Monday Comes Gently
About
This is a short teaching exercise suitable for individual singers or groups, designed to improve singing technique. It helps with breath control and dynamics and explores the difference between staccato and legato singing (articulation).
Aim to sing the first phrase ‘Monday……..sour’ in one breath, exaggerate the spiky staccato ‘lightning’ section then almost slur the last relaxed phrase, again in one breath - you may have to build up to that! I wrote this for one of my first singing pupils (now a composer!) to explore many aspects of technique in one short, succinct exercise.
Runnin' Around
About
A warm up designed to practice the build up of harmonies over a swung rhythm, with an enjoyable explosive ‘trumpet’ section to stretch the face and brain! It’s fun to have a vocalised hi-hat ostinato or finger clicking underneath keeping the swing going. Written with Ann Clayton, one of my earliest collaborators.
