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Feature...
For those using 'Singing and the Actor' work in their teaching,
whether for grade exams, in the private studio, in coaching or class
voice lessons.
Lesson plan - Monitoring personal effort
(SATA 2ed p14; 1ed p17)
Different vocal tasks may require different effort levels. This is
an exercise devised to enable students to discover what is
appropriate for then in any given situation. The exercise works well
in a group setting and may be used in singing or voice classes,
where it is equally applicable. It takes between 30 and 45 minutes,
depending on the size of the group.
Working in pairs, each person clasps the other by the hand just
above the wrist. It is important that person (A) clasps or grips,
and that person (B) gives feedback. Partners can then swap over.
Steps 1-6 can be done seated at first, then standing.
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1. |
Clasp your partner around the wrist with one hand. Decide on a
number that matches with the muscular effort that person (A) is
using for the hand-clasp. The number should be between 1 and 10.
This becomes your 'personal effort level'. |
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2. |
Maintaining the same effort level and wave your other hand
around in the air. |
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3. |
Wave your other hand and talk out loud. Notice if you are
holding your breath when you do this. |
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4. |
Keep clasping and
waving and ask your partner to give you feedback about any changes
they observe in your effort levels. |
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5. |
Experiment with different effort levels by increasing and decreasing
the effort number.
As you change 'effort numbers' notice what is happening with
breathing and voicing. Where do you need to engage effort, where
release it?
Which vocal tasks demand more of you, and where? Which parts of your
range, which dynamic levels?
Experiment with extremes, with 'good' and 'bad' practice - all of it
is a learning experience. |
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6. |
Repeat the exercise with sung voice, using single notes at
first, then singing a line from a song. [In spoken voice classes
this stage may be adjusted to speaking on vowels or consonants
first, then lines of text.] |
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7. |
Discuss what you
have discovered about the difference between relaxation and
engagement of appropriate effort. |
Return to
SATA Pedagogy introduction
Read
A mini article on mirening
by Jeremy Fisher
(with sound file download)
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Vocal Process SATA-related
products include:
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Singing and
The Actor - the book by Gillyanne Kayes |
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The SATA
Audio Guide on CD |
Click on an image
(above) to find out more
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