ACCENTS FOR SINGERS!

There are many different ways to describe emphasis on a note. The emphasis can be placed on a word being sung or a note being played on the piano. It seems minor, but the impact of this particular technique will really make a difference in the sound of the performance. In voice lessons you learn about a “Hard Onset” which is attacking the note or putting emphasis in particular places in the lyrics, or to start a song. When playing the piano, it is described as an accent.

To be an effective solo singing, you must have the subtle accents (attack on the note). When a singer initially hits a note, his or her attack (approach on that note or phrase) is what sets the artist apart. When we are anticipating something challenging to sing, we often tighten our neck muscles, which causes constriction and that is what you don’t want to happen. The boost in sound need to come from the diaphragm with breath support.

The attack on the note is about giving a particular note, syllable, or word more stress than other places.  As air passing from the lungs through the larynx while the vocal cords (folds/ligaments) are drawn together; leaving narrow spaces for the air to pass through in short, rapid pulsations or vibrations. When singing a note, it is important to the release of breath and attack (emphasis) of the note should occur simultaneously.

In written musical form, when playing an instrument like the piano, accent looks like this < and it is placed above or below the note head. Musical accents are used to instruct the pianist to give special emphasis to a particular note or notes. The musician is to place stronger emphasis, stress, or a strong attack on the note when being played.

This little boost in emphasis for either the singing or playing piano, will take your performance to the next level. Listen to Audrey Diaz singing “Valerie” and the emphasis that she places in specific areas making a tremendous difference in her sound!

JOKE FOR THE DAY:

What do you get if you cross a serpent and a trumpet?
A snake in the brass!

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