tonebase Voice Course

German Diction

Taught by renowned 

vocal coach

 

Derrick Goff

Join coach, pianist and conductor Derrick Goff, co-founder of Bel Canto Boot Camp, for an introduction to German diction for singing. This course includes discussion of tips and tricks, breakdowns of how to make certain sounds, and plenty of opportunities for practicing each new skill as you learn it.

  • checkmark icon
    Difficulty: 
    Mezzo-Soprano, Tenor, Soprano, Bass/Baritone
  • checkmark icon
    Duration: 
    1
     hours
     hour

Course Syllabus

Introduction

German has a reputation for being a challenging language to sing in, but Derrick walks us through an introduction to what to expect when approaching German for singing and how to make the text come alive.

Vowels

German vowels are categorized by length and quality (open or closed). Derrick breaks down the rules for identifying which quality to utilize and how each sound is made.

Mixed vowels, umlauts and schwa

The German language includes many mixed vowels with their own distinct rules and exceptions. Derrick guides us through these rules and exceptions while demonstrating how to form these vowel sounds.

Diphthongs

Diphthongs are combinations of vowel sounds, and their pronunciation can make all the difference. This course includes helpful tricks to remember which pronunciation to use and some practice text to put what you've learned to work.

Consonants

German consonants have a bad reputation for being difficult to utilize in singing. Derrick guides us through understanding the sounds used in German consonants and offers an opportunity to practice using these sounds in song text.

Ach-Laut and Ich-Laut

Two of the most distinctive sounds in the German language can be especially challenging for singers. Join Derrick as he breaks down how to pronounce these sounds and when to use them.

An die Musik

Putting all of your new German Diction knowledge to work, Derrick guides us through how to approach using these skills in a piece of music.

An die Musik Piano Reference

An opportunity to sing along and put your brand new German Diction knowledge into action with Derrick at the piano.

Click here to download the course workbook PDF and see the full syllabus →
Derrick Goff
meet YOUR INSTRUCTOR

Derrick Goff

Derrick Goff is a vocal coach and pianist, co-founder of Bel Canto Boot Camp and faculty member of Teatro Nuovo and Manhattan School of Music.

Read full bio →
Derrick Goff

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