The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #152589 Message #3572220
Posted By: Jim Carroll
02-Nov-13 - 12:13 PM
Thread Name: Criticism at singarounds
Subject: RE: Criticism at singarounds
"and definitely recording yourself, can be useful."
Must admit I couldn't bear to listen to the sound of my own voice for a long time.
You have to get used to the idea that you don't sound anything like you believe you do - if you get what I mean.
The use of a pitch pipe, and cupping the hand over the ear are both helpful.
We used to have a whole programme of relaxation exercises (starting at the head and gradually working your way down to the waist, so that you end up bent double (any lower and you fall over)) practiced regularly, helped control tension, but nowadays, the simple act of dropping the shoulders into a relaxed position works wonders.
MacColl's 'affectation' of turning his chair back-to-front was a device for producing a clear flow of air.
We also had a series of four vowel-like sounds for producing a pure open tone so that you could learn to control vocal tension - a little strange at first but incredibly helpful when you got the hang of them (strongly advised for use in the praiacy of your own home).
There's a great story of Luke Kelly, who was staying with a couple of doctor friends in Grimsby when he did a booking there.
Luke went for a shower and shortly afterwards his hosts heard strange sounds coming from the bathroom.
Alarmed, they ran up to see what was happening and eventually, after breaking the bathroom door down, they found Luke, stripped to the pelt practicing his Critics Group exercises at the top of his voice under the running water.
Jim Carroll