AN ANALYSIS OF VOCAL TECHNIQUE IN GOSPEL MUSIC
Description
Overview:
My dissertation will examine vocal technique within the realm of Gospel music.
I will focus on the key assets that are required for a contemporary Gospel singer
and the science behind it. In its early days, 19th century, Gospel music was vocally
close to classical music in regards to the technique applied. That could be heard in the vocal placement of the singer and viewed in their stance ( Examples will be provided ). Through its contact with profane music like Rock, Soul, Pop… the Gospel sound has evolved musically, and vocally to what we know it to be today. I will examine the sacred-profane relationship of Gospel and secular music.
This essay will investigate the historical context of the day that led to the birth of Gospel as a genre and how this is directly linked to the essence of Gospel music. I will touch on the
transatlantic slave trade and the birth of the Negro Spirituals, linking it to the proselytization of the African slaves. Although Gospel religiously habits in the realm of Christianity we must not forget the African slaves brought their beliefs and spirituality along to the Americas. Africanisms are very present in Gospel music and can be witnessed in the way Gospel singers express themselves when performing, from their mannerisms, singing-like preaching style, syncopation etc.
Finally, as a case study, I will analyse and compare the interpretation of a song by a secular artist to a Gospel artist’s rendition of the same. I will focus on the vocal technique implemented, paying close attention to all the other performance-related elements that surround it and making it sound ‘Gospel’ despite it being a secular song.
Additional info:
– I have uploaded screenshots of books I have found as resources. Please use them, but also find 10 extra additional resources (preferably scholarly articles).
-I have uploaded my dissertation proposal ”The sounds of Gospel: An analysis of vocal technique in Gospel music” for you to use as reference.
-I have uploaded my university’s grading criteria. Please make sure all the learning outcomes are covered
-I have uploaded a structure guide. Following the structure, please start my dissertation from the Main body onwards.
