How can you interpret music in a way that is unique to your voice?

As a vocal coach, you know that singing is not just about hitting the right notes, but also about expressing yourself through music. But how can you interpret music in a way that is unique to your voice? In this article, we will explore some tips and techniques that can help you find your own musical voice and style.

1 Understand the song

The first step to interpret music is to understand the song you are singing. What is the genre, mood, message, and context of the song? What is the songwriter trying to convey? How does the melody, harmony, rhythm, and lyrics support the song's meaning? By analyzing the song, you can identify the key elements that you want to emphasize or modify in your interpretation.

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Wilberforce Afriyie

Music Director at Willy Inspired Entertainment Empire/Entrepreneur/Project manager/Core Humanitarian Essentials.
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Music brings out the spot light in a professional singer. The choices of songs and tonal quality depends on the indepth knowledge of the artist.

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Janessa Shelton

CEO Project Manager, Website Developer, Publisher, Designer, Voice Over, Curriculum Developer
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Find the version with the most soul. You will tend to mold your version to the version you listen to. Listen to many styles and voices, but ultimately you want to hear the song at its best state. Sometimes that means finding a different version than the artist who wrote the song. Never try to sing the song in the exact same key that everyone else sings it in to make it yours. Take off on your own and sing it and whatever key that is, pick it. It's your comfort key. It's not about imitation so avoid trying to morph your voice into that person's. Be you, and sing you. By listening to the most soul-filled version, you can feel the energy, the emotion, and the intention behind it and yeah. Capture that.

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2 Listen to different versions

One of the best ways to learn how to interpret music is to listen to different versions of the same song. How do different singers approach the song? What do they change or keep from the original? How do they use their voice, tone, dynamics, phrasing, and articulation to create contrast and interest? By listening to different versions, you can get inspired by other singers' choices and discover new possibilities for your own interpretation.

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Maithe Martins

Musicoterapeuta, Professora e Instrumentista
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Nas aulas de canto, uma das dicas que sempre passo aos alunos é: procure covers, diferentes versões, a gravação de estúdio e ao vivo. Essas diferentes possibilidades criam um "repertório". Ouvimos diversas ideias que sequer tínhamos imaginado. Isso abre muitas portas para a experimentação e para descobrir o seu estilo.

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3 Experiment with your voice

Once you have a good understanding of the song and some ideas from other singers, it's time to experiment with your voice. Try different ways of singing the song, such as changing the tempo, pitch, volume, timbre, or accent. Play with different vocal techniques, such as vibrato, falsetto, belting, or growling. Explore different emotions, attitudes, and expressions that suit the song. Don't be afraid to make mistakes or sound silly. The goal is to find what works for you and your voice.

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4 Record and review

A great way to improve your interpretation is to record and review your performance. Listen to your recording and ask yourself: How does it sound? How does it feel? How does it compare to other versions? What do you like and dislike about your interpretation? What can you improve or change? Be honest and constructive with yourself. Recording and reviewing can help you refine your interpretation and identify your strengths and weaknesses.

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5 Get feedback

Another way to improve your interpretation is to get feedback from others. Ask a trusted friend, family member, or vocal coach to listen to your performance and give you their honest opinion. What do they think of your interpretation? What do they like and dislike? What do they suggest you improve or change? Be open and receptive to their feedback. Feedback can help you gain a different perspective and learn from others' insights.

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6 Have fun

The final and most important tip to interpret music is to have fun. Singing is a creative and enjoyable activity that allows you to express yourself and connect with others. Don't let yourself be limited by rules or expectations. Experiment, explore, and enjoy the process of finding your own musical voice and style.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can you interpret music in a way that is unique to your voice?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Understand the song

2 Listen to different versions

3 Experiment with your voice

4 Record and review

5 Get feedback

6 Have fun

7 Here’s what else to consider

Vocal Coaching

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How can you interpret music in a way that is unique to your voice?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Understand the song

2 Listen to different versions

3 Experiment with your voice

4 Record and review

5 Get feedback

6 Have fun

7 Here’s what else to consider

Vocal Coaching

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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