Vocal Music Advice

Hi, could you please tell me the correct way and the best way to practice singing with a metronome, are you supposed to sing each word on every click?, every other click? what?…thank you

Answer: Based on your question, I have to assume that you are probably not a reading musician, that is, you don’t read music.  Therefore, my answer is necessarily going to be as uncomplicated as possible.

A metronome simply indicates a tempo (rate of speed) that is marked by the number of “ticks” occurring per minute.  If a metronome’s “tick” is set at 60, then what you are hearing is the progress of “BEATS” at one “tick” per second, at which rate the music (and text) is to be sung.  Songs are almost always made up of varying note values, that is, notes that last different durations of time, long notes and short notes.  Let us take “Twinkle, twinkle little star” as an example (possibly one of the most boring tunes).  If you think of each syllable of that phrase as having ONE beat on each syllable, then “star” receives the duration value of TWO beats.  Thus, Twinkle, twinkle little star – will have one click on each syllable until the word “star” which receives the duration value of two clicks.  Most songs are much more varied than “Twinkle, twinkle little star.”  The metronome’s “tick” simple sets a steady pace by which a singer can learn the tune and enunciate the text.

So, the answer to your question is that a metronome simply keeps a steady “beat” – while the value (duration) of notes must fit in (mathematically) rhythmically accurately within that tempo (pace).  Musicians use a metronome as an aid to learning music so that the pace (beat) remains steady and they learn the discipline of keeping a line of music moving forward without variation in tempo.  Typically, a musician will set her metronome at a slow tempo so as to learn notes accurately slowly at first.  Then as accuracy and memory is assured, she will incrementally alter the tempo of the metronome to a faster pace — one closer to performance tempo – - – thereby giving herself the discipline of maintaining a steady pace as she learns it.

A metronome simply keeps a steady tempo by which a musician must play/sing a piece of music.  The music itself–will vary according to the duration of notes in the tune.  In this way, a metronome is used as a learning tool.  It would be very unusual for you to be learning a song as boring as “Twinkle, twinkle little star” and always have one syllable per click.  Learning the duration of note values is an essential part of learning music – as well as the proper use of a metronome.

Once you have learned to use a metronome, be aware that it is only a tool.  Making music should not end up sounding like clockwork (a tempo straight-jacket).  Once it has served its purpose in the learning process set it aside.

I hope this answer has been helpful to you.

I am a high-mezzo (I’ve been told), with an aging voice (I am almost 60). It is still clear and good, but I have lost some of my upper range (my middle range is great!) I have a fair amount of choral experience, but have often had trouble figuring out which vocal part to sing. Usually, I could “switch around” from 1st alto to 2nd soprano somewhat, but am currently in a choir which doesn’t allow this; the current music is way too low, in the alto section (but the 2nd soprano part is too high, as I’ve lost my high notes). I can sing usually the alto easier than the soprano in an SATB choir, but this time around, it’s like a straight second alto (a bit too low), and I don’t want to sing too low for an entire performance, either. I am afraid of ruining what voice I have, either by singing too high or too low. I don’t want to stop singing, and cannot afford voice lessons.

I was thinking that perhaps a women’s choir would be the answer (in which I could sing straight 2nd Soprano). Suggestions?

ANSWER: Sometimes it’s good just to be able to “think out loud” isn’t it?!

Your thinking is sensible, and I think you’ve worked out the best solution yourself.  The best scenario – as you suggest – is to find an all-ladies ensemble and choose what is most comfortable for your voice – either soprano 2 or, alto 1.  Don’t remain in a situation in which you have to STAY too high or STAY too low for prolonged periods of time.  You are right to protect your voice.  Most choral literature does not require the situation you describe, but since you find yourself there, I would advise seeking the solution you propose.

If, on the other hand, you really like the choir in which you’re currently singing, you may request and choose to sit out this performance and rejoin when literature for the next performance, that does not place the same demands on your voice, is being learned.  (Now I’m thinking “out loud.”) Not all choirs allow this kind of membership-flexibility, but if yours does, this could be an alternate solution.

Best wishes.