I spent four years in a degree (and many years before and after that) learning the rules and norms of classical singing. What was expected and what was acceptable were very important parameters to understand, and depending on the age of the music you were singing, those parameters shifted. For example, the size of your vibrato was expected to be different for early music versus romantic era music. The way you approached grace notes changed from era to era. Trills were different, as was the amount of legato that was considered tasteful. I could give you four thousand more examples.
Add to that the expectation that you would discover and then stick faithfully to your fach. What the f$&# is fach, you ask? Our pal Wikipedia says:
The German Fach system (German pronunciation: [fax]; literally "compartment" or "subject of study", here in the sense of "vocal specialization") is a method of classifying singers, primarily opera singers, according to the range, weight, and color of their voices.
Compartment. Gross.
If you’ve ever heard the term coloratura soprano, lyric baritone, or heldentenor, these are fachs. As a student you are told which one you are and then demanded to stay in your lane. Did my temperament lend itself to the princess roles? Hell to the no. But apparently that was my fach, so there I stayed.
Let me tell you, constantly striving to meet exact parameters for style, while also attempting to master my instrument (which included learning how to sing high Cs, learning how to trill, learning how to seamlessly sing more than two octaves without any discernible break, and oh, doing it with enough power to fill a 2000 seat auditorium without a microphone), and figure out my fach and rigidly stick to only the roles and songs I was given permission to sing…this did not breed a sense of artistic freedom or trust in my own instincts.
I remember that the idea of being tasteful was very important. If you were adding ornamentation to an aria - little extra flourishes, only acceptable in certain repertoire and only if it was accurate to the era - they had to be done tastefully or you were accused of just showing off.
It’s a wonder I didn’t develop a drinking problem.
I have carried the baggage of tastefulness with me to this day. When I write songs that have a particularly catchy melody, or I create a harmony that comes naturally there is a funny thing that happens in my brain. I immediately assume the thing I’ve just written is tacky, cheesy, distasteful.
Thank you so much, classical music training.
I am trying to fight this instinct because I now see it actually as an anti-instinct. My instincts have me writing those catchy melodies and harmonies. My instincts like singable, easy on the ears tunes from time to time. My education is what poo-poos them, and I am just coming to realize that’s some bullshit.
Do I want to be tasteful? I don’t think I do. To hell with tasteful. Let’s see what else is in the toolbox.
xo
Shannon
Upcoming Events
April 20 - NatureNurture: An Evening of Art for the Earth - tickets
This event is fast approaching and could not have me more excited. Rehearsals ramped up yesterday, and we had a hilarious and humbling photo shoot in the woods while my face unfroze from some unexpected dental work. But I digress.
Featured Album - In Spite of Everything
The climate-themed EP that started it all for me. Listen here.
XOXOXO!!!!!