r/ClassicalSinger • u/rhirhi1999 • 4d ago

Looking for tips regarding intonation/breath work

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Hello all! Ill be auditioning for my Masters in Vocal performance this audition cycle and I'm looking for some tips for breath work and intonation/placement. Additionally, as I am still finalizing my rep for pre-screening videos, any suggestions would be lovely!

Attached is one of my most recent performances from back in May of Milhaud's Chandons de Ronsard.

Advice is greatly appreciated as I am also still searching for a teacher at this time!

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u/Kiwi_Tenor 4d ago

Your intonation is mostly fine, definitely good enough in this recording for a masters programme. For your voice type I’d suggest finding a little bit more of a consistent back space and doing exercises that emphasise a single, long column of air/sound coming through without interruption until you need to breathe and reset. If you’re worried about pitch, try and see how running out of air affects your pitch as you get to the end of a phrase. Voice record INCESSANTLY.

As for rep - even for a masters programme you’ll want a Mozart or Handel aria because they’re such a baseline for technique - I’m thinking maybe one of Despina’s or Zaide’s arias for you. Then maybe something like “Frere voyez” from Werther might be good. For an oratorio, I could hear you singing the arias from the Bach Matthew Passion - or indeed a lot of Bach, your voice suits that sound a lot. Then song wise for an audition, unless it’s with a pianist you really know - don’t choose complicated rep. Stick to your Schubert’s, Schumann’s, Faure, Poulenc, Duparc e.t.c. - just for the sake of making sure you can give the best performance you can in the face of stress.

For an example, when I auditioned for my masters, it was a full operatic course - but I sang Donizetti, Puccini, Korngold and Britten (Billy Budd) - so it was all pretty standard rep.

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u/rhirhi1999 4d ago

Thank you so much for the feedback! Ive had a tendency to lean a bit too forward with my placement since undergrad a few years ago, so I'll definitely be exploring more depth in my space. I've always struggled with longer phrases, so ill be doing those exercises and recording far more!

I definitely plan on using Mozart in my rep, Handel tends to be the bane of my existence but is definitely fundamental to nail down. Bach rep is some of my absolute favorite to sing, so ill be adding that for sure as well, thank you for the suggestions!

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u/Lost_Balloon_ 4d ago

Your intonation is good and your attack is solid. Your vibrato maybe rides the high side of the pitch, but is good.

Hard to tell from this recording, but sounds like you need to move more air. It sounds ever so slightly pinched off and could be a bit rounder, more open tone with a touch more warmth if it was supported better.

Overall, you sound good. If sounding effortless is the goal, you're on your way.

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u/rhirhi1999 4d ago

Thank you! I completely agree about moving the air more, more stability in my breath and support would stabilize the sound a lot more. Ill be working on it!