Being able to perform gospel music requires a diverse mindset as well as a vocally expressive approach. It is certainly considered a sound of great distinction, energy and magnificence. Enjoy listening to Andrae Crouch and Mahalia Jackson, two of the greats of gospel, to appreciate genuine gospel songs.

Gospel music dates back to the 17th century. It only emerged in its full reverence in the mid-19th century.

African slaves within the southern states of America ended up being illiterate and, in fact, were not allowed to become literate. Tyrannized Africans had to attend worship with their masters. These worship services were the best way for the overlords to keep track of the slaves and were used to strengthen slave servitude through indoctrination.

The slaves, therefore, ended up being educated in the Christian belief through hymns and sacred songs that were repeated to them over and over again. The master would probably sing a collection of words or phrases from a song and then the slaves would have to replicate them. The entire congregation then sang the choir.

These kind of spirituals were basic recurring lyrics. Considering the circumstances, they were sung with a surprising amount of feeling.

Conventional hymns, while wonderful, ended up getting complicated with multiple verses and were definitely not repetitive. These types of songs were considered too complex for simple slaves and the masters believed that there was no way they could sing them. Hymns were sung with a minimal amount of feeling and were considered inappropriate.

After opera, gospel is considered the next most difficult style of music to perform.

To sing gospel, you must be calm, comfortable, and willing to have fun. The actual vocal methods cannot be overlooked. Strong breathing support must be applied because a highly effective style and voice is needed.

The actual lyrics of the song explain the story and should be presented in a very believable way. The phrasing of gospel songs is long, dramatic, and intensely emotional, so developing and controlling your breath is essential.

A good way to start working on breath control is to work on the Fontanelli exercise. Stand up straight. Slowly and gradually inhale through your mouth for a count of 4. Your midsection should be fully extended.

Slowly exhale to the count of 4, being careful to keep your midsection expanded. Exhale fully maintaining the expansion of the midsection. Increase the count number to 5, then 6. When you’ve reached 7 or 8 counts, add a hold period of 4 counts, then a 5, and so on.

voice desk, Italian for ‘voice placement’, is a great vocal exercise for your dynamics. Take a big supporting breath and sing a comfortable mid-range tone. Hold this pitch, gradually making it louder and louder and then softer and softer.

Focusing on expression means understanding and mastering the lyrics of the song. She begins by reading the lyrics out loud, like you would a poem. Make sure you use the same expression and then try to sing the same lyrics.

Researching and understanding some of the great gospel singers with an online video medium, perhaps YouTube, will highlight the importance associated with expression.

Singing gospel depends on the words. They should be presented in a very distinct and brief way, using the right amount of sentiment. Note that this way of singing was intended for those people who could not read.

Gospel music is happy music. Enjoy singing from your heart!