IPA 101: International Phonetic Alphabet for Singers (An Introduction)
with Michael Bennett
Monday, October 12, 2020 | 6:00 PM (Pacific Time) | Zoom Webinar
In the 1880s, a group of linguists devised the International Phonetic Alphabet, a scientific system of writing the sounds for any verbal language. Today singers across the world use the symbols of IPA to refine their diction and to help them remember what sounds to make in the first place. In this presentation, you'll use familiar texts in English and Latin to learn the most commonly encountered vowels and consonants.
Download the handouts: IPA vowels, Latin | IPA 2015 | Texts, transcriptions, translations
German Diction for Singers
with Kathryn Weld
Monday, February 8, 2021 | 2:00 PM (Pacific Time) | Zoom Webinar
One of the joys of singing in German is that it obeys its own linguistic rules scrupulously, unlike French, Italian, or especially English. In this webinar, you'll encounter a variety of new vowels and consonants; positions of the teeth, lips, and tongue; and applications to some favorite choral repertoire. Join mezzo-soprano Kathryn Weld, who worked as an opera singer in Germany for many years, to learn the rules but also the beautiful subtleties of singing German
IPA 102: The Consonants
with Michael Bennett
Saturday, June 18, 2022 | 11:00 AM (Pacific Time) | Zoom Webinar
The International Phonetic Alphabet, that tool that linguists have refined for 133 years, lists all the sounds made in human language. Linguist, singer, and conductor Michael Bennett will lead participants in a tour through the consonants, including examples from various commonly sung languages. Ever wanted to know the difference between plosives and fricatives? Now's your chance!
Download the handouts or the slide deck.
IPA 103: The Vowels
with Michael Bennett
Wednesday, September 28, 2022 | 6:00 PM (Pacific Time) | Zoom Webinar
Michael Bennett continues his series on sung diction, using the International Phonetic Alphabet as a primary tool. This session will review the various vowels used by cultures across the world, including categorization and practical implementation. Attendees will learn how to manage their mouth to create distinct vowel sounds practical to any number of languages. Loosen up your jaws and tongues—it’s language time!
Download the handouts or the slide deck.
This program is supported, in part, by a grant from the Washington State Arts Commission, in addition to the National Endowment for the Arts, 4-Culture, the Seattle Office of Arts and Culture, and many generous donors.