Emily C.: VRH Critiques, 10/10/13

Vocal Recital Hour Critiques, Emily Cottam, 10/10/13

Emily Floyd

I like the activation of the face and expressiveness. The timbre is lovely and dark, but there is a slight breathy sound. Breathing seems to be relatively stable, but there are moments when breath intake a little gaspy and there’s some sternal movement. On the higher notes, try keeping breath support as steady as you do with your low notes. With the diction, it seems to be very good--avoid spreading the lips too much on some of the vowels (like “ee”). Intonation is very good. Overall, I thought it was a well prepared performance and it was very pleasant to watch--you looked so calm and at ease! I really enjoyed it. 

Sam Meredith

Breathing is like a bucket--there’s shoulder movement, but it’s also very quiet, so try keeping your sternum up. The intonation is good throughout the piece. The timbre if voice is very smooth and forward. On the runs leading up to the higher notes, try keeping the breath flow consistent so it doesn’t fade and then there’s the sudden high note. The diction could’ve been slightly clearer on the consonant sounds. Expression was good, but it seemed a little stiff at times. Overall, I liked the performance because it was well prepared, but it could’ve used a little more consistent airflow. 

Alyssa Robinson

Breathing is like a bucket. Timbre is bright with some breathiness at the ends of phrases. The Intonation is good throughout the song. Diction is understandable, but the vowels are very spread. The jaw seems to be a little tight, and it seems like there isn’t much space in the back of the throat. Expression is good--I like how it changed with the lyrics, but there are times when she falls out of character, but overall it was good. Overall, I thought the performance was very pleasant to watch because she seemed to be enjoying herself and she matched the mood of the song well.