The third vocal quality I’d like to share is called Opera. This is good fun, and an opportunity to PLAY!
Why Opera?
Opera is bigger than life. And a way to bring the very real drama of our lives into a bigger than life expression.
Opera offers us a way to engage actively and playfully in relationship with others. And as a result, you may feel more alive and embodied for having poured your life story into song.
You might be thinking “I can’t sing opera!” But that’s simply not true because this is not about sounding pretty or being a trained singer. It’s about putting your whole heart and soul into your expression and putting it out there! It’s about having the courage to embody what you feel and to give it a voice. Terrifying, I know.
So, for example, you could sing this:
“No, Noooo! I can’t POSSIBLY sing opera! I would make a FOOL of myself! An idiot! An ASS! She’s lost her SENSES! You will never, NEVER get me to DO that! ”
As you can see, it’s very dramatic and really can be a surprisingly good time, as long as you don’t take yourself too seriously.
So, are you ready to try it?
First, you might enjoy the full on passion of Bugs Bunny conducting opera: (excuse the 3 second add. It’s worth it.)
Click here for Bugs – https://youtu.be/BX1ljYx3g3k
Voice Practice Guidelines:
This practices is best done with a friend or partner.
Create a safe space where you can be silly and loud.
Put the focus on play and expressing, not on performance and sounding beautiful.
Give ONLY positive feedback about your friend or partner’s voice and expression.
Set a timer for 3 minutes and then switch sides.
The Practice:
Opera is dramatic, as we all know, so get ready! We will begin simply with the words YES and NO. Decide together who will do each one. Then, after 3 minutes, switch.
The content doesn’t really matter, though it may become clear as you get into it.
What matters is to pour yourself into it, using bigger than life gestures and being ALL IN. The sillier, the better!
Let yourself improvise, singing whatever words occur to you in response to your partner’s heartfelt plea.
Take time to debrief, sharing about your experience, especially the different parts of yourselves that come up in relation to being big, loud and expressive. Congratulate yourselves on a job well done!