Singing a solo is more than just technique. It involves an understanding of the material, emotional commitment, the support of your ensemble. Bring the lyrics for a solo to this workshop, and we’ll analyze, discuss, and practice being “in the moment” when you sing.

I) Knowing the song

a) Melodic line

EXERCISE: Sing a song you know. Now, pick another key, either up or down at least a major third. Can you sing it perfectly without hesitation?

b) Harmonic flow

EXERCISE: Have someone else sing the melody to a song you know well. Can you harmonize every note and line. Do any lines give you trouble?

c) Lyrical content and meaning

EXERCISE: Choose a lyric you know. Write it down. Now, write it as if it were an essay: the same ideas in the same order, but with different words in sentences.

d) History of song

DISCUSSION: Name a song with a meaning that has changed over time, either as a result of historical events or its use (in a commercial, movie, etc.)

II) Knowing yourself

a) Understanding your voice

EXERCISE: Imagine you have to describe your voice to someone else in a letter. Write down all the elements of your voice both timbrally and technically (vocal range, breaks)

b) Knowing your image

EXERCISE: Come up with a couple of positive descriptions for yourself as others see you, and then a couple of negative ones.

III) Your interpretation

a) Song’s meaning to you (may differ from core meaning, include own experiences)

DISCUSSION: Name a song with a specific meaning that’s different from the original. How can you convey that in your performance?

b) Emotional experiences and triggers

EXERCISE: Consider an experience you’ve had that brings up feelings similar to those you want to express in your solo. Find a “trigger” (words, images) that help you get to those emotions quickly.

IV) Delivering

a) Being in the moment

EXERCISE: Focus on your current situation: the feel of the seat below you, your heartbeat, the sounds in the distance, your emotions, your needs. Stay focused on this for 3 minutes.

b) Focus (visual and emotional)

EXERCISE: Think about the last book you read. Focus on it, and only it, for the next 3 minutes. Do not let your mind wander: when it does, focus back on the book.

c) Emotional commitment

EXERCISE: Choose a song you sing, or a lyric you know well. Stand up and deliver that lyric as a poem/monologue (speaking, not singing). Say each line as if you’re speaking and experiencing it for the first time, and remain focused on the emotional message of the lyric throughout.

d) Riding the wave

DISCUSSION: Consider the last time you felt you were doing something really well. How did that feel at the time? How do you define the difference between “trying” and “doing?”

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