Emily C.: TNV, Chapter 2

The Naked Voice: Chapter 2

Emily Cottam

Chapter Summary: We must sing as we speak--freely and without evaluation, just to communicate the meaning, not to just “make sound.” The way we say things is just as important (if not, more) than what we are saying. Always be conscious of the source of utterance so when you sing, you can do so with the same subconscious sense of ease and freedom as you do when you are speaking. Our way of speaking and our sense of identity are deeply connected--distancing yourself from that as a conscious effort or a subconscious result from environment influences can contaminate your singing. Identifying your vernacular speech patterns is the first step to rediscovering your source of utterance. 

Key Concepts: The first step to singing freely is learning to speak freely, because if we can apply they way and ease with which we convey the meaning of our words to our music, we can provide a much more genuine performance. 

Key Terms: “source of utterance,” vernacular and refined speech. 

Making Connections: I find the idea that we must “sing as we speak” really helpful, especially when Thomas Glenn came and reiterated that concept to us--it makes everything easier to communicate, and for the performer, it’s more natural and less effortful to give a genuine performance that way. I need to try singing as if I’m telling a compelling story, rather than singing like a robot with no emotional connection to the music.