vocal pedagogy, bel canto & the influence on modern music
Vocal Pedagogy is the study of the voice. It explores different ways of singing, vocal techniques and how to maintain vocal health that ultimately works together to strengthen a vocalist. The reason for investigating how the voice operates is to avoid muddled notions that make learning to sing more complex than it ought to be. The different vocal pedagogies that teachers may use can vary. Methods include Bel Canto, Complete Vocal Technique (CVT) and Estill Voice Training and many more. All providing strong foundations for vocalists to thrive in vocal health, performance and technique.
Bel Canto is a technique rooted in Italian origin in the 18th & 19th century, with some studies tracing it down to origin in the 16th century. The Beginnings of the Art of "Bel Canto": Remarks on the Critical History of Singing by Giulio Silva and Theodore Baker would simply describe the origins of Bel Canto as “ It was not felt to be satisfactory to let the individual give merely what his simple natural instincts permitted, but a need was felt to develop his gifts by training, to study the most suitable means for correcting the defects and amplifying the good qualities of the voice in order to render it as beautiful as possible, and thus to be in a position to profit by the fine properties of the tone so as to make the melody increasingly expressive through the agency of excellence of interpretation” The Bel Canto style is one of elegance and beauty with Bel Canto translating to beautiful singing. “Bel Canto training focuses on developing the singer's technical skills, musicality, and artistry.”
In order for Bel Canto teaching methods to be effective and understandable, we must first have a proper understanding of the anatomy of a singer. A vocalist would be taught and encouraged to look at the functions of the diaphragm, intercostal muscles, rib cage, lungs, vocal chords and larynx. After understanding the functions of vocal anatomy, Bel Canto would then begin to look at posture and alignment and vocal placement. Also looking at vocal exercises such as vowel training (a,e,i,o,u) that help with clarity and vocal resonance. Also exercises that include tongue placement and scales which help with opening and supporting sound.
The integration of Bel Canto techniques in contemporary vocal training began in the 21st century. Modern voice pedagogy continues to prioritize qualities apart of the Bel Canto technique, with teachers working to help their students develop a rich, resonant sound that is both technically secure and emotionally engaging.” Bel canto provides modern music vocalists with strong and stable foundations for their unique styles. Because the technique has deep focus on breathing techniques, placement, resonance, vocal support etc. It aids many artists in various ways. For example the likes of Ariana Grande, Freddie Mercury and Adele are seen to be adapting the vocal techniques from Bel Canto.
While Bel Canto originated in the operatic world it is seen to influence many different genres and continues to inspire modern music artists to prioritise vocal health, artistry and technical strength. Bel Canto’s influence extends far beyond classical music for example, Musical Theatre emphasizes clear diction and emotional expression, Pop music focuses on vocal control and range extension, Rock utilizes breath support for power and sustainability, R&B and Soul, incorporates agility for runs and melisma's.
The use of vocal runs and melisma is rooted in Bel Canto agility exercises, power and sustainability rooted in vocal/ breath support and supports vocal longevity. It aid modern music vocalists with key techniques that prevent vocal injuries and promote vocal health. Techniques such as appoggio can also be used in modern music teaching styles to help vocalists to add depth, strength and dynamics to their voice and style. Bel Canto foundations remain the basis of many vocal pedagogies and even as music continues to evolve and new approaches are created, Bel Canto is still used and adapted because of the historical impact it has had on classical music and artists from many other genres.
