Group vocal training is possible, even in a large choral setting, but in one-on-one instruction, when the choral director assumes the role of voice teacher, the individual singer really progresses toward the ideals of efficient, artistic singing. The student can experiment with concepts of voice production and expression, modifying and refining them as immediate feedback is received from the teacher. Choral singers are strengthened by taking responsibility for their own performances as soloists (this is the “Oh, so that’s what you mean” time). Voice production rudiments encountered in the ensemble setting are amplified and personalized. The unique qualities of each vocal instrument, often subdued in choir for the sake of blend, are discovered and enhanced. A more resonant tone production is encouraged as the “noble” voice emerges. Interpretation of a solo song demands a student’s complete familiarity with the composition and evokes a personal response to the text and the music.
The choral director-cum-voice-teacher has a golden opportunity to build singers who, in singing solo, learn to contribute even more to the choir. After twenty years of judging singers, I have found that many fundamental principles of vocal production need to be restated for singers of all ages and at all levels of study. In fact, I have considered having rubber stamps made to simplify writing adjudication sheets. If I did the following headings indicate what they would say.
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