True Voice Course® - A Review by Thomas H. Paine
As I am a beginning voice student, Mrs. Canto asked me to review her course from that perspective.
The course consists of two types of materials: written, in the form of .pdf files which can be read on-screen or printed out for reference; and audio, in the form of .mp3 files.
Written Materials
The written materials consist of the following:
1. Introduction to Using & Caring for Your Voice - A two page document containing general information about physical exercise, breathing, and diet (including hydration). There is also a paragraph on dealing with common problems such as colds and a sore throat.
2. Basic Vocal Care Sheet - A one-page document covering in detail important things to do and to avoid doing to keep your voice in top condition.
3. Basic Exercise Sheet - A one-page document presenting a sequence of physical exercises designed to loosen up your body and remove stress. These exercises should be done before those on the Basic Warm Up Routine Sheet (see next).
4. Basic Warm Up Routine Sheet - A two-page document which presents a sequence of physical and vocal toning exercises to be practiced for 15 minutes before each voice training session.
5. Basic Sound Sheet - A one-page reference sheet covering the vowel and other sounds used in the vocal toning exercises.
6. Basic Rhythm and Notation Sheet - A one-page reference sheet covering the various notations for rhythm and pitch that you will encounter in printed music.
I use the Basic Exercise Sheet and the Basic Warm Up Routine Sheet as a guide in preparing for each day's singing session. The remaining documents constitute a convenient reference source when I need a reminder regarding voice care or other technical matters related to singing.
Audio Materials
The audio portion of the course consists of the following sessions:
1. Intro - As the name implies, this session introduces the course and makes clear that the objective is to develop with confidence and power your "true voice" which you can then stylize any way you want depending on your singing or speaking needs. It also emphasizes the importance of the voice with respect to the effects for good or ill it can have on yourself and others.
2. Session 1 - "Sound Before Language." The first session in this course discusses the origin of speech and vowels. It then continues with the production of tones beginning with the Sanskrit "OM" sound. Explicit step-by-step directions and demonstrations on how to stand, breathe, and vocalize clarify the correct way to proceed. Daily exercises to improve tone quality, resonance, and range are also described and demonstrated. This session provides the beginning of a vocal warm-up routine, the remainder of which will be given in Session 2. This first session concludes with a chant called "Connected to the Earth."
3. Session 2 - "Sounds for Your Voice." This session opens with a 15 minute vocal warm-up routine consisting of the exercises presented in Session 1. It then proceeds to instruction in sounding the vowels ah, eh, ee, and ih. (The ooh vowel was covered in Session 1.) Laughing sounds are treated next. The purpose of practicing the laughing sounds is to loosen and open your voice and train your breathing. Sanskrit seed syllables are then introduced. These sounds are described on the Basic Sound Sheet mentioned previously. The "Do-Re-Mi" (Solfege) sounds are introduced next for improving voice pitch and range extension. Numerous examples of all of these sounds are given. The session concludes with the chant "Harmony" and instructions on how many times one should practice each week.
4. Session 3 - "Listening and Pitching." The session begins with listening, which is necessary for the accurate reproduction of tones. Then comes a listening exercise followed by various techniques for hearing sounds accurately. Following the execution of the warm-up exercises presented in the Basic Warm Up Routine Sheet, the subject of pitching -- matching the frequency of a note -- is discussed. A demonstration exercise in pitching is presented next. Scales and key ranges are introduced next, including the distinction between major and minor scales. Then a demonstration exercise involving singing both major and minor scales is presented. The importance of singing in one's natural range without straining the vocal mechanism is stressed. This information is followed by a demonstration of an exercise designed to increase one's range both higher and lower. The next segment of this lesson covers intervals. The intervals are named and demonstrated, followed by practice in pitching them. Advice on both exercising and resting your voice is stressed. The session ends with the chant, "The Water of Nature."
5. Session 4 - "Rhythm, Tempo, Timing, and Phrasing." This session starts with a discussion of the various types of rhythm and tempo (speed) at which music is played. It then moves on to diction and breathing and why these are important for the singer to master. Examples of the use of vowel sounds in the singing of words are given and the importance of correct breathing in creating clear diction is explained. Consonants are introduced and demonstrated as well. Next up are phrasing and timing and how these elements of song employ rhythm, tempo, and diction to create an effective musical delivery. The importance of coordinating breathing and phrasing while maintaining the rhythm and tempo is discussed and demonstrated with song examples. Practice in counting the beat while listening to songs at different tempos is given next to reinforce the concept of keeping with the rhythm and tempo while performing. Next, the standard rhythms 2/4, 3/4, 4/4, 6/8, 12/8, and 16/8 are explained and demonstrated together with song examples. The session concludes with a recap of what was covered and suggestions for practice to get the most out of the lessons.
6. Session 5 - "Melody, Harmony, Backing Vocals, and Vibrato." The session opens with suggestions for when and how to practice to extend your vocal range. Correct use of the "siren" (employed on the Basic Warm Up Routine Sheet described above) is demonstrated. A discussion of melody is next with emphasis on the elements necessary for its successful execution. A method for learning to sing the correct pitches of a melody is explained and demonstrated. The importance of repeated practice for learning a song is emphasized. The next part of this session covers harmony and provides audio examples of third, fifth, and octave intervals as well as combinations of these. The next topic is backing vocals for which sample phrases are demonstrated and suggestions made for their employment. Next, vibrato is explained and suggestions for its development demonstrated. The session ends with suggestions on preparing a song for performance.
7. Session 6 - "Construction and Key for Your Song and Voice Color and Presentation Tips." Song construction, consisting of key, melody, and rhythm, are discussed first. The importance of choosing the right key for your voice is explained followed by a demonstration of melody combined with rhythm. Next, the question of how many verses and choruses of the song you will sing in your performance is discussed and how you might rearrange these elements to achieve the type of presentation you want. Options for introductions and endings are then presented and demonstrated. Considerations for the use of harmony are covered. Next, options for using backing vocals are discussed. Following this discussion, an entire song is presented illustrating how these various elements can be combined to create an original performance. Finally, voice color is defined and its importance in delivering an effective performance is explained.
8. Session 7 - "Presentation and Performing; Tips, Technique and Style; Developing Power and Confidence." This final session summarizes the elements of successful vocal performance. It includes suggestions for developing professional techniques for on-stage and recording work, developing and integrating your musical style, and tips for achieving vocal power and the importance of confidence when performing. Finally, suggestions are made for pursuing a vocal career. The session concludes with a reminder to send a recording of your singing for review and phone consultation.
9. Harmony - An example of voices singing in harmony.
Summary and Conclusions
In my experience, the True Voice Course® furnishes, in a logical and practical manner, all the elements necessary for successful development of the singing voice. Naturally, one does not develop a mature singing voice overnight. Nevertheless, in the approximately ten weeks during which I have been studying this method, both myself and others have noticed a marked improvement in my range, intonation, resonance, breathing, phrasing, and ease of singing. I fully expect this progress to continue as the course is a joy to use and I find myself looking forward to each session. Moreover, the exercises and information presented in the True Voice Course® are of such fundamental value that they will remain applicable throughout one's vocal career in order to keep one's voice in top condition. It is therefore with much enthusiasm that I recommend the True Voice Course® to anyone who is interested in learning to sing or who wants to improve the level of performance they have already achieved.
Happy singing!
Thomas H. Paine
Mansfield, Washington
October 1, 2009
