A Handbook of Vocal Technique - Part I - Introduction

There has been so much written about vocal technique and yet, the necessity to contribute to the immense inundation of terminologies, and “musts” and “must-nots”, overcomes my hesitation.

Why does one read so much about correct vocal technique and, yet, hears so many singers who cannot control their voices?  Why can’t they just turn the black notes on the pages into expressive emotional feeling combined with an optimal tonal sound?  And if one hears an expressive singer, why can he often not control the voice he is using?  In my experience, there are many misconceptions about singing technique, bad combinations of ideas, and inadequate and incorrect vocal exercises to support the studio work.

I have begun my book on vocal technique in the German language for two reasons mainly:  there is not as much pedagogical material being written in Germany as there is in the States, but also, because there is such a widespread niveau of poor singing.  There are so many singers who are taught to “belly breathe”, depress their tongues to get more “room” in the throat, color their vowels with unfortunate tense-ridden sounds, all causing tight throats, wobbly tones, and lack of range. 

I’m currently translating my German book on vocal technique and pedagogy into English and, over the next weeks and months, will be publishing some of my writings on the website.  Perhaps you will find some of my ideas on singing to be new, whilst others might already be familiar to you.  Whatever the case might be, it is my sincere hope that my many years of experience as a professional opera singer, as well as a vocal teacher at the Conservatory of Mainz and the University of Mainz, will make these pedagogical posts an exciting, but also a challenging resource for singer, fellow pedagogues, and music enthusiasts!

I have given many master classes in the United States, as well as teaching privately. Problems of American singers are sometimes similar to the above. However, I do find that in the US, problems often arise as a result of inadequate breathing techniques (often too little support). Very often the singer laments that he is taught technique theoretically, but - “please tell me how to sing”!

The technical basics include correct posture and positioning of the head, correct body muscular response, the feeling of inhalation of tones, an optimal opening of the upper pharynx and correct vocal exercises. Combined with other factors, such as a relaxed jaw, a forward placement of the tongue (using an “ng” position or a “ja” or “tha”), etc., I will try to lead you through this technique in the coming entries.

• Author and date: Brenda Roberts (2008-09-26)
• Permalink: A Handbook of Vocal Technique - Part I - Introduction
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