Lord of the Rings Episode 2

On Monday I took my client through the Learn a Song in 15 Minutes routine with his new song.

On Wednesday he came back for another session, and the difference was extraordinary. Not only has he learned the song, and can sing it competently with a pianist, his voice sounds more secure, and he is displaying much more confidence in his own ability. He also commented that he had never been so far on in the song-learning process in such a short space of time. I know that many people simply don't believe that they can learn a song in 15 minutes, but the sequence works!

It is interesting to note that the new song now actually sounds better than his original song. Now with him having spent the time at home getting to grips with the words, rhythm and melody using the process, we could spend our time concentrating on plot, subtext and characterisation.

This particular song, Brother, My Brother, is sung to a group of fellow soldiers in the show. For the LotR audition we decided to create a complete physical landscape for the character to inhabit.

So the singer becomes a sergeant in a scratch army - with the sentiments he conveys he couldn't really be a much higher rank. It's dusk, and the fires are being lit, with the camp settling down for the evening. The sergeant is surrounded by about 12 men - an intimate group within a larger encampment.

It is important for this client to fill in as much detail as possible in this way. It makes the portrayal of the song much easier, and gives him something to concentrate on other than the sound he is making. This was essentially a rush job with a deadline, but my feeling is that having got through the first round he will come for more general technical input and access to a wider repertoire. He also has a bigger, more expansive voice but not yet the technique to sustain it, and I'm itching to help him discover it!

He's coming again on Friday for a wash and brush up - I'll keep you posted.

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86 things you never hear a singer say (free ebook)
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Vocal Anatomy for Voice Professionals with Dr Meribeth (Bunch) Dayme
Singing and the Actor Training with Gillyanne Kayes and Jeremy Fisher