Ch 2: Leading Yourself
You don’t sharpen your ax by continuing to swing- that accomplishes the opposite, actually. You need more than just repetition; you need to take time to sharpen your ax.
Listening Exercises
A great way to sharpen your vocal ax is to put on music (can be worship or secular) and simply listen. A few things you can be listening for to train your ear include:
What vocals are you hearing?
What harmonies are you hearing?
What vocal dynamic points of interest jump out at you?
What style is the main vocal? What strengths do you hear? What weaknesses?
When are backing vocals present? When are they not?
What message the lyrics trying to convey?
How would you describe the general dynamic of the song?
What adjectives would you use to describe the feel of the song?
When we can analyze and understand the purpose of a song, we can then begin to understand each layer of the song and its’ intended purpose- especially the vocals. As a VD, it will be up to you to, under your Worship Leader, craft a vocal experience that will express not only the song being sung, but the spirit behind it.
Knowing the Vocal Parts
A big part of a VD’s job is to assign different vocal parts to each song. In order to ensure each part is assigned intentionally to a capable vocalist, and that it is being sung excellently, a VD must know the part well enough to speak to both of these things.
Training Your Voice
The best leaders will lead by example, and from the overflow of their own skill and experience. Taking time for your own vocal maintenance and growth will not only strengthen your ability as an individual vocalist on the team, but it will elevate your leadership as a VD as well. Regular warm ups, exercises, and lessons help keep everyone in prime vocal shape.