Transitioning from tenor to baritone through the lens of an amateur singer

Oskar, Musaev

Abstract

Identifying one_s vocal range whether tenor or baritone may be a challenging endeavour when the singer_s voice quality tends to overlap both categories. For an amateur singer it will be significantly constructive to know one_s voice range identity to enhance selection of repertoire or optimise performance. This thesis is based on the author_s prior experience of vocal misclassification leading to confusion, ambivalence in choosing repertoire and general vocal discomfort. The objective of this thesis is to enable a young singer to gain control of his vocal identity through developing goals that 1) facilitate a change in vocal fache 2) gain competency of the stylistic demands in repertoire for change of vocal fache 3) perform and reflect upon a variety of repertoire that facilitates the transition of vocal fache. These objectives are performed, reflected upon and mastered through a practice-led research. The discussion in this thesis is based upon a practical standpoint of a young developing singer transitioning from a tenor to baritone. The outcome is several recitals that facilitate the process of gaining competency as a tenor transitioning into a baritone. Keywords: baritone repertoire, practice led research, artistic reflection, breathing technique, vocal performance, singing

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