If you are a vocal coach, you know how important it is to help your clients achieve their best performance in the recording studio. Whether they are recording a demo, an album, or a voice-over, they need to be prepared, confident, and comfortable. Here are some of the best ways to prepare a client for a recording session.
The first step is to make sure your client knows the material they are going to record. They should have a clear idea of the style, genre, tone, and mood of the songs or scripts they are working on. They should also practice the lyrics, melodies, harmonies, and rhythms until they are fluent and natural. You can help them by providing feedback, suggestions, and corrections during the rehearsal sessions.
The second step is to warm up the voice before the recording session. This will help your client avoid vocal strain, fatigue, and injury. A good warm-up should include breathing exercises, vocal exercises, and singing along to some of the material they are going to record. You can guide them through a warm-up routine that suits their vocal range, type, and needs.
It is also important to avoid cold or hot water before singing. Water at room temperature is the ideal drink to keep your vocal cords hydrated and healthy. Also avoid acidic food, fruits or drinks as they irritate the vocal chords and prevent a high performance for your vocals.
The third step is to set the mood for the recording session. This means creating a positive, relaxed, and supportive atmosphere that will help your client perform with ease and confidence. You can do this by choosing a comfortable and quiet location, adjusting the lighting and temperature, playing some music that inspires them, and giving them some words of encouragement and praise.
Doing some breathing exercises, lighting a candle or reading their favourite literature can relax them as well and put them in the right mood.
The fourth step is to communicate with the engineer or producer who is in charge of the recording session. You should introduce yourself and your client, explain the goals and expectations of the project, and ask for any technical or artistic guidance that might be needed. You should also listen to the engineer's feedback and suggestions, and relay them to your client in a constructive and respectful way.
The fifth step is to monitor the performance of your client during the recording session. You should pay attention to their vocal quality, pitch, tone, expression, and timing. You should also watch for any signs of stress, fatigue, or discomfort. You can help them by giving them constructive and positive feedback, reminding them of their strengths and goals, and encouraging them to take breaks and hydrate.
The sixth step is to review the results of the recording session. You should listen to the recordings with your client, and evaluate their performance based on the criteria and standards of the project. You should also celebrate their achievements, acknowledge their challenges, and identify areas for improvement. You can help them by providing honest and supportive feedback, suggesting revisions or edits if needed, and planning the next steps or follow-ups.
Also remember, a perfect vocal take doesn't mean it would connect to the listener. It is important for your client to concentrate on connecting emotionally and letting the performance come from a genuine place. Listeners know when a performance is true, and a winning vocal performance captures the hearts of their listeners, not just their ears.