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Song Study

In the world of Musical Theater how does an actor break into song and dance with honesty and intent?  Using the same tools a well trained actor does.  I personally believe there is not any difference between scene study, song study and dance study.   Each of these must be grounded in honesty for an audience to believe what they are seeing, hearing a feeling.  Each artist needs to use rigorous investigation, character and scene analysis to bring each moment to life.  If this is not done honestly the experience of the audience will fall flat. 

 

What you will see below is very similar to what an actor goes through when breaking down a script.  Think of songs as dialogue and monologues, the same as a straight play.  A difference is that the music that supports you, also gives you information about what you or other characters may be thinking and feeling.  At times music may be your subtext, etc.  

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So always look for honesty within your character regardless of how over the top comedic it may be or how deep and dramatic the story is. 

SONG PREP WORKSHEET 

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Please go to the article link below. 

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https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/vocal-ease-acting-singing-46768/

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Read it and then:

  • Reflect on what you found interesting in your own words.

    • Reflection should be written.

    • Reflection should be one page.

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INTERPRETING THE SONG 

Five steps to understanding

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Take a song that you are working on and use the following hints to interpret the song.

  • Go to a quiet place with no distractions. 

  • Use a high quality, PROFESSIONAL recording.

  • CLOSE YOUR EYES and LISTEN to your song with your imagination.

  • Get lost in the world of the song by playing it three or four times.

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1 - Intuitive Response.

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  •  When you are interpreting a song, listening to music, viewing art, etc., you will most likely first experience and intuitive response.   An intuitive response is your knee jerk reaction.  You may like the song, hate it or not care about it at all.    Before you make any decisions I urge you to answer the following prompts to see if you need to investigate to find the broader meaning .  By doing so this may allow you to explore other genres, artists and more.

 

Answer the following prompts:
 

  • What are the general images, feelings and ideas the song arouses in you?

  • What happens physically when you listen. There is no right or wrong.

  • Simply notice and name the Feelings, Ideas, Images and Sensations you have while listening.

  • Take notes. 

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2 - Investigate.
 

  • SILENTLY READ the text.

  • Do not it out yet or read it with feeling.

  • Read it silently; be an investigator first to find clues to what the song is about. 

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3 - Listen.
 

  • LISTEN to the song.

  • Are there clues in the MUSIC to support what you’ve discovered in the text.

  • Are there clues as to what the character is feeling. 

  • How does the music support or not support what he or she is saying? 

 

4 - Analyze the Song as a a Script. - What is the song about?

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  • Think of the song as a one act play.

  • Describe the story simply, eliminating the details.

  • Simply state what happens at the beginning, what happens in the middle, and what happens at the end of the song?

  • Then, narrow it down to one word or phrase to characterize each section.​

    • Beginning:

    • Middle:

    • End: 

  • Does the song end differently than when it began? It should...there should be a catharsis of some sort.

  • Singing a song is a journey. The character has to change in some way.

  • Use the structure of drama; Given Circumstances, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, Curtain to help interpret the song.

  • Look for the contrast between the beginning and the end (even if it doesn’t seem like there is one…there is!!!) and name it. 

  • What is the pre-beat (moment before)? - Briefly, state what happens in the scene just before the character sings.​

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Relationships

  • Who are you singing to? Describe this person in detail. 

  • What is your relationship to the person you are singing to or about? 

  • How is this person reacting to what you are saying?

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Character Analysis

  • Use the 5 W's​

    • Who  - What is the character’s occupation? How old is the character? Their social standing?

    • What - What is the character doing and what is their objective?  What does the character want to do?  Use action verbs.  What is the activity or action the character is doing.

      • Identify the obstacles in achieving your objectives​

    • When - What decade, month, century, time of day, season, year is it?

    • Where - What state, city, country, world, place is the character?

    • Why - Why is the character being driven? Why is THE CHARACTER singing this song?

    • How- What are the tactics the character uses?


What are the similarities and differences between you and this character (at least 2-3 aspects)?

  • Similarities:

  • Differences:

 

What are the OPPOSITES in the character?

  • Name at least one. (ie: tough gangsters might be sentimental, caring mothers can be fierce, and heroes can have weaknesses.) 

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5 - Practice

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  • Write helpful reminders in your music. (prebeat- [moment before,] moments, objective, sections, etc)

  • Practice incorporating your discoveries into your performance by first speaking through the text as a monologue.

  • Speak through it until it feels integrated.

  • Now sing.

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SINGING THE SONG 

Making sure the voice is ready.

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It is hoped that you have some experience with singing either through private voice lessons, working with a chorus or other experiences.  To be able to create a sound and project without injury is paramount.  Below you will find some resources to help you strengthen your ability.  There is the ability to also create a personal warm up and practice file for you.

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https://www.musikalessons.com/blog/2016/10/vocal-exercises-for-singers/

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https://www.musicnotes.com/now/tips/enhance-your-voice-with-these-vocal-warm-ups-and-breathing-exercises/

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