Masterclass 9/3 LaeKin Burgess

LaeKin Burgess
Masterclass Critiques
9/3/13

Shalayna Guisao

Breathing: Good breathing that looked more like balloon breaths than bucket breaths.
Intonation: Good here
Timbre: dark and full, sometimes fluttery
Diction: Needs more here which improved after you spoke the text
Expressiveness: Your face is very pleasant but it feels like you put it on like a costume. I didn't feel like I was getting the meaning and expression of the song through your face and eyes, just that you had a pleasant look on your face which you put there. 
Master Class Improvement:  Your diction and expression improved immensely after the text was spoken the second time as though it were lines in a play.  The difference was amazing.
Overall: Still could use more expression in your face even after speaking the text. The first time through I could see the doubt on your face. Don't doubt yourself or we doubt you. Good work!

Jake Spjute

Breathing: Seemed a little high in your chest. It was a little more like bucket breathing rather than balloon breathing which is why I think it was high in your chest and why there seemed to be some tension.
Intonation: Right on except for some high notes that were tight or when you ran out of breath
Timbre: Full
Diction: Good, crisp, clear
Expressiveness: You looked uncomfortable and like you were more focused on how you were singing rather than what you were singing. This improved a little the more you relaxed.
Masterclass Improvement:  There was definitely improvement when you had the pencil in your mouth. There still seemed to be some struggle was resolved when you found that space in the back and relaxed a little.  There still seemed to be a lot of tension throughout.
Overall: You have such a great voice which is so nice to listen to when you relax and open that space that Cindy was trying to get you to open.

Elizabeth Tait

Breathing: Bucket breaths. Your shoulders sink in as you sing and rib cage seems to collapse as you do this.
Intonation: Right on except at the end of some phrases when you ran out of breath
Timbre: bright
Diction: No issues here
Expressiveness: You seemed a bit alarmed about your breath but you also managed to keep a pleasant look about you so good job! I don't know about holding your hands in front of you, maybe you could try something different (just a suggestion).
Masterclass Improvement: As soon as you put your arms up and kept your back straight you looked a lot more comfortable.  Holding yourself in that position required you to take the breath in differently which changed your singing and your demeanor. I definitely saw improvement.
Overall: Nice work! Just remember you are a lot more enjoyable to watch when you are more relaxed and you are more relaxed when you take the breath in like a balloon rather than a bucket.