Singing Toolbox

My students often hear me talking about our “Singing Toolbox.” I tell them that when we work on specific elements of our singing technique, we use different “tools” to help hone a skill. For instance if we are trying to help build our long capacity and stamina, we may use a tongue trill/buzz. Another example could be slowing the tempo down to check accuracy for a fast paced, melismatic line. Instead of just thinking of this as some exercise we do as singers, we can look at these as tools that we can use now and in the future when we come across similar issues. It is important to me that my students become good at assessing what they need to help them learn or grow with their singing when I am not there to help them. I want them to be able to remember the “tools” we use in lessons and try to use them on their own during independent practice/rehearsals. This will help them gain their own autonomy as singers.