Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with singing

Is there such thing as Islamic Caroling?

small_ruminant — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 16:43:43 -0800

What non-Christian religions and cultures have traditions comparable to Christmas carols and caroling? I'm looking for holiday traditions in which everyone sings along. Bonus points for anything Muslim.

This is a general question, but what brought it up is that an adult education class a friend teaches sings Christmas carols as an optional, after-class activity. Some of the students are Muslim or Black Muslim and they either come along for the fun or just don't stay for the carols.

Six guys, probably more genres

chrisinseoul — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 19:28:30 -0800

Repertoire building filter: need ideas to build up a new group of barbershop / jazz / folk / acapella / contemporary style. We are six guys looking to form a quartet. Yes, I know. A quartet is FOUR. Read more below. We are six guys - all able singers part of a choir to sing Messiah, from high tenor / countertenor to low bass. I used to sing in a barbershop quartet for a couple years, and there's been some interest in starting a new group of some kind. Call it a quartet with two tagalongs or 'buy four, get two free' - or just a group if you like.

The initial brainstorming has gone well - but most acapella / barbershop groups sing the same few dozen of so songs. I want to break out of any one genre, ideally going from something like Frank Sinatra to the Music Man to Freebird (there's GOT to be a vocal arrangement for that somewhere?) to Black Balloon.

The only requirements are that we need sheet music and needs to work with all men's voices.

Here's the question: what songs would you LOVE to hear a male group perform live? Genre doesn't matter, although the ones we've brainstormed all fit into the barbershop, acapella, contemporary, traditional / spiritual, folk genres.

Classical composers who sang instead of played instruments?

mediareport — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 18:56:33 -0800

Are there well-known classical composers who aren't trained on a particular instrument? An acquaintance is a young singer who's interested in composition (mostly for voice), but in talking to him I get the sense that he feels a little inadequate compared to his fellow students who are accomplished on at least one instrument like piano or violin. Can you give me examples of classical composers whose work is respected but who weren't primarily instrumental players? Modern or otherwise. Thanks!

Do I have a little furry Pavarotti?

larkspur — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 07:47:01 -0800

One of my cats has taken up singing with me. Only I'm having a hard time telling--is he enjoying it, or is he shrieking 'shut up already' at the top of his lungs? I sing along with my mp3s when I'm home alone. Recently, one of the cats has started, even if he's not in the same room I am, going 'yowwowwww' loudly and repeatedly while I'm singing, and sometimes shortly afterwards. Usually even if he starts in another room, he'll eventually come where I am and look up at me while he does it.

Usually I'm pretty good at telling whether my cats are happy or unhappy, but... how do I tell if my fat little tabby boy is just a huge fan of my vocal artistry, or thinks I need to shut my trap?

me me me ME me me meeee

2or3whiskeysodas — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:11:16 -0800

Vocal warm-up suggestions for a play that requires me to talk loudly for about an hour straight, and then sing loudly for another hour? I'm performing a (virtually) one-man show that has me speaking, sometimes yelling, for about an hour in Act I. In Act II I'm singing almost throughout, including one song where I have to go full-on high-pitched ROCK POWER.

Additionally, my character has a kind of pinched voice, even when singing, and doesn't sing from the diaphragm at all. I'm trying to work on getting the same effect without murdering my throat, but it's tricky.

I've read a bunch of threads here with general warm-up advice and some great recommendations for teas, lozenges and other stuff I can ingest, many of which I'm eager to try. However, can anyone point me at some specific warm-up exercises I could be trying? The show opens in (oh shit oh shit oh shit) a week and I don't want to go mute halfway in!

Help! Thanks!

Is Die Zauberflöte opera suitable for five year old?

lynnie-the-pooh — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 19:46:48 -0800

Is Mozart's - Die Zauberflöte (The Magic Flute) opera with Diana Damrau suitable for a five year old? My five year old daughter loves opera music and opera singing so much. She saw Diana Damrau on youtube and is mesmerized by both her acting and her singing. Even though it is in German.......she does not care. She will sit and watch over and over again that song of...............the Queen of the night aria. Anyway, I thought I might give her the DVD for Christmas, but I am unfamiliar with the opera itself as well as the DVD. I don't know if there is sexual content or violence that my five year old should not see. She did see the knife Diana had during the aria but nothing was done with it in that scene.

Can anyone help me?

And yes, my daughter loves to sing, night and day.............so I'm thinking that singing is something that is just "in" her. I certainly don't push it on her. The only way she even knew about opera was because she happened upon it on the public radio station.

Thanks!

Larger voices callin'

Bearman — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 15:04:53 -0800

Looking for songs with really good vocal harmonies. Any and all genres is great, but I'm especially looking for pop (50s to present) and older country that a beginner can learn how to harmonize.

Also, does anybody have tips on learning how to harmonize?

Voice lessons in NYC?

learn to read — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 12:10:29 -0800

Can anyone recommend a decent voice coach in New York City? I'm a newbie to singing, but I'd like to learn. In case it matters, I'm a male baritone. Stylistically, I'm most interested in singers like David Bowie and Scott Walker.

Children of the world and national anthems.

querty — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 00:43:43 -0800

In primary/elementary schools of other countries, is it mandatory for children to sing the national anthem? Just want to know how kids in other countries learn their national anthems. Would be curious to know if some places are mandatory to sing it every morning until a certain age or if it is regional/school district dependent or if it is up to the teacher, however patriotic he or she may be.

Why rock vocals are in such a high register?

BrooksCooper — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 21:18:21 -0800

Just a curiosity - why do you think that the overwhelming trend in rock 'n' roll / pop style music with male lead vocals is for the male vocalist to sing in a tenor / high tenor / contratenor or higher range - viz. Steve Perry, Triumph, etc.? I just wonder because that isn't the trend so much in other popular music - blues, R'n'B, country, traditional folk, etc. It's simply puzzled me for years and I wonder if MeFi has any theories?

Kids Singing Lessons

glider — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 17:23:06 -0800

My daughter, six, has been begging me to let her take singing lessons (and she's quite specific that she wants to sing, rather than learn an instrument or dance or theatre or anything else), but I know NOTHING about singing, let alone where to find a good teacher. I'm interested in hearing both general advice on the best way for her to get started (she has no current musical background other than singing for school events, and playing my guitars and synth chaotically), and also in specific recommendations for Toronto based teachers/groups/etc.. We are located in the downtown core, in the High Park / Junction area.

Sing, sing a song, sing out loud, sing out strong!

crossoverman — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 19:56:49 -0800

Teach me how to sing. Before I investigate an actual singing teacher, are there any online tutorials or guides that could help me learn how to sing better? I like to sing, but like most people I limit this to my shower, my car and the very occasional karaoke night. Oh, and Sing Star. I'm not terrible, but I'm not great. Possibly, all I need is more confidence.

But before I fork out money for professional help, I wonder if there are things I can do/know/learn by myself to improve my singing ability. I have no particular career ambitions for this; let's consider this a hobby, an instrument I'd like to be able to play for fun.

Sing-alongs for the talentless

Alizaria — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 15:27:21 -0800

How can a person without skill or talent have fun at an informal family-style sing-along? I'm going to a family reunion where everyone else is musical and the big activity is a sing-along. They — a group of 10 adults and 4 teens — want to do a lot of Beatles songs and so forth. I don't play any instruments and I'm not any good at singing. I can perfectly well enjoy being around the others and listening, but I don't want to be/look too passive. Somebody suggested a tambourine, which seems on the right track, but too annoying. Any other instrument I could play without skill or talent? Any techniques for enjoying a sing-along without skill or talent?

A guy and a girl singing together?

zeek321 — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 07:07:03 -0800

I am a music ignoramus. But, I know I really like a man and a woman (a guy and a girl) singing together. Call and response, harmony, part of the lyrics or not, I think it's really amazing when a masculine voice and feminine voice are working together. I like Andrew Bird, Bonnie Prince Billy, Dent May, ...and Avril Lavigne. (Work with me, here.)

What are some amazing bands or just songs with a male and a female lead singer, where the music can be subtle, epic, ambient, soaring, mournful, bittersweet, peaceful, emotionally intimate or just with an awesome and/or racy and/or in-your-face pop hook?

Bonus #1: If you have additional info about whether the music is a team effort, who the creative force is, is there a friendship or relationship outside of the music, etc., that would be very cool.

Bonus #2: Is there a song called "Sleeping Together" where one of the lyrics is "like two notes, sustained"?

P.S. Previously. Noted.

I'm just a girl who can't say no...

fermion — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 22:05:18 -0800

Song suggestions for a pregnancy-themed musical recital? (Broadway or opera preferred) A friend of mine who sings opera and musicals with various local organizations has recently become pregnant with her first child. She wants to put together a recital of pregnancy-themed songs, but she's having some trouble coming up with a good list. Can anyone suggest some fun and/or funny songs on the subject of pregnancy and childbirth that she can sing? She's a high soprano, if it makes a difference.

Vocal coach for 30-year-old male aspiring soul/reggae singer.

rubadub — Fri, 29 May 2009 10:23:46 -0800

Looking for a vocal coach for a 30-year-old guy (me.) Preferably one who is hip to soul, jazz, r&b. I love singing (been in several rock bands, sang on a few self-released albums) and have been on a massive soul/jazz/reggae/r&b kick lately. Like anyone else with blood cells, I sing along, but no way can I manage their precision/control. At age 30 and playing music as a hobby I will never be Curtis Mayfield, but I'm starting to wonder how well I could sing if I took lessons.

I'd like to find a vocal coach who is hip to this stuff instead of choral singing / opera or rock. I've thought about it on and off for years but I don't even know how much to expect to pay, much less who to check out.

If you know of any good online resources to get started, those would be much appreciated. Exercises/etc might save me a little dough and reinforce some basic skills up front.

Located in Columbus, OH if you have any specific suggestions.

For demo purposes only.

Nattie — Wed, 06 May 2009 13:16:42 -0800

I have previous experience as a demo singer, but not in LA. What steps are necessary to try and get started singing demos here? I sang some demos for a song-writer in Texas in the past. He has contacts in LA and checked with them for me, but right now they are not in need of any more singers. So I'm on my own for now, unless something comes up.

Problem is, I have no clue where to start or how people normally get into singing demos. I got into it by chance because the song-writer and I both knew someone, and that someone mentioned to him that they knew a singer. He asked for recordings, which I do just for my own benefit, and he liked what he heard so he asked if I would want to sing demos for him. I had good enough recording equipment and software I was able to do this remotely. I believe he found his other singers through his contacts with other song-writers, so that's no help to me either.

Now that I live in LA, I would like to sing demos non-remotely. I don't care if it's full or part time or sporadic. What do I need to do? Who do I talk to and what will they want from me? Google is surprisingly quiet on the subject. I have a large range -- in terms of octaves and styles -- and I can provide recordings to them, but what else might they want in a demo singer?

Also, what other skills will be expected of me? Will I need to site read? (I'm rusty but I was good at it in the past.) Will I need to make up melodies? (This is something I would do for the song-writer.) What can I expect it to be like if I manage to get hired? I'm mostly just curious about those things.

Thanks for any info!

Justifiable Rhinoplasty!

annathea — Wed, 06 May 2009 00:36:59 -0800

Singers: have you had rhinoplasty? Did it affect your singing voice or practice? I've been delaying the inevitable for ten years, and I will be getting rhinoplasty in the next year or two to fix a deviated septum so I can actually use my nose for breathing instead of as a sundial.

I've worked through my issues about 1) plastic surgery 2) being put under for elective surgery that isn't strictly necessary, considering I can breathe through my mouth, I guess and 3) looking way different, which will be the end result since my nose needs to be seriously readjusted. Now I'm at my last sticking point: singing. I know one doesn't sing through one's nose, but it's a critical part of the instrument and I'd love first hand responses from anyone who sings who's had surgery on their nose. I've spent a lot of time on my voice and I'm finally sort of happy with my technique, and would hate to screw it all up. Thanks!

p.s. the title refers to this AskMefi thread that I found when I was searching this question. I kind of love it.

Where should I put all these musical pirates?

Faint of Butt — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 12:33:52 -0800

Tell me how to arrange eight to twelve singers, a guitarist (acoustic), a fiddler and a bodhrán player, all unamplified, for best overall audibility and musicality. Assume an outdoor setting with effectively unlimited performance space. There is no electricity or amplification of any artificial nature available. The singers can be grouped into sopranos, altos, baritones and basses. Some songs are led by a soloist with backing vocals, and others are more choral and involve the whole ensemble equally. All of the performers need to be able to hear all of the other performers so that everyone can stay in time and on key, and the audience needs to hear the whole group.

What's the best way to do this? Should we just arrange ourselves in an old-fashioned semicircle? Where do we put the soloists and instruments? Help me, AskMe musicians, and let me find a good solution before the next gig! Thank you!

Suggestions for comedy songs to sing at the piano

chrismear — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 02:20:33 -0800

I'd like to learn some more comedy songs to sing at the piano along the lines of Hugh Laurie's Mystery. Suggestions? I have a book of Tom Lehrer songs, but that's where my knowledge ends. Can you suggest any classics, gems, or just personal favourites that I should seek out?

Rock voice lessons in Western MA.

abcde — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 15:39:34 -0800

Rock voice lessons in Western MA. My mom has been saying that she wants to get singing lessons for a long time, so I'm looking to get her a starting lesson or two for her birthday.

I'll probably do the first couple sessions with her, either serially or together. We're both into 90's and 2000's indie and alternative (Radiohead, Arcade Fire, My Bloody Valentine, etc.) though her tastes range into loathsome adult alternative like Sarah McLachlan and Dave Matthews Band as well (the subject of much teasing by me). All the people I've been able to find so far are either teaching the wrong tradition (classical or jazz) or their background is in evil genres like New Age and commercial R&B.

She's a complete musical neophyte, barring lessons in high school that she's totally forgotten, while I'm musically literate, have decent relative pitch, etc.

We're in the Pioneer Valley, but I guess we'd be willing to travel for up to an hour. Any suggestions?

Why do you have to go and make things so complicated?

Beardman — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 10:43:06 -0800

I like to gripe about Top 40 radio, but I don't have much of a technical music vocabulary. Are there names for the vocal styles of Avril Lavigne, Taylor Swift, et al.? Recently I found myself trying to articulate the particular way that these singers deliver lines, and I quickly ended up using unsatisfactory phenomenological language to describe it ("they, um, kind of curl their words in this irritating way...and it's kind of nasal and groany...does anybody know what I'm talking about?").

It got me thinking that I'd like to know more about the technical names for the vocal styles that are commonly used in the music they tend to play at my gym, in the grocery store, and so on. Avril and Taylor were the first to come to mind, but I'm interested in all of it, including, say, that heaving, ogre-ish singing in Nickelback. So: is there any go-to resource for this kind of information, or any informed criticism you can point me to? Or is it really as ineffable as my poor attempts to describe Avril Lavigne would suggest?

(Note: I realize that the most obvious thing to say about vocals in contemporary Top 40 is that they're autotuned to hell and back, but I'm asking about the styles of singing, not vocal production. So the fact that Nickelback typically builds a wall of sound out of vocal overdubs alone isn't what I'm after.)

creative thank-you for choir members?

LN — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 06:42:38 -0800

An imaginative thank you for my choir members? My choir (about which I asked a previous question) is about to do its final two concerts of the "season" this coming week. They have been a fantastic bunch, incredibly hard-working and committed, and we've had a ball together. Despite having planned on doing only two concerts this year, the numerous invitations we have received to perform have tripled that. The choir has stepped up to the plate admirably to take on these extra performances.

The choir launched this past September, so they are a very, very new ensemble. They sing primarily Celtic music, in both English and in four of the six Celtic languages. Some people joined in the middle of the year, and have picked up the music and been ready for performance in as little as two weeks. So, as you can see, I have thrown a lot at them, and they've done an amazing job.

I'd like to do something for them as a thank you, for all the aforementioned great work they've done this season. Hive Mind, help me think of a creative thank-you that my choir members will appreciate!

P.S.: I do plan on actally *telling* them all this, so thank you in advance for that suggestion, but I'm looking for things I can *do* for them.

Waking up with a frog and a hoarse

ajp — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 09:51:40 -0800

I've noticed my voice is hoarse in the mornings after an evening spent in any noisy environment. After an hour or two of speaking with a louder-than-normal voice, I'm croaky the next day. I've also noticed that my voice is "breathy" when I'm singing, particular in higher registers. It loses power and control, and the only way I can hit higher notes is to "power" through them, which feels damaging, and limits my control. While I like the quality of a breathy voice, I'm concerned that I'm slowly losing range, power, and control.

I'm not overly worried that I have anything like vocal chord nodules, although I may go for a check-up. I may explore the Alexander Technique, since it was invented by a public speaker for just this sort of problem.

Ideally I'd see a speech therapist and a singing coach, but time and cash are against me. For now.

So does anyone out there have any suggestions? I'd prefer tested, practical tips from singers or vocal therapists on how to train my voice, if at all possible. I'd like to make myself heard in a noisy pub at the weekends without waking up with a frog in my throat; and I'd want some basic exercises for improving control and vocal range while singing. My singing style is pretty middle-of-the-road -- pop, folk, rock, nothing too extreme. And I record, but don't perform publicly, at the moment.

I shall be following the advice in these previous threads, but any specific advice would be gratefully received:

http://ask.metafilter.com/68129/How-can-I-sound-like-Wilson-Pickett

http://ask.metafilter.com/36589/Blargle-graaaah-ruggl-RAKZCH-BLAHHHH

http://ask.metafilter.com/14967/Voice-Care

Thanks, Hive Mind.

Who Sung the Overtone Music from Anathem?

gnomicPerfect — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 15:42:37 -0800

I'm fascinated by IOLET:The music of Anathem. Can anyone help me find out who performed the pieces involving overtone chant/throat singing? I know David Stutz composed it, I've trolled his site and google, and can't find what I'm looking for. Specifically the performers for the Thousander Chant, Cellular Automata, and Quantum Spin Network. Thanks!