From a recent class taught in Florida (2022) Lance and Kurt of Dewey Singum and Howe Quartet demonstrate their singing breakthrough trying Bel Canto mechanics.
I am a 24 year Barbershopper and have the kind of barbershop credentials that I SHOULD know what I'm doing. For years, coaches and evaluation judges have told us all the stuff that everyone has heard...free and easy, use more air, and a hundred other "platitudes" that over time, lose any meaning. Debra Lynn has given us the actual tools to achieve the sound that judges are looking for. The proof as they say, is in the pudding. Dewey, Singum, & Howe had a one hour zoom coaching session with Debra a week ago. My wife (not a babrbershoppers, but a 20+ year listener) said that she has never heard the quartet sound the way it did after that session. She said the difference was astounding. The brilliant thing about the way Debra does this is that you do not have to understand how it works to do it. Just as you don't have to understand how a television works to turn it on and enjoy it, all you have to do is do these techniques, and your vocal life will change. If however, you are the type who needs to know exactly how and why it's working (baritones) then she gives you that as well. We can't recommend the bel canto techniques, and specifically the way Debra presents them, enough. Life changing.
I couldn't agree more Lance. I've studied with Debra for the last few years as an individiual (non-Barbershopper!) and she is not only a great teacher but a kind and lovely person to work with. After 20+ years of singing in choirs and as a cantor, Bel Canto took my own experiences and everything about my voice to a whole new level... and the journey continues. I don't think that journey will ever end as I enjoy this work so much and love the opportunity for mixing with like-minded people. Debra is indeed a blessing and this approach is truly magical.
Beautiful! I can immediately see and hear the stability/stillness in their upper torso, posture/alignment, legato line, and the emotion on their faces at the end! They blossom like the flower. I love what Bel Canto does for us.💮🎶💞
Verrrry interesting workshop today here in Clearwater. Validates that there ain't always one 'right way' to accomplish things. The analogy of Bel Canto to stringed instruments was also quite interesting - I have a very good understanding how guitars, cellos etc produce, project and enhance sound, and the parallels to Bel Canto are spot-on. One of my takeaways is that the BC method requires less physical energy, but when learned produces more sound, quite literally. The harmonies are cleaner, which enhances the unified sound of the ensemble. I'm looking forward to learning more.
Impressive evidence! Heck, I perked up and smiled as soon as the after version started. I bet public speakers would love working with you! PS - loved the name, Dewey Singam and Howe 😂
I agree! It was an amazing moment. The shift between forcing the voice and understanding how to stabilize it is powerful stuff. This work definitely has application in the speaking world! Anyone who uses their voice! Thank you for your comments!! 🙏🥰❤️
God! you are an excelent " magister"; but - I do not know if you have a microphone; but your voice, very sweet, is like a wisper, very difficult to understant, even you lower in some parts of your dialogue ( of one😢) very unconfortable to follow, sorry, but we should think we are going to be listen, am I clear enough, thanks and sorry😢
