V ocal C oach S ong E valuation

For Soloists and Groups

If you don’t KNOW the song, you can’t communicate it.

By examining and evaluating the songs you intend to sing you can make more intelligent choices.
It also helps you get more deeply involved with the song, making it easier to sing and fully communicate.
This journal is available in a printable PDF format on the document CD.

NAME OF SONG:
Words by: (Get online and check out the author.)

Music by: (Get online and check out the composer.)

Formats you have: ❑ Sheet music/lead sheet ❑ Accompaniment Track ❑ Artist Demo

KEY QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER:

WHO is singing this song? (Friend, lover, neutral storyteller, etc)

WHO are you singing it to?

WHAT is the song about? (3 or 4 sentences. Think it through.)

WHERE is the event, if any, taking place?

WHEN is the song taking place? (Any particular time of day or period in history etc?)

WHY was this message written? (What was the probable inspiration for this song?)

LYRICS:
1. On a separate sheet of paper print the full lyrics, double-spaced or triple-spaced.
This gives you room to insert thoughts and comments about the song.

2. Underline key thoughts and phrases that need to be communicated.

Look for hooks or reoccurring words or concepts that need to be emphasized.

3. Circle action verbs and adjectives that seem to cry out for a particular expression or gesture to
make the song clear. Even if you are in a chorus or choir and can’t do “solo” gestures and expression, this exercise is valid to connect
you to the song more deeply. Even mental gestures help give a better vocal sound.

Remember, the Vocal Coach BLOG at chrisbeatty.com is a great resource for additional insight!