In the last few months we have extensively covered three of the most important fundamentals for singing: body alignment, breath intake and breath management. Our next big concept to tackle is tone. Before we break this very subjective concept apart and take a closer look, I’d like to delve into a few other topics that are worth spending some time on. The first of these topics is diagnosing your singers.
The ability to diagnose what you are hearing (and seeing for that matter) should not be taken lightly, nor should the skill be assumed. I’d like to share a few bullet points from James McKinney’s, Diagnosis and Correction of Vocal Faults. The parallels are fantastic and worth noting!
- When you enter the office of a medical doctor, the diagnostic process often begins before you are aware that it is taking place. Although the process may not be obvious, a well-trained doctor will start at once to collect information, all the while seeking the clues that will help him evaluate your condition.
- [a doctor] expects you to explain in simple terms why you came to see him. He wants to know what, in your opinion, is not functioning properly.
- Only the patient can describe their sensations.
- [a doctor] examines the areas where trouble frequently appears…(eyes, ears, nose, throat, etc.)
- Three basic techniques have been used to accumulate this evidence: 1. Informal observation of the patient, 2. Self-evaluation by the patient and 3. Systematic testing by the doctor.
- The end purpose of diagnosis is not identification of a disease through its symptoms, but rather is obtaining knowledge about the disease and planning proper corrective procedures.
Whether diagnosing vocal technique issues is a strength or an aspect of teaching that you need to improve upon, it’s worth pondering the parallels McKinney makes. Join me next week as we delve further into the skills necessary to diagnose your singers!
(original posting: November 11, 2013)
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