Overview
- What does “Off Stage” mean?
- Off Stage Guide
Off Stage
What Does “Off Stage” Mean?
Targeting a dimension OFF Stage refers to bringing the melody of a song into the mentality of the vocal gym by replacing the lyrics or lyrical intention with a relevant exercise. Removing the lyrics will desensitize the song’s emotional triggers and allow you to focus on details such as pitch, volume and formant for a more globalized development, benefiting your long-term goals and future performances. After practicing the song several times with the suggested exercises below, try adding the lyrics back to check for progress. Be sure to reference the video above for a demonstration for each Off Stage solution.
Off Stage Guide
The following suggestions can address multiple dimensions, not just the one they may be listed under. For this reason, they have been organized relative to the dimension it will benefit the most.
1: Flexibility: Replace the lyrics with lip-trill, tongue roll or Ng
The resistance against the air being released with any one of these formants will provide additional back-pressure, making it easy for the vocal folds to stretch and vibrate quickly.
2: Breathing: Replace the lyrics with HE
The challenge is to maintain a distinct and consistent sounding “H” from the beginning to the end of the phrase will help assure you don’t over or underspend your air.
3: Intonation: Replace the lyrics with Z-pulse or legato Z
Sustain a constant and steady “hiss” throughout the breath, while still being able to start and stop the pitches of the melody accurately, will help coordinate the muscles for pitch accuracy.
4: Range: Replace the lyrics with a low larynx MUM
Releasing any tension above the larynx, usually connected with trying to force higher notes, will make it easier to work through the passaggio and access other registers.
5: Tone: Replace lyrical delivery with an opposing emotional intention
Breaking down any mechanical or emotional boundaries you might have with expressing a song will assist in connecting to both the lyrics and your listeners, making a more memorable performance.
6: Articulation: Replace the lyrics with LA/GA
Creating an independence between the muscles of the tongue and jaw within this exercise will allow for more fluid movements when singing lyrics and intentionally styling a delivery.
7: Strength: Replace the lyrics with HA
A consistent H sound, combined with an open formant, requires a significant amount of vocal strength (and breath management), helping to develop your stamina and stability for singing.
Activity
Using the Off Stage Guide above, identify the dimensions most associated with components or descriptions below:
What Did You Learn?
- What “Off Stage” means
- Off stage solutions for all 7 dimensions
