Speaking and Singing

Today was a rewarding teaching day, in that I got to do a lot of re-visiting with different students. I saw mostly familiar faces and even some repertoire that we had worked on together. The common thread today was,

Speak. Then Sing.

I had a lot of fun today having the students speak a phrase over the accompaniment, and then *immediately* go to the same spot, singing. It clarified a lot of language issues (vowels, consonants, leading with the text, timing), and it also cleared up some rhythmic ones. This is a technique I will definitely use regularly on my next appointment(s).

I am also advocating that all non-pianists(*) must be able to do business with a piano part. What does that mean?

What key does this start in? (I got some special answers on this today).
What key does this end in? (Ditto).
Does the key change? Where? Why?
How quick is the harmonic rhythm?
When does the music change?
Am I a dissonant or consonant with what is around me?

I would then advocate for the non-pianists to play a reduction of their aria and be able to speak the text above it. (Yes, I am aware of how difficult this is.). In my practicing this month, I have been having a great time making some headway on my big-house audition repertoire (various Richard Strauss ensembles) especially in the playing-and-singing department. It takes hours to get this right, and I spend hours a day at the piano.

I am also very proud of all of the singers and pianists from the concert tonight. It was *long* but very exciting to see the progress and ideas that the artists are putting together!

The photo today is from my time in Italy, working for "Si Parla, Si Canta" (One speaks as one sings). It is essential, in every language.


(*) Non-pianist means someone for whom piano is not a primary instrument, but, they need to really work at the instrument anyway.