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The question I never want to hear: “What’s your vocal range?” 
(THREAD)
It seems like a straightforward question, a responsible question, the question you SHOULD ask your singer before you start writing their piece.
But here’s the thing: I’m afraid to tell composers my range
(THREAD)
It seems like a straightforward question, a responsible question, the question you SHOULD ask your singer before you start writing their piece.
But here’s the thing: I’m afraid to tell composers my range
The reason I’m afraid to share about my range is because of what usually happens next: A composer will inevitably sit at a piano and map out my range and assume that every note in my range is equally available.
The truth is: It’s not.
The truth is: It’s not.
If you’re only thinking about range, you run the risk of…
Sitting on a note or set of notes in an extreme high or low range for a long time—this is demanding and can be uncomfortable!
Sitting on a note or set of notes in a transition point (passaggio)--also uncomfortable!
Sitting on a note or set of notes in an extreme high or low range for a long time—this is demanding and can be uncomfortable!
Sitting on a note or set of notes in a transition point (passaggio)--also uncomfortable!
Moving back and forth between vocal extremes: the very topmost and very bottommost notes in my range, without realizing how this impacts my ability to sing those notes well.
Putting a word or set of words on a set of notes that are too high to make them intelligible AND in tune
Putting a word or set of words on a set of notes that are too high to make them intelligible AND in tune
Here’s a better way to ask the question:“Can we take 10 minutes and will you walk me through your voice: the range, the transition points, your favorite and least favorite notes to sing?”
When you do this:
You’ll build trust with a singer--you’ve just told them that you know not every note is equal and you’re on their team.
You’ll build trust with a singer--you’ve just told them that you know not every note is equal and you’re on their team.
You’ll write a piece that lets your singer shine by maximizing the notes they LOVE to sing on the VOWELS and CONSONANTS that work best on those notes.You’ll get repeat performances of your piece because your singer feels SO GREAT singing it!
You’ll build a reputation as a vocal composer--a composer who understands the interaction between range, tessitura, and text--leading to more performances, score sales, and COMMISSIONS!
Are you ready to dig in and GET SERIOUS about writing for singers? Join me at my FREE 3-Day Training: Text Setting Like a Boss, Feb 2-4! Link: https://mailchi.mp/8d454adcbde8/free-training-text-setting-like-a-boss
