COURSE: THE ARTIST’S VOICE 02 MODULE Written by Laura Ratcliffe © Laura Ratcliffe-Thrift The Singers Club Ltd 2024 No unauthorised replication, modification or use permitted CPD provider no. 018542 Copyright reference: 10044260520s024 MUSICALITY [Toolkit] FVTPT2 Student Coursebook
MODULE MUSICALITY MUSICALITY Module Overview In module 1, we explored the components of our body that unite to form our distinct instrument. How does our instrument now integrate with the world of music and the art of singing? Let's delve into the realm of musicality. Scales It is the silence and intervals between notes that shapes melody. The arrangement of these intervals is referred to as 'scales'. Scales form the basis for chords, which ultimately compose songs. Western pop relies heavily on major and minor chords and scales. Later in the module, we will use our experience of scales to improvise and ‘ad lib’. Rhythm How many beats there are in the bar dictates the movement and pulse of any given song. A common time signature is 4/4, which means four beats to the bar. A 'waltz' has a time signature of 3/4, meaning three beats to the bar, and there are many additional time signatures. Even when a song does not have drums or percussion, there is still a rhythm to ascertain and heartbeat to the movement. Harmony Guitars and pianos can play entire chords (harmonies) at one time, but human voices can typically only sing one note* at a time. Therefore we need more than one voice to sing in harmony. We can explore organic and more systematic ways to find harmonies. With time, singers often develop their own preferences and approaches. *Polytonal throat singing aside All Rights Reserved. Copyright © 2020 Laura Ratcliffe. Ref No. 10044260520S024. The copying and re-distribution of this document or any of its parts of is strictly prohibited. 6
MODULE MUSICALITY MUSICALITY Lyrics As an instrument, singers hold a unique ability to bridge the gap between stories and music by providing the band with 'lyrics'. This leads to questions such as: How do we learn lyrics? How do we convey stories? Can we deliver different styles and contrasting moods? Ad-libbing Once we have a feel for scales, intervals, and structures of music then we can start to play and freestyle. Certain genres lend themselves to improvisation and ad-libbing. Exploring this creativity and freedom based on the scales we’ll learn provides an apt conclusion to our musicality module. All Rights Reserved. Copyright © 2020 Laura Ratcliffe. Ref No. 10044260520S024. The copying and re-distribution of this document or any of its parts of is strictly prohibited. 7
MUSICALITY MODULE MUSICALITY MUSICALITY 8 NOTE MAJOR SCALE 7 6 5 3 2 1 8 semitone tone tone tone 4 semitone tone tone All Rights Reserved. Copyright © 2020 Laura Ratcliffe. Ref No. 10044260520S024. The copying and re-distribution of this document or any of its parts of is strictly prohibited. 10
MODULE MUSICALITY MUSICALITY Rhythm 4/4 time 1 and 2 and 3 and 4 and Four beats to the bar Which of the above is the: Downbeat? ______________ Backbeat? ______________ Pick up or upbeat? __________ All Rights Reserved. Copyright © 2020 Laura Ratcliffe. Ref No. 10044260520S024. The copying and re-distribution of this document or any of its parts of is strictly prohibited. 18
MODULE Learning Styles Kinaesthetic (physical): Individuals with a Kinaesthetic learning style MUSICALITY MUSICALITY MUSICALITY Kinaesthetic Verbal & Auditory Combination Visual may prefer a hands-on approach to mastering lyrics. Techniques such as writing the lyrics, acting them out with a partner, or creating Logical visual scenes with props can be beneficial. Verbal and Auditory (speaking and listening): For verbal and auditory learners, repetition is key. Repeatedly singing your selected song, having it on a playlist for frequent listening, and exploring live versions and different covers can provide fresh perspectives and enhance understanding. Verbal and auditory learners will benefit from singing and miming the song. Visual: Visual learners may benefit from creating a storyboard or a timeline graph depicting the events in the song, or reading through the lyrics many times. Logical: Logical learners are likely to thrive by understanding the deeper meaning of the song and spotting patterns and sequences in the structure. Combination: Most of us are a combination of learner types. We also benefit from solo study as well as group and social learning experiences. My learning style: Did You Know 65% of people are partially VISUAL learners! All Rights Reserved. Copyright © 2020 Laura Ratcliffe. Ref No. 10044260520S024. The copying and re-distribution of this document or any of its parts of is strictly prohibited. 25
MODULE AND TIPS MUSICALITY MUSICALITY The Language of MusicUnderstanding & Feel Tips & Pointers for End of Module Quiz major and minor scales You'll need to be able to confidently sing your scales. Repetition is key for this, so have voice memos and recordings, ensuring you can practise your major and minor scales for a few minutes every day! rhythm Simply Google 'pop songs in a waltz time' or 'pop songs in 3/4' to start getting some ideas for songs that are not in 4/4 time. Clap along with songs and see if you can become familiar with when you need to clap to three (songs in 3/4), or four beats in a bar (songs in 4/4). harmony Once you are happy with your major and minor scales, you can start on interval practice. Intervals are the gaps between notes. For example, play C as the root of C major scale and then try singing a 'major third' (which is E). Then try a 'minor third', 'perfect fourth', 'perfect fifth', and so on. To sing a harmony simply choose another note of the scale or chord to sing along with the melody line based on what the chords are doing. The instruments and music always give us the answer here, but we must listen carefully! Remember to come away from the main singer’s melody and be guided by the chords and instrumentation. All Rights Reserved. Copyright © 2020 Laura Ratcliffe. Ref No. 10044260520S024. The copying and re-distribution of this document or any of its parts of is strictly prohibited. 29
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