Vocal Corner — Singing with Expression

Expression refers to the ‘feeling’ in your voice. It is what makes the song ‘come alive’ for the audience. When singing, expression can be almost more important than good technique. After all, if the song doesn’t mean anything to you or to those you are singing it for, then it won’t matter how wonderful your technique was.

When preparing a song for performance, it’s important for you, the singer, to understand what emotion the lyrics convey. What is the song saying? Try speaking the lyrics as if you were talking with a close friend. What is the emotion behind the words?

Practice singing the song in front of a mirror. Does your voice, facial expression, and body language all convey the emotion of the song? You wouldn’t sing “Old McDonald” with a frown would you? But often, as performers, we get so caught up in breathing, tongue position, posture, etc., that we forget to convey the message of the music.

Remember, expression is the key to a moving performance.