In other words, singers should determine the content underneath the words and the motives of their character. Step 6: Singers should write a subtext.For example, if the text is, “So long lives this and this gives life to thee” (Shakespeare, Sonnet 18), a paraphrase might be: “As long as this poem is around, you will be immortal.” This step encourages the singer to think about the text using everyday words that have meaning to them. Step 5: Since lyrics are often not in our vernacular, singers should paraphrase the text.“Illuminating the poetic devices exposes the innate musicality of the text.” The singer should judiciously underline words that they believe are of the most importance. Illuminating the poetic devices exposes the innate musicality of the text. Step 4: Singers should recite the text aloud and circle or highlight all poetic devices, such as rhyming words, alliteration, or repetition.Using an online translation source is useful for checking the accuracy of their translation, but looking up each word offers a singer more variation in their own translation. Any text that they do not speak fluently should be translated, both word-for-word and in poetic form. Step 3: Singers should identify and define words and expressions that they do not understand.Who wrote the text? When and for what reason was the text written? What was happening in the author’s life? Step 2: Singers should research the text to understand the context of the words.I find that writing facilitates a greater awareness of the lyrics. Step 1: Singers should first write the words by hand in paragraph or poem form.This eight-step approach for singers builds musicality by challenging them to find personal connection to the text: “…when a singer thoroughly analyzes and understands a song’s text and its relationship to the music score, musicality is heightened to an apex where a song’s interpretation becomes singular, sincere, and full of personal importance.” Heightening text is a process of being more specific with articulation and storytelling, and uncovering an honest and individualistic delivery. This heightened way of being and speaking Shakespeare’s poetry is not at all untruthful, but a new, wonderful, refreshing, and vibrant ‘heightened’ kind of truth” (2015, p.4). Wayth explains, “Poetry, like music, is heightened. In discussing Shakespearean text, Laura Wayth discusses the value of heightening text, especially when speaking or singing poems and texts that are not in our vernacular. I believe that when a singer thoroughly analyzes and understands a song’s text and its relationship to the music score, musicality is heightened to an apex where a song’s interpretation becomes singular, sincere, and full of personal importance. I find that this process not only amplifies musicality, but also elevates stage presence and vocal technique for singers in both solo and choral performances. In this blog, I will describe one approach I use to investigate lyrics that leads to heightened and authentic musicality. While this process includes an initial investigation of pitches, rhythms, harmonies, and musical articulations, a singer’s musicality-the magical connection and choices a singer makes within the song-can be more challenging to teach. Sponsor of the 2019–2022 Tri-M® Music Honor Society Chapter of the Year AwardsĪs a choral conductor and singing teacher, I am constantly aiming to foster musicality in singers. Giving Words Meaning Text Analysis for Heightened Musicalityīy William Sauerland, Ed.D., sponsored by Schmidt Vocal Arts, UPDATE: Applications of Research in Music Education.Professional Development via Music Educators Journal. ![]() ![]() NAfME Teaching with Primary Sources Curriculum Units for the 2014 Music Standards.Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access in Music Education Resources.Virtual Learning Resources for Music Educators.NAfME Academy®: Professional Development Webinars. ![]()
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