression of the song message: Every song has a
message to communicate to a particular audience. Successful communication
of the message depends on how singers express themselves when singing.
Singers should express the feelings or emotions in relation to the message of
a song in order to successfully communicate to the audience. For example,
if the song carries a sad message, singers can communicate sadness to the
audience by singing with sad facial expressions.

(e) Observing articulations and emphasis: This is a technique that enables singers
to put emphasis on certain parts of a song. It helps singers to communicate the
message carried in the song and express specific feelings or emotions of the
song. In written music, song composers normally include musical terms that
guide singers to put certain emphasis when singing. For example, the term
‘piano (p)’ which requires singers to sing softly and use breath to support the
sound; ‘crescendo (cresc.)’ which requires singers to sing a particular phrase
while gradually getting louder and others.

Vocal exercises

These are also known as vocal warm-ups. They are routines or practices aimed to
improve the quality of a person’s singing or speaking voice. Vocal exercises are
frequently practised by singers, actors, public speakers and others who rely on
their voices for performance or communication. The following are examples of
common vocal exercises:

(a) Breathing exercises: These exercises are designed to increase lung capacity
and improve breath control. A singer with good breath control can sustain
longer notes, phrases and deliver a powerful performance. These exercises
can be done anywhere and for any length of time.

Activity 6.4

Practise the following exercises to improve your breath control:
(a) Breathe in slowly through the nose for five seconds; hold your breath
for five seconds, then, breathe out slowly through the nose for other five
seconds. You may gradually increase the length of time as you wish.
Remember to maintain good posture throughout the exercise. Repeat

the exercise as much as you want.

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