Embracing the Power of the Unforeseen
As a lifelong performer and vocal enthusiast, I’ve always been fascinated by the boundless potential of the human voice. From the soaring melodies of Broadway to the raw, emotive power of blues, the voice is truly the muscle of the soul, as the renowned voice teacher Alfred Wolfsohn put it. But it’s in the realm of vocal improvisation where I’ve found the most exhilarating and transformative possibilities.
Vocal improvisation, that spontaneous, in-the-moment expression of sound and melody, has become a transformative practice for me, both as a performer and as a teacher. It’s a journey of self-discovery, a way to shed the shackles of perfection and embrace the beauty of the unexpected. And I believe it has immense power to unlock new frontiers of creative expression, especially within the context of musical theater.
Rediscovering the Voice as Home
My own path to this vocal awakening began with a bit of a detour. After years of honing my craft on the Broadway stage, I found myself drawn to a different calling – one that took me from the bright lights of New York to the quiet contemplation of the divinity school. As I explored the depths of ministry and community work, I thought I had left my performance roots behind.
But the pull of the stage was strong, and during the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic, I found myself reconnecting with my voice in a profound way. With the support of a remarkable teacher, Ethelyn Friend of the Roy Hart Center, I rediscovered my voice as a sacred, somatic pathway – a place of deep personal and creative resonance.
As I shared on my website, “My voice is me vibrating my own powerful particularity into the world. What would it be like to approach your voice that way? What might the world and you get to hear from you?”
Embracing the Unknown
It was through this lens of personal discovery that I began to delve into the world of vocal improvisation. Guided by the teachings of insightful vocal improvisers, I learned to let go of the need for control and perfection, and to instead embrace the magic of the unknown.
In the context of musical theater, this approach has been nothing short of transformative. Instead of rigidly adhering to a script or score, I’ve found that allowing my voice to spontaneously respond to the emotional currents of a scene or song can unlock a whole new level of expression and authenticity.
It’s a bit like dancing with a partner – you have a general sense of the steps, but the true artistry emerges in the moment-to-moment interplay, the unexpected twists and turns that you navigate together. The same goes for vocal improvisation in musical theater. By tuning into the energy of the scene, the subtext of the characters, and the emotions of the moment, I’ve discovered that my voice can become a dynamic, responsive instrument, adding depth and nuance to the performance.
Dismantling the “Voice Box”
One of the key insights I’ve gained from my exploration of vocal improvisation is the importance of moving beyond the confines of the “voice box” – that restrictive notion that our voices should conform to a certain set of technical standards or aesthetic ideals.
As I’ve learned, the voice is a deeply personal and powerful tool, and when we approach it with openness and curiosity, rather than rigid expectations, we unlock a world of creative potential. Vocal improvisation, with its emphasis on spontaneity and experimentation, has been an essential part of this journey for me.
Through exercises in sound exploration, tapping into the resonance of the body, and embracing the full spectrum of vocal expression (from guttural growls to ethereal whispers), I’ve discovered that the voice is a boundless canvas for self-expression. And by sharing this transformative practice with my students, I’ve seen them blossom in ways that extend far beyond the stage.
Finding Your Unique Voice
One of the most rewarding aspects of teaching vocal improvisation has been witnessing the profound personal growth and self-discovery that can unfold. As my students learn to let go of their inhibitions and self-judgment, they often uncover hidden facets of their own voices – and by extension, their true selves.
I remember working with a student named Maia, who had come to me primarily to learn how to sing her favorite showtunes better. But through our explorations in vocal improvisation, she discovered a whole new world of emotional expression and self-understanding. As she shared, “Working with David has changed my life forever. I am a deeper, more grounded person now than I was before. To be in practice with him is to learn to be brave, which is to be vulnerable.”
It’s stories like Maia’s that remind me of the immense power of the voice to serve as a bridge between our inner and outer worlds. And in the context of musical theater, where we’re often called upon to inhabit complex characters and convey profound emotions, the ability to tap into that wellspring of authenticity can be truly transformative.
Embracing the Community
Of course, the joy of vocal improvisation extends beyond the individual. One of my greatest passions is the opportunity to bring people together through the magic of shared music-making. Whether it’s leading a community singing circle or collaborating with fellow artists, the experience of co-creating in the moment is deeply nourishing and inspiring.
I love the way vocal improvisation can foster a sense of connection and vulnerability, as we each contribute our unique voices to the collective tapestry. It’s a powerful reminder that, as performers, we’re not alone – we’re part of a vibrant, supportive community, all striving to bring more beauty and authenticity into the world.
And in the context of musical theater, where the ensemble is so integral to the storytelling, this communal aspect of vocal improvisation takes on an even deeper significance. By learning to listen, respond, and harmonize with one another in the moment, we can cultivate a level of ensemble cohesion and spontaneity that elevates the entire performance.
Embracing the Journey
As I look back on my own journey with vocal improvisation, I’m struck by the profound ways it has transformed both my artistry and my personal growth. It’s a practice that has taught me to let go of expectations, to embrace vulnerability, and to trust the inherent wisdom of the body and the voice.
And as I continue to share this transformative work with my students and collaborators, I’m constantly amazed by the ripple effects it can have. Whether it’s helping a timid performer find their voice, or inspiring a seasoned pro to rediscover the joy of spontaneous expression, vocal improvisation has the power to unlock new frontiers of creativity and self-discovery.
So if you’re a musical theater artist, or simply someone who loves the art of vocal expression, I encourage you to dive into the world of vocal improvisation. It may just be the key to unlocking your most authentic, powerful, and joyful voice. Who knows what unexpected delights might emerge when you let go and let your voice soar?
After all, as the Musical Theater Center reminds us, the true magic of the stage lies in the ability to connect, to inspire, and to share our most profound and vulnerable selves. And vocal improvisation just might be the perfect vehicle for that journey of self-discovery and creative expression.
