You ARE Unique, But…

Similarities and Differences

You share some similarities with other singes, but there are also differences.

The differences are what make you unique.

How are you unique?

1. You have a unique body, pharynx, larynx, and mouth.
2. You have unique experience and that includes music you have heard.
3. Your education is unique to you, in that you have combined your knowledge and experience with your education.

How are you similar?

1. You have essentially the same “parts” in your larynx as other singers.
2. You have ears, a brain, and a mind.
3. You have other physical parts, shared by other singers, necessary for singing.

Emulation Can Considerably Accelerate Progress

Far too often, the compulsion to be unique will hinder progress.

How does this happen? I thought we were not supposed to “copy” other singers.

It’s true that trying to copy another singer’s unique tone or sound is a bad idea because it can result in vocal strain.

Emulating a great singer’s musicianship, style, and phrasing is a great idea, as long as you go beyond just that.

A uniquely special and wonderful trumpet player, named Clark Terry (also a very unique scat singer) was an educator and gave clinics in performance and music. Clark said to do the three steps of: emulate, assimilate, and innovate. They are in that specific order and will greatly assist a singer by following that prescription.

1. When you first emulate, you learn the melody, the words, the phrasing and the style.
2. When you have it down, you own it, you will have assimilated it.
3. Artistic imagination and your unique interpretation coupled with artist’s prerogative will take you to a new place that separates you from even the great karaoke singers.
4. It is vitally important to have your own sound, especially if you are a solo professional singer.
5. Listen to singers doing covers of famous songs and look for ones who have given it their own twist, to get a feel for going from singing machine to artist.

The best and fastest way to learn music and the art of singing is by listening.

Music definitely is a hearing art.

Emulate, but don’t imitate.