Danielle M. Hartman

Friday, August 25, 2023 by Danielle M. Hartman | Sheet Music

In this media centered world, it's hard to know what the best choice is for purchasing music to study or perform.

Physical books are great, but sometimes you need the flexibility of quickly downloaded PDF that you can also easily change keys.

In addition, we want to be mindful of acquiring our music in legal and legitimate ways.  Sure, you sometimes find music you need for free on a random website, but the hardworking composer doesn't see a penny.  In addition, pirated music might contain mistakes that might not be worth the free price tag.

Sheetmusicplus.com  is a legitimate place to purchase hard copies of music or downloaded scores.  It offers a lot of regular discounts as well.  Here, you can find a wide variety of sheet music.

Musicnotes.com is my go-to place for popular music or newer musical theatre.  Students and educators can get a pro account for free, which gives you access to credits to purchase music.  The music is easily downloaded, and you can change the keys as well.

Saturday, August 12, 2023 by Danielle M. Hartman | Musical Theatre

Here are some playlists for the Sopranos from the Singers Musical Theatre Anthology.

Friday, August 11, 2023 by Danielle M. Hartman | Technique

During the pandemic lockdown, I made some videos for my students and choir.  Here is one with some general warm ups for you to sing along with.

(14) Some warm ups to start singing! - YouTube

Friday, August 11, 2023 by Danielle M. Hartman | Performance

Many of you may not have ever performed in a recital or solo situatuon before.  Here are some good tips I have gathered to help you prepare.

Dress nicely.   This does not have to be fancy, but make sure that whatever you wear helps you feel confident to stand up in from of others and sing.  If people are talking more about what you wore, than how well you sounded, you may not have chosen wisely.

Practice with your accompanist/collaborative musicians.  Your accompanist (collaborative pianist) needs to practice with you.  This helps everyone,  and insures that the music and the composer’s intentions are honored.   Some situations, like an audition might not provide for rehearsals with the accompanist, but if you rehearse with other accompanists before an audition, it will still help you if you haven’t had a chance to rehearse with accompanist for that occasion.  In addition, if you have other musicians collaborating with you, you must practice with them sufficiently.

Accept your applause.   Even if you feel it is the worst you’ve ever sung, you should be gracious to those who took the time to listen to you!  Bow.  Generally, with your head down, and not looking at the audience.  Try not to acknowledge in your expression or demeanor if you feel that you did poorly.   Most of the time, no one in the audience will know that you missed a beat or forgot a word, but they will know if you make an awful face.

Communicate tempo.   In some instances, you will need to remind the collaborative pianist of your tempo. Take a moment to think about your proper tempo by recalling a phrase or two in your mind, then speaking the rhythm to your accompanist.  If, as you are singing, the tempo seems too fast or too slow, you can move the tempo, and the accompanist will follow you.  Do not try to follow the accompanist, as they are watching and waiting for you.  You are the leader.

Stand where your accompanist can see and hear you.  Generally, at a recital/concert, the singer might stand in the “crook” of the piano, if it is a grand.  This is the curvy part on the right hand side of the piano.  This location offers a good support from the piano, and allows for good communication. 

Be prepared.   Make sure that you have warmed up your voice sufficiently.  Warm-up should occur before the presentation, and not during another person’s performance while back stage.  If you are using music, make sure it is in a binder, and in the proper order.

Be kind.   Everyone has worked hard for their presentations.  Every student comes from a different level of experience and ability.  Support each person’s efforts with applause and positive affirmations.

Have fun!  Your audience will enjoy the performance most if they feel that you are enjoying the performance.

Friday, August 11, 2023 by Danielle M. Hartman | Vocal Health

Vocal Heath, Care and Hygiene Recommendations for Voice Professionals

Danielle Hartman, Adjunct Professor of Voice, Marian University

Voices can endure a lot of stress throughout our lives! The vocal cords (folds) are resilient; however, we still need to take care of them. Voice professionals-anyone who uses their voice a lot in their career (preachers, teachers, people who give presentations, politicians, speakers, etc.) needs to make sure that they take care of their voice.

One simple thing that you can do to help take care of your voice is to stay hydrated. It takes about two hours for any water that you drink to make it to your vocal folds. So, be sure to drink water throughout the day- not just before you are ready to sing or use your voice.

There are no miracle cures. A lot of people will ask what they can do when they are feeling hoarse- Should you sip on lemon water? Should you swallow olive oil? Should you drink tea? And the answer to those questions is “No.” (not unless that is something you really like to do!) There is nothing that will miraculously cure your hoarseness if you have swollen vocal folds. There are some sprays or lozenges that can be helpful or soothing, such as Entertainer’s Secret, or any glycerin-based or pectin-based lozenges. When our voices are hoarse, it usually means the vocal folds are swollen. And it takes more energy to make them move. So, when you are feeling tired or sick, it is most important to make sure that you are supporting your breath fully.

Acid reflux is something that happens a lot more than people think! Many people are quick to say they do not have acid reflux when they really do but have not recognized all the symptoms. If you notice, especially that in the morning when you wake up, you tend to be hoarse and it goes away during the day, then this might be an indication of acid reflux. When your stomach acids creep up into your larynx, it makes your vocal folds red and irritated. This also makes more mucus develop, which, in turn causes you to either cough or clear your throat more often. So. If you are experiencing something like this, please see your doctor, and please take precautions, such as being more careful of the types of foods you eat, and how late you eat them.

Allergies are also problematic for voice professionals. Indoor or outdoor environmental allergies can affect people all year round. It is important to know what specifically triggers your allergies so that you may avoid irritants or treat the allergies and symptoms. In addition to environmental allergies, some people may find they have food sensitivities. Allergies may make some extra drainage or mucus, and they may make your vocal folds swell. Please see your doctor or allergist specifically about ways to take care of allergies.

If you are a person who also works in loud environments, such as bars, restaurants, or arenas, please take extra care of your voice when you are in these environments. Being in an environment such as these long-term can be damaging. Be careful when enjoying time in these environments as well. Have fun, but not at the expense of your vocal health! Give yourself time for recovery and rest, in addition to staying hydrated.

Avoid irritants such as smoking of any kind (including vaping) or excessive alcohol. Smoking nicotine or marijuana and vaping causes the chemicals and irritants in the smoke or vapor to directly pass your vocal folds as you breathe in the substance. These chemicals can cause swelling, edema (fluid accumulation in the tissue), or excessive mucus to form. Chronic irritations of this sort can also cause nodules. Swelling, edema, and nodules all cause a hoarse or husky, throaty sound which diminishes clarity, volume, and resonance.

Some medications (prescription, over-the-counter and herbal supplements) may affect the voice. The most common effect medication has on vocal cords is drying out of the protective mucosal layer. Some medications can also cause edema or leave the vocal cords prone to bruising or hemorrhaging, and some hormonal medication can change the thickness of the vocal folds themselves, which will eventually change the overall range and quality of the voice. Check here for a list of medications and their effects on your voice. From (NCVS.org). Another medical situation that can have an adverse effect on your voice is having a breathing tube put down your throat for surgery. Of course, it is likely that a procedure that involves this is extremely important for your health. However, a conversation with your medical provider and anesthesiologist can be beneficial before the procedure to ensure care is taken involving your vocal cords to avoid injury or paralysis.

No matter what kind of problems you think you may be having with your voice, please see a voice specialist and get it taken care of! Not all ENTs specialize in voice and swallowing disorders. (Expect to get scoped to see your vocal folds. You will be awake during this, they will numb your nose and put a scope down your nose to see your vocal folds. They will use a strobe pulse to observe the waves of the vocal folds as you phonate.)  Sinus problems, reflux, allergies, illness… these issues all can contribute to prolonged poor vocal health. It is important to tell your physician that you are a voice professional and need specialized care. With singing, your instrument is your body. You must take care of your whole body for your voice to be its best at any time. Continue advocating for yourself and your voice with your health professionals.

Friday, August 11, 2023 by Danielle M. Hartman | Technique

Here is a video explaining one of the many breath exercises that I might do in voice lessons.  I love this one for showing us how to control your breath through different lengths of time.  Not all phrases will be long, and you still have to figure out how to manage the air through the amount of time that the phrase inhabits.

(14) Breath exercise 1 - YouTube

Friday, August 11, 2023 by Danielle M. Hartman | Technique

Here is a video I made during the pandemic lockdown about vowel sounds.  

(14) Better Vowel Movements! - YouTube

Friday, August 11, 2023 by Danielle M. Hartman | Worship

As a music director at a church and denomination that is progressive and LGBTQ affirming, I often find myself needing worship material that honors God's creation of humans in all expresivity.  Because of this, I have compiled a resource for worship leaders and musicians who may be needing such a resource.

LGBTQ music resources for worship

Where to look for…

Inclusive and expansive language for gender, referring to both people and God.

Hymns and worship music affirming and highlighting humanity in all forms of gender expressions.

Songs for the Holy Other

              This is a resource of 50 hymns to supplement worship.  Some are familiar tunes with new words like  “All The Colors of The Rainbow”  (ABBOT’S LEIGH) or “Jesus You Have Truly Called Us” (BEACH SPRING)  While others, like For All The Children are newly composed melodies that are easily singable by a congregation.

Roll Down Justice

              This is a collection of songs suitable for congregational use by Mark Miller.   The collection is not specifically targeted for LGBTQ+ worship, however, it is overall geared toward inclusiveness and welcome.  Congregational favorites to sing include “Welcome” and “I Choose Love”  These also make lovely small ensemble, solos, or choral anthems.

For Everyone Born

              This is a hymn by Shirley Erena Murray.  There is a choral anthem version, and it can now be found in some mainline hymnals.   The chorus ”And God will delight when we are creators of justice” pulls people in, singing a rousing chorus together.

David Lohman

              David Lohman is a minister of music at a Presbyterian church in Minnesota.   He wrote “For All The Children” which is included in The Songs for the Holy Other”  and many other songs for solo or group singing.  His music tends to have a bit of a musical theatre influence, which likely is from his time as a Broadway tour conductor.  “The Last, the Lost and the Least” is a lovely song very appropriate for a solo in worship.

Multitude of Voyces Hymn Project

This resource is Anglican-focused, with classically composed hymns with words reflective of today’s needs.  The hymn project is not yet complete, but the plan is to have about 40 new hymns for use in worship.

Justice Choir Songbook

              Another book that is more broadly geared toward justice and inclusivity overall, but can be very effective in worship or in gathering.  “Love is Love Is Love” incorporates “All You need is Love,”   “Ubi Caritas” and an originally composed tune by Abby Betinis to form a partner song/canon that is easily picked up by congregations or gathered groups.  “We Choose Love” is a zipper song that you can make focus on whatever you need.

Convergence Music Project

              CMP is a resource for musicians of progressive Christian churches.  Here, you can purchase individual congregational or choral songs for use, or you can buy a subscription for a year for $199, which gives you access to download all the music for free.  “We are a rainbow” by David Kai is a good congregational song for open and affirming congregations.

Paul Vasile

Paul Vasile is a minister of music in New York, who has written many songs for inclusive worship and justice gathering.  “God Calls You Good”

Other webpages and resources to explore: Liturgy of Welcome , Progressive Christianity, 

Queer Sacred Music

                Queer Sacred Music?  Is a resource of music by Amanda Udis-Kessler.  

Institute for Composer Diversity

                “ICD works in three main areas: databases, analysis, and action. Our databases encourage the musical community to discover works by composers from historically excluded groups. Our analytical studies show where diverse programming is occurring and where it is needed. Finally, we provide straightforward and effective ideas toward more diverse and inclusive repertoire decisions.”

Friday, August 11, 2023 by Danielle M. Hartman | Musical Theatre

I spent some time this summer developing spotify playlists of songs from the Singers Musical Theatre Anthology books.  These are great lists if you're looking to expand your familiarity with musical theatre songs specific to voice types.  It's also helpful if you have some of the books, but dont know all of the songs in each book.

These are the lists that I made or found for the Bass/Baritone Volumes