• About WordPress
    • WordPress.org
    • Documentation
    • Support
    • Feedback
  • Log In
  • SSL 8
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • About
    • Jeanie LoVetri Bio
    • Benefits
    • Origins of Somatic Voicework™
    • Testimonials
    • Core Principles
    • Strategies
  • News
    • Articles
  • Workshops
  • Institute
  • Photos
  • Join Us!
  • Members
    • Login
    • Edit Profile
    • SVWTA Member Directory
    • Archives
    • Members’ Links
    • Add Listing
    • Teacher Locator Help
  • Find a Teacher
  • Contact

Somatic Voicework™ The LoVetri Method Teachers' Association

The LoVetri Institute for Somatic Voicework™

Pseudo Singing

December 19, 2014 By Jeannette LoVetri

There is an epidemic of breathy, soft singing in jazz (and some other styles), often without vibrato. The assumption is that this kind of sound is somehow “sexy” or intimate or appealing.

What appeals to us in a voice is its richness or character. We like harmonics. Soft breathy singing has little of that in it. It’s hard to recognize one voice from another.

Think about it: when, in life, do people use a soft breathy voice? In the bedroom (OK), in a theater while watching the show, when telling a secret, when they are sick. The many other circumstances in life cause us to respond with a wide range of sounds, all of which can be part of singing when dealt with properly. People who have only soft breathy sound to offer often get boring very quickly, unless they have a very powerful message to convey that might supersede their sound. If, however, we are moved by the uniqueness of each individual’s voice, that uniqueness disappears when the sound is always only breathy and soft.

Vibrato, too, has gotten a bad reputation. It’s as if musicians think of it as something phony or put on. Nothing could be further from the truth. In a well-balanced, freely produced sound, in a person who has the capacity to sing vigorously, vibrato arises by itself (even if the person starts out without one) and is a reflection of the dynamism of the sound. Most people can learn to keep it out (sing a straight tone) without any negative repercussions. Suppressing it, however, is a way to stiffen the vocal muscles and over time, that does have some negative consequences, particularly in terms of freedom and expressivity.

Just as it isn’t necessary to bellow at the loudest volumes all the time, neither is it a good idea to choose to sing at a low volume without any clarity of tone all the time. Neither shows the voice off to its best advantage and neither will help the vocalist communicate best. If you are someone who sings in a soft, light breathy sound as your “signature sound” you should question why you are content with only that. There is much more available, so don’t be a pseudo singer!

Filed Under: Jeanie's Blog

Primary Sidebar

Video: Jeanie LoVetri Sings in Various Styles



Click here for More Videos and Comments.

Authentic “Crossover” Singing: Maria Damore, Rachel Williams

https://vimeo.com/780734282?loop=0

Testimonials

  • Somatic Voicework™ Testimonials
    “I have worked with Jeanie LoVetri and Somatic Voicework™ for twenty years and have found her method to be incredibly efficient and scientifically sound. I have been able to consciously work on technique while continuing to develop my artistry and my personal style. I credit Jeannie with the freedom I feel when I sing.” Luciana Souza, ...
More

SOMATIC VOICEWORK™ TEACHERS

Somatic Voicework™ teachers believe that the body and the voice are not limited and that it is possible to train anyone who wishes to sing in a variety of styles in a healthy and responsible manner. They are caring, excellence-driven, live in the USA and 10 foreign countries, and have varied backgrounds in:

Jazz ~ Musical Theatre ~ Pop/Rock ~ Classical ~ Gospel ~ Choral ~ World Music

Many hold masters and doctoral degrees and are in positions of responsibility in the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) at local, state, and regional levels.

Many are heads of departments in voice at universities and conservatories, published authors of books, research papers and pedagogy articles in voice and music journals.

Many are acknowledged professionally as singers, having performed in major venues in all styles of music all over the world.

Find a Somatic Voicework™ teacher today!

Copyright © 2023 · Somatic Voicework· Log in

Change Location
Find awesome listings near you!