Diction, the meticulous study of pronunciation, takes on a distinctive form when tailored for singers, often referred to as "lyric" diction. Unlike its spoken counterpart, lyric diction adapts to the unique challenges posed by musical composition. Singing diction transcends the way we have learned to speak words. Singers lack the luxury of pronouncing words in the same manner as they speak them. Singing diction takes practice and focus, must never be taken lightly, and typically involves unlearning some poor habits.
WE DON'T SING WORDS THE SAME WAY WE SPEAK WORDS
Imagine an 80 voice choir singing various words with different diction. Diction is not a matter of individual choice in this type of situation. Everyone must be on the same page! Consider just a few words:
Comfort:
Spoken: kuhm-fert
Sung: kuhm-fort (the vowel sound "oh" rather than "er")
When:
Spoken: win
Sung: hwen (emphasis on 'h' for clarity and the vowel "eh" rather than "ih")
Forever:
Spoken: for-EV-er
Sung: fahr-EH-vuhr (vowel modification and rhythmic emphasis for musical expression and just slight emphasis on "r")
In any form of group singing, the subtle changes suggested above contribute to a beautifully articulated sound, avoiding overemphasis on wrong syllables. These adaptations showcase how singers can adjust their diction to enhance musicality and convey unity and precision. Diction is an incredibly important in singing!
DISTORTIIVE BARRIERS IN SINGING DICTION
These identified barriers are challenges that singing diction techniques aim to conquer, ultimately ensuring both clear communication and the unfettered expression of artistry.
Vowel Elongation: Words undergo a graceful distortion as vowel sounds are elongated to synchronize with musical phrasing.
Rhythmic Divergence: Musical rhythms diverge from natural speech inflection, requiring singers to navigate a different cadence.
Extreme Vocal Registers: Distortion intensifies when words are set in the extremes of vocal registers, often beyond the range of normal spoken language.
Pitch Variations: Pitches that deviate far from the spoken range introduce additional distortions to the pronunciation of words.
PHENOMENAL BENEFITS OF PROPER SINGING DICTION
Exceptional advantages that arise from mastering proper singing diction, such as:
Enhanced Vocal Prowess: Clear and precise diction contributes to improved vocal control, expression, and overall singing technique.
Improved Intonation: Accurate pronunciation can aid in achieving better pitch accuracy, ensuring that the singer hits the correct notes.
Rhythmic Accuracy: A good command of diction helps singers maintain rhythmic precision, staying in sync with the musical accompaniment.
Breath Control: Proper diction often involves efficient breath management, contributing to sustained phrases and controlled singing.
Artistic Expression: Clear communication of lyrics enhances the ability to convey emotions and tell a compelling story through song.
Smoother Vocal Line: Mastering diction can lead to a seamless and connected vocal line, creating a more polished and professional sound.
Audience Connection: Clear diction facilitates better understanding of lyrics, fostering a stronger connection between the singer and the audience.
Versatility in Musical Styles: Proficient diction enables singers to adapt their pronunciation to suit different genres and styles of music.
Effective Communication of Song Narrative: Clarity in pronunciation enhances the ability to convey the narrative and meaning of a song to the audience.
Professionalism: Strong diction is often associated with a high level of professionalism, contributing to the overall quality of a singer's performance.
Are you a church singer? Aim to offer your best in all areas of this exceptional craft. In particular, improved singing diction not only ensures accurate pronunciation of words but also contributes to various aspects of vocal performance, leading to a more compelling and impactful worship expression.