Practical tips to improve vocalists?

[gregrjones]

I have inherited some bad singers on my worship team. Some are flat and others sing with heavy vibrato and classical enunciation in a contemporary context.

Any practical tips on improving them?

Greg

[betnich]

From what I have learned about singers -

- Flatness is often a result of (a) not listening or hearing oneself in the house or monitors, or (b) lack of support from the diaphragm. For the latter, try having them 'suck in their gut' or practice Santa-like 'Ho, ho, ho' ; this will also help them sing in their lower range 'chest' voice.

- Vibrato issues are also due to breath support (and partially age). It is normal to have some, but too much can be distracting. Try having the heavy vibratoists back off on their volume a bit; stress that if they cannot hear the person next to them, they are singing too loud. Not everything has to be belted.

- For enunciation, have them say (not sing) the words together in rhythm; say a line the way you want it to be pronounced and have your singers repeat it after you. During rehearsal, have them get off-mike, get in a circle and sing, so they can listen to each other's voices. This will help their vocal blend.