Growing up with three much older siblings and parents with tremendous verbal and vocal ability, I learned to speak up, as well as, sing so I could reach the farthest end of the theatre.
I got so good at being heard that I was able to sing without a microphone, in front of a forty-piece orchestra to an outdoor audience of thousands, and be heard.
Then I met Sue Raney. Yes, the legendary Jazz Hall of Fame singer, Sue Raney. She became my mentor in vocal performance while I was studying at the Dick Grove School of Music in Los Angeles.
One of the first things she said to me was, “I would love to hear you sing at no more than 10-20% of your capacity. And I would love for you to take time to pause after a phrasing. And I would love to see you sustain that pause, in silence, as you energetically reach out and stay present with the audience and allow the them to receive the message you just gave them.”
Sue Raney taught me the art and power of silence, of allowing extended pauses, of taking the voice down to a whisper while still holding the energy of being fully present and engaged. She taught me to hold an end note, perfectly still and then add vibrato for only the conclusion of it.
In her teaching and by the example of her brilliant performance, she helped me connect my voice and my song with the very core of my being. Sue Raney taught me to sing from my heart and soul.
Here she is, performing one of my favorite songs, I’ll See You In My Dreams, written by Isham Jones and Gus Kahn. Just click on the image and it’ll take you there.
Caroline Waters' Vocal Freedom Blog 