For singers across genres, controlling dynamics and maintaining tonal quality is essential, and one of the most powerful exercises for this is the messa di voce. Originating from classical singing, messa di voce is an Italian term meaning ‘placing of the voice’.
It involves a single sustained note that swells in volume, reaching a peak, and then decrescendos back to the original softness—all while maintaining pitch, tonal quality, and control. This technique not only improves breath control but enhances expressivity, allowing contemporary singers to craft dynamic, nuanced performances.
In this post, we’ll explore how contemporary singers can integrate messa di voce into your vocal routines, the benefits it brings, and practical steps to develop this technique in modern music settings.
What Is Messa di Voce?
Traditionally a hallmark of bel canto singing, messa di voce is a way to showcase vocal control, balance, and stamina. At its core, messa di voce involves a slow crescendo (increasing volume) followed by a decrescendo (decreasing volume) on a single pitch. This technique demands:
- Steady breath support to maintain consistent tone.
- Vocal fold coordination to adjust dynamics seamlessly.
- Precision in intonation as the pitch remains stable through changing volume.
Messa di voce can be performed on any vowel, though most singers find it easier to begin with more open vowels like “ah” or “eh.” The exercise is highly adaptable for any vocal style and can be modified for various contemporary applications, from pop to jazz to R&B.
Why Should Contemporary Singers Practice Messa di Voce?
While messa di voce may seem more at home in classical singing, it offers significant benefits for contemporary vocalists. Here’s how it can elevate your technique:
- Enhanced Dynamic Control
Contemporary music often demands quick shifts in dynamics for emotional impact. Practicing messa di voce builds control over your volume, so you can deliver a whispered verse followed by a powerful chorus with ease. - Improved Breath Control and Support
Sustaining a note while modulating volume strengthens the diaphragm and intercostal muscles. This improvement in breath control translates to better endurance, especially in long sets or high-energy performances. - Smoother Vocal Transitions
Messa di voce helps train smooth transitions between registers, especially when moving between chest and head voice. This fluidity is invaluable in genres like pop and R&B, where singers often blend registers. - Vibrato Control
By maintaining a steady pitch while modulating volume, you develop control over vibrato, allowing for more intentional vibrato usage. Messa di voce helps singers execute controlled vibrato, especially in moments where a subtle touch is required. - Expressive Phrasing
Practicing messa di voce can lead to greater emotional expressiveness. Swelling into a note or softening it at the end of a phrase becomes easier and more natural, adding a layer of storytelling to your music.
How to Practice Messa di Voce
To start practicing messa di voce, find a comfortable, relaxed environment where you can focus solely on your voice. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you going:
1. Warm Up Properly
Begin with light warm-ups, focusing on breath control and relaxation. Simple lip trills, sirens, or hums will help set the stage. You want your body and voice to be loose and well-prepared.
2. Choose a Starting Pitch
Select a pitch within your midrange, where you have the most control and feel comfortable. Avoid starting too high or low, as this will require more control and may strain your voice.
3. Establish Your Baseline Volume
Start the note at a soft, barely audible volume (pianissimo). This initial volume sets the baseline for your exercise, so ensure it’s soft yet fully supported.
4. Crescendo Slowly
As you hold the note, gradually increase the volume, focusing on staying steady in pitch. Aim to reach a full, powerful volume (fortissimo) without losing clarity or pitch accuracy. The crescendo should feel smooth and gradual, not rushed.
5. Decrescendo Back to Baseline
After reaching your peak volume, gradually decrease back to your starting volume. The decrescendo requires even more control, so ensure you’re using strong breath support to avoid vocal wavering or pitch drops.
6. Experiment with Different Vowels and Pitches
Once you’ve mastered messa di voce on a single pitch and vowel, try changing the vowel (moving from “ah” to “ee” or “oo”). You can also experiment on different pitches, exploring your full range.
Integrating Messa di Voce into Contemporary Performance
Beyond the technical benefits, messa di voce can add emotional layers to your singing, especially in modern music genres:
- Soft Verse to Powerful Chorus
In many pop songs, verses are soft and intimate, while choruses are bold and dynamic. Use messa di voce in your practice to learn smooth dynamic shifts, adding a dramatic build-up between sections. - Jazz and Soul Nuance
In jazz and soul, subtle dynamic changes are often used to convey emotion. Practicing messa di voce gives you the skill to add these slight volume shifts, making your interpretations more compelling. - Expressive Runs and Riffs
As you build control, experiment with adding messa di voce to runs and riffs. Start softly, build intensity, and then soften at the end. This is an advanced technique but can add stunning expression to vocal embellishments. - Studio Sessions and Recordings
In a studio setting, dynamic control is essential. Messa di voce ensures that even at low volumes, your pitch and tone stay stable. This technique is invaluable in achieving a polished, professional sound.
Tips for Success
- Patience Is Key: Messa di voce takes time to master, so progress slowly. Start with short holds and build up as your control improves.
- Use a Mirror: Watching yourself helps ensure that tension doesn’t creep into your neck, shoulders, or jaw.
- Record Yourself: Listening back allows you to hear subtle pitch or tonal changes that may not be noticeable in real-time.
- Daily Practice: Like any skill, consistency is essential. Incorporate a few minutes of messa di voce into your warm-up routine to see steady improvement.