Review my singing :-)

[Singinglessonsonline]

Hi,

I've quite new to the forum and I thought since I've been advising others on their singing, its about time I put up some of my singing for you to review:-)

I recorded this today.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EW8CjM0tdo8

[Adoney]

Not bad

Though, from listening to professional interpretations of this piece, it seems that you are lacking volume and support together, as well as a few pronunciations. Most importantly, however, some of the pitches are flat and need a bit more staccato to them. (0:14, 0:21, 0:38 for example) land just shy of the target pitch! (seems like you might be reaching, too)

[Singinglessonsonline]

Not bad

Though, from listening to professional interpretations of this piece, it seems that you are lacking volume and support together, as well as a few pronunciations. Most importantly, however, some of the pitches are flat and need a bit more staccato to them. (0:14, 0:21, 0:38 for example) land just shy of the target pitch! (seems like you might be reaching, too)

I'am afraid as an experienced classical singer, I don't quite agree with some of your points, but I certainly appreciate your feedback. Its interesting you mention about volume. I'm a dramatic soprano and so am actually more suited to slightly heavier operatic repertoire. I often sing Verdi etc in concert. I'am afraid I had to stand well back from the microphone in this recording and in concert I've never used amplification. Also, I speak a little Italian and have studied the language in dept. Great that you noticed a few flat pitches, will certainly review them, although just to say, using staccato in this aria would not be historically correct. I like to stick to the characteristics of the "verismo" style and also the composers intentions as much as possible..although the word "verismo" in itself opens a can of worms

Thank again for taking the time to reply, much appreciated.

[Adoney]

Experienced or not, you asked for critique. There you have it.

The staccato suggestion was just something I noticed listening to other singers perform the same piece.

[musician1234]

Hi singinglessonsonline,

I'am also new to the forum

I think with a big voice like yours you should think about investing in a better mic, something that can take the decibels, overtones etc. you shouldn't have to stand back...but I did like it very much, I think you have a unique tone and sounds pretty polished to my ear :cool:

[Xamedhi]

Hello

The only thing I notice is that the high notes in this piece, compared to other interpretations I've heard, are sustained for a much shorter time. I like quite a lot when they sustain the note just a bit longer and then siren down a bit to the next note. On the first high note is more noticeable, as you where a bit flat and in the last moment you reached the note, and as you sustained it for very little one stays with the sensation of the flat note.

Now, as a matter of taste, probably, I don't like your vibrato; it's very caprino, which kind of bothers me a little after hearing it for a while.

That's pretty much what I hear. I don't have any formal studies, no degree or anything, so take my observations just like that, observations :)

[Singinglessonsonline]

Hi singinglessonsonline,

I'am also new to the forum

I think with a big voice like yours you should think about investing in a better mic, something that can take the decibels, overtones etc. you shouldn't have to stand back...but I did like it very much, I think you have a unique tone and sounds pretty polished to my ear :cool:

Thanks for your kind reply. I guess I could do with a better mic...but the prices are shocking!! if you could recommend any that are reasonably priced, I'd be most grateful? ...and welcome to the forum...I've only been on here a week, but I've found people positive and helpful

[Singinglessonsonline]

Hello

The only thing I notice is that the high notes in this piece, compared to other interpretations I've heard, are sustained for a much shorter time. I like quite a lot when they sustain the note just a bit longer and then siren down a bit to the next note. On the first high note is more noticeable, as you where a bit flat and in the last moment you reached the note, and as you sustained it for very little one stays with the sensation of the flat note.

Now, as a matter of taste, probably, I don't like your vibrato; it's very caprino, which kind of bothers me a little after hearing it for a while.

That's pretty much what I hear. I don't have any formal studies, no degree or anything, so take my observations just like that, observations

Thanks for your feedback. Your spot on with the high notes, particularly the first one, the backing track moves a little too fast in places for my liking...:)

[gno]

Laura - welcome to the forum! The interpretation, phrasing and dynamics are spot on. Nice job. You have a beautiful voice. It's obvious you know how to support. The comments on pitch are right. You are all over the place in a bunch of areas. But this is the first time you sang through equipment like this? It can take some getting used to - you just need more experience.

Is your setup or someone else's? I think it would be excellent for you to do a lot of this recording yourself. These pitch issues will go away with practice in this environment. The level of singing you do is beyond this. Bravo for doing the recording and getting the feedback.

[Singinglessonsonline]

Hi Geno,

Thanks for your reply:) a friend helped me set up the recording...and your right...that set up is quite new to me...I cant say I felt completely comfortable. I'am also recovering from a back injury which had me out of singing completely for the last 6 months, no concerts, no practise...its been difficult. I think i'am going to scrap this one and give myself a little more time to recover....and to get ust to the environment. I even look worried in the video :-)...I went to see my back consultant today and he said it was time to get back singing....I jumped too far too fast. Lesson learned:cool:

[ronws]

Thanks for your kind reply. I guess I could do with a better mic...but the prices are shocking!! if you could recommend any that are reasonably priced, I'd be most grateful? ...and welcome to the forum...I've only been on here a week, but I've found people positive and helpful

If you have plenty of volume on high notes, as I do, I have found that my Sennheiser e835 handles it well.

You've already removed the video, so I could not hear it. But neither am I an expert. But good for you for "throwing your hat in the ring."

Edited to add: I forgot to mention that I got my e835 on ebay for 74.99 USD, free shipping. That's about half of retail, in my area (north Texas.)

[gno]

Hi Geno,

Thanks for your reply:) a friend helped me set up the recording...and your right...that set up is quite new to me...I cant say I felt completely comfortable. I'am also recovering from a back injury which had me out of singing completely for the last 6 months, no concerts, no practise...its been difficult. I think i'am going to scrap this one and give myself a little more time to recover....and to get ust to the environment. I even look worried in the video :-)...I went to see my back consultant today and he said it was time to get back singing....I jumped too far too fast. Lesson learned:cool:

Laura - that's a bummer. Out of singing for 6 months? That would drive me crazy! I hope you recover soon.

For the record I think your friend set the mic in a fine position. Most of us are using a closer position, but we're generally singing rock. It all depends on the type of mic and the dynamic range. Opera can get very loud. There's no way I can use a 6" distance when I'm singing an operatic aria. You need a lot more space. And if the mic is good it doesn't matter.

[ronws]

Actually, Laura, I did visit your youtube channel and listened to other songs like "Black is the Color." With that style of music, your voice reminds me of Loreena McKennitt, specifically, how she sounded on "Bonny Portmoor."

[Singinglessonsonline]

Laura - that's a bummer. Out of singing for 6 months? That would drive me crazy! I hope you recover soon.

For the record I think your friend set the mic in a fine position. Most of us are using a closer position, but we're generally singing rock. It all depends on the type of mic and the dynamic range. Opera can get very loud. There's no way I can use a 6" distance when I'm singing an operatic aria. You need a lot more space. And if the mic is good it doesn't matter.

Yep, it has been driving me slightly crazy...but such is life...Thanks for the mic advise and also I had a look at your recordings, I thought they were very good:)

[Singinglessonsonline]

Actually, Laura, I did visit your youtube channel and listened to other songs like "Black is the Color." With that style of music, your voice reminds me of Loreena McKennitt, specifically, how she sounded on "Bonny Portmoor."

Thank you..I actually had not heard of that singer or some of those songs, just you-tubed her...her voice is so beautiful, I love celtic stuff (Mary black, and also Joan Baez,Judy collins) Had a listen to bonny portmoor....gives me some new songs to learn. Thanks again, and also for the mic advise earlier:)

[ronws]

I triple dog dare you to do a cover of "Bonny Portmoor," if you so care to do requests.

I bet you would knock it out of the park.