Emily C.: MC, 11/12/13

Emily Cottam Master Class Critiques, 11/12/13

Meikjn 

Breathing is like a bucket; phrases die at the end. Timbre is dark and breathy. Intonation is okay. Diction is spread and doesn’t sound French; I can tell she knows the words well, but her pronunciation needs a little work. Expression is good, but it seemed a little tense. I feel like your breath dies very quickly--try reenergizing the breath throughout the phrase. This will provide more musicality in a natural way; when you’re not allowing the breath to flow, the phrase dies off too quickly and makes the musical line a little mundane. Overall, I think this was a good performance because her expressiveness was fun to watch. 

MC: What is your purpose for singing? What are the things that keep you from getting what you want? Sing with more intention and with more of an idea of what you’re after. Don’t control your outcome--just change what you’re thinking. Trust the practice you’ve done. Focus on what you’re trying to communicate. 

Elizabeth Tait

Breathing has really improved--there used to be so much more sternal movement at the beginning of the year, but it’s really subsided. There is still some tenseness in the upper body, but it’s getting much better. Timbre is bright and velvety. Intonation is wonderful. Diction is good as far as I can tell. Your breath management is wonderful. I feel like the throat is a little tenser than normal today--there’s a slight twinge on your vibrato. Expression is great even though you’re going off of book; it changes throughout the piece, which is nice. Overall, I loved this performance because your tone is lovely and you’re always so expressive with your singing. 

MC: Singing requires so much trust. Sing this without your shoulders. “I can’t wait to sing that D!” Just do it everyday; get used to “jumping off buildings.” Don’t give up on your body. Step into. Even if it’s going badly, just keep going. 

Allen Stevens

Breathing is like a bucket. Timbre is slightly twangy and smooth. Intonation is good. Diction is good, but I’d like some more emphasis on the consonants--it’s a little difficult to understand him. Expression is good, but it could use a little more relaxation and activation in the eyes to make it more genuine. Allow the air to flow freely through the throat; I feel like he’s holding out on us. Watch that you don’t fiddle your fingers. Overall, very good performance because your voice is nice and smooth. 

MC: What do you like most about your singing and what is most challenging to you? Don’t brace for the scary things because you can hide it from the audience and even trick yourself. Treat your least favorite notes like it’s your favorite. Be familiar with how you feel when you’re in a comfortable place and translate that to a place that’s difficult. 

Shalayna Guisao

Breathing is like a bucket; there’s a little gasping occasionally. Timbre is warm and velvety. Intonation is good. Sometimes the diction seems a little spread. Expression is good and relaxed, but I think I would like more variation. Overall, I liked the performance because you’re always so poised and relaxed when you perform. 

MC: Fix some vowels. Do this on primal sound/sob/cry. Watch that you don’t go too spread. Sing like you spread. Keep your vocal chords together with mouth and throat completely soft. This made your tone so much fuller! It’s beautiful when you keep your mouth from spreading and are more conscious of your cord activation.