When you perform a song, some moments are more important than others to get right. Key moments! Paying extra attention to them will give you a head start. Mastering a skill is all about paying attention to the little things, the details.
When you perform a song, some moments are more important than others to get right. Key moments! Paying extra attention to them will give you a head start. Mastering a skill is all about paying attention to the little things, the details.
KEYMOMENT NR 1: Counting in
The way you start singing is the first impression you make as a singer. Let’s make it a good one.
First, sing your tune softly to yourself (including the words!), to be sure about the tempo, then find the quarter notes and count in.
By the way, 6/8 can be counted in as eight notes: 1,2,3,4,5,6.
12/8 is often counted in as 4 quarter notes containing eight note triplets: 1-and-a, 2-and-a, 3-and-a, 4-and-a.
KEYMOMENT NR 2: When and how to come in after a solo
Since it’s jazz, it’s likely that there will be solos.
If you fear getting lost during solos:
- continue singing your song (inaudible and invisible) while the solos last. When the song approaches its ending, search eye contact with the soloist. He or she will give you a little sign, a little nod as if to say: “yes, it’s your turn again.”
How to come in after the solo:
- After the instrumental solo, you can choose to sing a note a bit higher than the original melody or sing with more intensity. It would be as if you are building a bridge from the solo to the chorus you sing. You keep the energy high.
KEYMOMENT NR 3: Ending your tune
If you have written your ending in your music sheet, you’ll know how to end the tune. If not, you can decide in the moment.
Very common endings are:
- repeating the last sentence or words 2 or 3 times,
- using a retardation which you sing clearly and accompany it with clear hand signals.
