Excite your audience
Lesson time: (3min 58sec)
Alfie Boe coaches a singer on phrasing and emotional connection - playing with rhythm, gliding between phrases and drawing meaning from the lyrics.
Course preview
This lesson is part of the course Learn Singing with Alfie Boe
Watch a preview of the full course below.
Lesson transcript:
Music Lesson Reflection
Outstanding Performance
"That was outstanding. I don't really have that much to say. That was absolutely beautiful. Absolutely beautiful."
Tips for Listeners
For the listeners at home, or people who are watching, just a few key points:
- Play with Rhythm: Try to play around with the rhythms a little bit more.
- Glide into Phrases: At the start of each musical vocal phrase, seriously try to glide out of the previous phrase.
Emotional Connection
"Imagine that even listening to that is just so heartbreaking."
When performing this song, it's essential to capture the emotional essence:
- This song, in particular, is about saying goodbye to someone, knowing that it may be indefinite.
- The emotional weight of the song can be felt with lines such as:
"Sing it one last time for you." - Connect with the Lyrics: Focus on the words and what they mean.
Performance Techniques
"Thanks, Ross. Cheers."
- Hold Back at the Start: You did amazing at the start of this song by holding it back.
- Discover the direction of the song and identify the emotional pinnacle. You excelled in this because you held back at the beginning.
Building Intimacy
The intimacy you brought into the first chorus was divine.
- You naturally drew people in.
- Audiences respond attentively to intimate and delicate performances.
Engaging the Audience
"You want that connection."
- As you prepare to perform in front of your family, focus on:
- Eye Contact: Look into their eyes during conversations. This will enhance your performance.
- That connection is vital for expressing emotions in your singing.
Communicating Emotions
This song is a love song, a goodbye that signifies potential loss.
- The "light up" of the song serves as a beacon, representing hope and salvation:
"Hope that the future will be brighter." - You can express the same sentiments, whether softly or passionately, to convey the message effectively.
In Closing
Remember, the emotions you convey will create a deeper connection with your audience. Good luck with your upcoming performance!
About the instructor

Alfie Boe is a tenor from Fleetwood on the Lancashire coast. He has sung on many of the world's leading opera stages, led the cast of Les Misérables in the West End for nearly a year, and performed at the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Concert at Buckingham Palace. He has had four top-ten albums and platinum sales in the UK, with sold-out tours at venues including the Royal Festival Hall and the Royal Albert Hall. In his course he shares the daily vocal exercises and warm-ups he uses before performing - from Jean Valjean to singing for the Queen - the craft that keeps a powerful voice in shape. read more




