Emily C.: MC Critiques, 1022/13

Master Class Critiques, 10/22/13

Emily Cottam

Jake Spjute

The diction is good as far as I can tell. Expression is very good and changes with the text and melodic line. The timbre is very clear and balanced. Breathing switches from bucket and balloon--there are moments (particularly after longer phrases) when the sternum and shoulders jump. Intonation got a little flat on some of the high notes, but it was generally very good. I love the dynamic contrasts and the movement of the phrases. 

MC: What’s your favorite part to sing? What parts of the music really bring you sensations of release and emotional engagement? Tap into not how you do it, but how it makes you feel. Blossom and use the “m” nasal consonant to help laugh you into the next note. Sing in the “unicorn horn” for resonance. Create the line of music by linking the text together, sometimes with the use of dynamic intensification as help. 

Luke Shepherd 

Expression is very good and calm and changes throughout the piece according to the lyrics and music. Breathing is very good--I didn’t see any excessive movement in the chest or the shoulders. The timbre of the voice is very smooth, velvety, and warm. Intonation is very good throughout the song. Diction is understandable and clear. 

MC: Emotion is not only in the face but also in the body. Be ready like birds before takeoff when singing--weightless yet grounded. More conviction came from where? Break down the individual phrases, do more homework on the piece, look at the whole song cycle/character arc. The specificity of each phrase helps change the music throughout. What is my objective for this phrase? There has to be a reason for every part of the music; it must be intentional. Try singing without the words to see where the music takes you emotionally. 

Laura Burg

Breathing is like a bucket; there’s sternal movement sometimes. Timbre is very warm and velvety. Intonation is very good throughout the piece. The diction was good as far as I could tell, but it was a little choppy. The expression was very good. Keep the breath support consistent for the short notes because some of them weren’t really easily heard. 

MC: Sing silently the longer notes and sing through the short notes so you can focus on making sure all of the notes sound out. Keep all notes on one line, and musically give all notes proper attention. “No barking.”