Have you ever wondered how some songs sound so beautiful and melodic while others seem more disjunct?

Part of this can be attributed to proper phrasing interpretation within the musical score.

As a teacher, I have had students ask me, “How do I know where to breathe in my songs?” This is a very valid question.

How would you like to master proper singing phrasing today?

Here are some tips that might help you determine where your breathing makes the most sense and has a flow to proper phrasing.

When it comes to instructing proper phrasing in singing, here are some effective techniques:

1. Conversational Approach:

   Encourage your students to imagine they are having a conversation while singing. This approach helps them understand the natural flow and rhythm of the song. Emphasize the importance of conveying the lyrics as if they were speaking to a friend, focusing on the ebb and flow of words and emotions.

2. Punctuation Awareness:

   Teach students to recognize and interpret punctuation marks within the lyrics, such as commas, periods, and exclamation points. Explain how these marks can guide the singer on when to pause, take a breath, or inflect their voice. For instance, a comma might indicate a subtle pause, while a period could signal a more pronounced break.

3. Phrase Mapping:

   Break down the song into meaningful phrases or sections. Highlight the critical emotional or narrative elements in each section. Encourage students to connect with the underlying emotions and story of the song to convey the intended message better.

   Other ideas that can enhance proper phrasing are listed here.

• Breath Control: Effective phrasing often relies on breath control. Teach your students to manage their breath properly to sustain longer phrases and maintain consistency in their tone. Exercises focused on breath support and control are essential.
• Dynamic Expression: Emphasize the importance of dynamic changes in phrasing. Volume, pitch, and intensity can be adjusted to match the emotional content of the lyrics. Experiment with crescendos, diminuendos, and vocal nuances to enhance expressiveness.
• Use of Melodic Songs: Using melodic songs like hymns can be highly beneficial. The melody can serve as a helpful guide for phrasing, as it often follows the natural rhythm and structure of the lyrics. Hymns, particularly, can be a great choice due to their passionate and lyrical nature.
• Recording and Feedback: Record the students’ performances and play them back for analysis. This allows them to hear their phrasing and make adjustments accordingly. Provide constructive feedback on areas that need improvement.
• Imitation and Variation: Encourage your students to listen to professional singers and attempt to imitate their phrasing techniques. Experiment with different phrasing options to see how they can interpret a song uniquely while remaining faithful to the lyrics and melody.
• Lyric Analysis: Have your students delve deep into the meaning of the lyrics. Understanding the story or emotions behind the words can help them convey the intended message more effectively.
• Practice, Practice, Practice: Like any skill, phrasing in singing improves with practice. Ensure your students have ample opportunities to work on different songs, styles, and genres to develop their phrasing versatility.

Remember to protect your most valuable teaching tool: Your voice.

Here are 10 tips to help you stay healthy and keep your voice in tip-top shape this school year.