Stephanie Derrick
Voice and Piano Coach, Author, Entrepreneur , Music Teacher and Real Estate Investor
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Dear Heavenly Sounds Family! ๐๐ ๐คWhat Can Singers Learn From Latin Music?๐ถ๐ถAs we continue celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, letโs take a moment to explore something that can teach singers a LOT about performance: Latin music! Latin music represents many different cultures, countries, languages, and musical traditions. From salsa and cumbia to mariachi, flamenco, bachata, reggaetรณn, and beyond, there is no single โLatin sound.โ๐ But what can singers learn from these musical styles? ๐ฅ 1. Feel the RhythmMany Latin music styles have strong rhythmic foundations. Singers arenโt simply singing over the rhythm they are often interacting with it. Pay attention to: Where the vocal phrases begin and end; How the singer works with the beat; How certain words are emphasized; How rhythm changes the feeling of a phrase Challenge: Pick a Latin song and try clapping or tapping along with the rhythm before you sing it. ๐ถ๐ ๐ค 2. Expression MattersLatin music can be incredibly expressive. Singers often use changes in tone, dynamics, phrasing, and emotion to communicate the meaning of a song. A technically correct performance can still feel different from a performance where the singer truly connects with the words. Ask yourself:โ ๐ฃ๏ธ 3. Learn From Different LanguagesListening to music in Spanish, Portuguese, or other languages can help singers become more aware of pronunciation, vowel sounds, articulation, and phrasing. You donโt have to speak a language fluently to appreciate the way its sounds interact with music. Try listening closely to how the singer shapes each word instead of focusing only on the melody.
๐๐ฝ 4. Study the Performance; Not Just the SongGreat singers are performers! Pay attention to how artists use: Facial expressions, Body movement, Timing ,Stage presence, Connection with the audience. The goal isnโt to copy another singer. Instead, study what makes their performance effective and think about how you can apply those ideas to your own style. ๐ 5. Step Outside Your Usual Musical Comfort ZoneOne of the best ways to grow as a musician is to listen to music you donโt normally hear. You might discover: A new rhythm you love; A different way to phrase a melody; A new vocal technique; An artist who inspires you; A musical style you want to explore. ๐ง Your Listening Challenge!Choose one Latin song youโve never listened to before. Donโt worry about singing it yet. Just listen. Ask yourself: ๐ฅ What do I notice about the rhythm?โ Music gives us the opportunity to learn from cultures and traditions beyond our own and every new sound we discover can help us become more thoughtful, versatile musicians. Keep listening. Keep learning. Keep finding your voice! ๐ค๐๐ With appreciation, Heavenly Sounds Piano & Voice Studioโ Happy Hispanic Heritage Month! ๐
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โStephanie Derrick
Voice and Piano Coach, Author, Entrepreneur , Music Teacher and Real Estate Investor