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There is a difference between rhythm and the beat in music, it can be confusing. Now, it really doesn’t matter if you play an instrument or not. We are going to simply explain the difference between the two, rhythm vs. beat. A professional singer or pianist must have good rhythm. The beat is a steady pulse that you can feel in the song; it is an element of rhythm. It would be the beat you want to tap your foot…

Good posture can be defined as the proper stance for singers and properly seated position for a pianist. This is something you are usually taught in your first piano or voice lessons. Good posture is actually very important in our daily lives. Try this, stand or sit slouched, then sit or stand up straight, head held high, shoulders back…now how much better do you feel in seconds! Good posture protects you from the damages of chronic inflammation according to Harvard…

Vocal And Piano Dynamics The best singer and pianist know how to sustain dynamic control when they sing or play the piano. The proper musical language for dynamics is diminuendo (or decrescendo) for getter softer and crescendo for getting louder. Dynamic Control For Singers For professional singers using dynamics to strengthen their voice and performance is a matter of control. Dynamic vocal control requires practice regulating the vocal volume, impact and effect. There are a few vocal exercises to strengthen…

A skilled singer should have control over their vibrato. Vibrato is a slight variation in pitch, wavering back in forth on a note. It is used to add expression to the song you are singing. This will give you a richer tone in your voice while you are singing. There are speeds of pulsation fluctuation when singing with vibrato. Some people sing with a fast vibrato and narrow pulsation like Dolly Parton. This is caused by subglottic pressure (air pressure)…

A singer should master moving from one register to another smoothly without a break or shift in the voice. As you move up or down in your range it is important to transition with ease. For all voices, there is a point in which the shift from one register to another occurs. All singer’s voice breaks are located in different places. The shift from one register to another is called the passaggio. It is an Italian word which means passage.…

It is possible to expand your vocal range at any age. It doesn’t matter if you just started singing or if you’ve been singing for a decade. A singer can always work on extend their vocal range higher and lower. It feels different hitting higher notes verses lower notes. First, it is very important to use proper vocal technique, which means keeping your larynx in a rest position. You should never force your larynx up or down. Always sing with…

A good songwriting principle is that musical energy should built as a song progresses. If you listen to the start of a song, then skip ahead you will notice how the energy in the song builds as you move toward the chorus. There are three ways to build the energy in a song. Creating a more dynamic song that comes alive with an energy build is accomplished by singing the melody and harmonies, playing the piano (instrumentation), or the composition…

There are different reasons for throat tension when you sing. Throat tension can be an annoyance and hopefully it’s not on a regular basis. It’s important to relax your throat when you sing. The tension can develop because of incorrect body posture and the alignment of your vocal tract. Another cause is inadequate diaphragm and breath support. Lack of breath support will cause throat muscle strain and tension. Stage fright right before you begin to sing will also cause tension…

The foundation for a solid, thick sound for any voice register is possible. To have a strong vocal sound while singing in all registers you need to develop your mixed voice. All singers are working to create that sound in their singing. You will not create a power vocal sound without having balance in your upper register and lower register. In order to create that powerful mixed sound you must have a solid foundation. In order to create a solid…

Freestyling and improvising with notes are important skills for a singing or pianist. A good musical ear is crucial for creativity! Freestyling or improvising in music is like an actor saying what comes to mind instead of reading off a script, except with notes. It’s a freedom that can be scary and freeing at the same time. It is a fun and creative process for playing piano or singing. While improvising may seem scary, particularly if you feel you barely…