So what is a vocal singing assessment? It’s something that I do almost unconsciously when I listen to someone singing, especially in a live setting. I laugh when I think back to my early college days, because there is so much that we just DON”T think about, when we sing. Yes, many people do have a natural affinity to music, but without guidance or a deeper level of understanding, they will continue to make rookie mistakes, and NOT reach their full potential.
So I studied music at Newbold University (was College then) in the tiny town of Berkshire, England. As I joined the choir and also accompanied students during their singing lessons I learned a lot! Listening to people sing, on visits back home to Birmingham, West Mids were excruciating for me! Why take a breath there? What about the dynamic? The tempo is wrong! Why wouldn’t you get louder because the music is . . . etc. I tried to keep my frustrations hidden, but those close to me bore the brunt. Eventually, I managed to find a place of balance – this person is giving their best to God, I believe that He accepts it as their highest praise. When I see how other listeners respond, then I see that it must have value and have learned to accept (or endure? and sometimes to enjoy) the ‘mediocre offerings so often seen in church’.
However, when I listen, I will be analyzing what I hear. Is the message coming across clearly? Do the music and expressions support the message of the words? Is it an honest and forthright communication? Now, I tend to think about what advice would be most useful to give that singer; then I have to wonder whether I should bother giving it, as even when approached tactfully many singers will rebuff any other opinion. Are you teachable? Do you think that your God given talent cannot grow? Experience tells otherwise. (See refs below).
An initial ‘Vocal Assessment” would examine your range, tone quality, breath control, dynamic expression, rhythmic awareness, sight singing and general musical knowledge. As a result of the vocal assessment, I would 1- highlight areas of strength, 2 – suggest ways to improve any weaknesses or areas for growth 3- suggest repertoire suitable for your voice type and interest 4- provide a listening list (YouTube).
You should prepare a) a song to sing for me – either alone or with a backing track you have and b) list of songs and/ or artistes that you have sung, c) songs and styles that you would like to study. The cost for this is 2,000JMD (Kingston 2023) and the session should take around 30 minutes. Following this we can discussion option of arranging for a set of 4 weeks of lessons, or variously scheduling 4 coaching sessions.
For further information, please message me on my Business WhatsApp +1876-416-2311. Thanks for your interest and may God bless you with a song in the night!
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