Jazz / Pop Singing at the Crossroads of Movement and Musical elements by Daniela Fanelli

Research question - How can focusing on the connection between body movements and the key musical elements of rhythm, lyrics/mood, pitch and dynamics positively affect the expressiveness and vocal freedom of jazz / pop vocalists? When considering the attributes of captivating performances, jazz and pop singers often tend to underutilize their bodies on stage. This observation prompted a deeper examination of the interplay between body awareness, singing, and movements, resulting in the question “How can focusing on the connection between body movements and the key musical elements of rhythm, lyrics/mood, pitch and dynamics positively affect the expressiveness and vocal freedom of jazz / pop vocalists?” The research aims to address this question through a series of investigative stages. Firstly, the analysis of my 2023 end-of-year performance revealed a clear correlation between gestures, expressiveness and the four musical elements mentioned. Further research supported this finding and led to the development of movement-focused singing exercises, whereby vocalists sing while consciously engaging their bodies in alignment with each key musical element individually. This methodology underwent testing with six vocalists, yielding valuable empirical data. The data shows that this set of exercises can be a helpful, holistic tool in increasing expressiveness, enhancing awareness and improving embodiment while singing, as I have also experienced for myself. By sharing this research, I hope to encourage all musicians to deepen their connection with themselves, their instrument, and the audience through movement and body awareness.

I. Bibliography

Brand, Sebastian. "Attentional Focus Effects and Singing: Enhancing Vocal Performance through Body Movements and Gestures as External Foci of Attention." The International Journal of Arts Education 16.2 (2021): 1.

Brunkan, Melissa C. “The Effects of Three Singer Gestures on Acoustic and Perceptual Measures of Solo Singing.” International Journal of Music and Performing Arts 3 (2015): 35–45.

Heijne, Manon. Interview. Conducted by Daniela Fanelli. 6 December 2023.

Koch, Sabine C. "Basic body rhythms: from individual to interpersonal movement feedback." The Implications of Embodiment Cognition and Communication, eds W. Tschacher and C. Bergomi (2011): 151-171.

Lada, Bob. “Awareness for Musician” PSH-238-006, 2016, Berklee College of Music. Class lecture.

Nafisi, Julia. “Course Review: Gesture and Movement in the Voice Lesson and Beyond with Dr Julia Nafisi.” Voice Study Centre, 31 Aug. 2023, https://voicestudycentre.com/news/course-review-gesture-and-movement-in-the-voice-lesson-and-beyond-with-dr-julia-nafisi/. Accessed 14 Feb. 2024.

---. "Gesture and body-movement as teaching and learning tools in the classical voice lesson: a survey into current practice." British Journal of Music Education 30.3 (2013): 347-367.

Seitz, Jay A. "Dalcroze, the body, movement and musicality." Psychology of music 33.4 (2005): 419-435.

Smeets, Yvonne. Interview. Conducted by Daniela Fanelli. 1 November 2023.

Tree, Fiona, and Weissman, Annika. "Health and Wellbeing Alexander Technique” KC-EL-AT Alexander Technique, 2022-2024, Royal Conservatoire The Hague. Class lecture.

Weissman, Annika. Interview. Conducted by Daniela Fanelli. 20 October 2023.

Williams, Erik. Interview. Conducted by Daniela Fanelli. 20 November 2023.

Williams, Susan. “Dialogues on Music with Robert Duke.” Wellbeing Wednesdays. Dialogues on Music with Robert Duke, 4 Oct. 2023, Den Haag, Amare.

---. ‘Finding Focus‘, Academy of Creative and Performing Arts, 2019 (2019) https://www.researchcatalogue.net/view/497578/497579/0/0 [accessed 14/02/2024]

Wis, Ramona M. 1999. “Physical Metaphor in the Choral Rehearsal: A Gesture-Based Approach to Developing Vocal Skill and Musical Understanding.” Choral Journal 40 (3): 25–33. https://www.jstor.org/stable/23553144

Wulf, Gabriele, and Adina Mornell. "Insights about practice from the perspective of motor learning: a review." Music Performance Research 2 (2008): 1-25.

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Daniela Fanelli - Jazz / Pop Singing at the Crossroads of Movement and Musical elements - 2024

I. Bibliography