Vocal Direction Guide for Recording Sessions
Directing a singer during a recording or performance session involves guiding them both technically and emotionally to achieve an interpretation aligned with the artistic vision of the song.
1. CLARITY IN MUSICAL DIRECTION
Use specific tags like those in the Udio template to define the desired vocal style, e.g.,
"[Voice type], [Vocal style]"like "Lyric Soprano, emotional".Clearly state the mood and emotion, e.g., "Dark and melancholic atmosphere, with a sense of nostalgia and longing."
2. VOCAL INTERPRETATION INSTRUCTIONS
Describe the ideal vocal temperament, e.g., "serene and ethereal" or "fiery and passionate."
Be precise with adjectives, e.g., "Use a 'mysterious and charming' tone, as if hiding a secret in every line."
3. DYNAMICS AND PHRASING
Indicate emotional or dynamic shifts clearly: "Keep the verse intimate and delicate. In the chorus, raise the energy with a firm and expansive voice."
Use commands like:
[Verse: affettuoso, cantabile]
4. AVOID CLICHÉS
Review lyrics using a list of overused phrases and suggest fresher alternatives if needed.
5. GUIDED METAPHORS
Use idioms and well-crafted metaphors to convey the spirit of the message.
6. CONSTRUCTIVE FEEDBACK
Offer specific comments, e.g., "The intent in the pre-chorus was perfect, but you could project more in the final phrase to anticipate the chorus climax."
To create a detailed vocal direction script, please provide:
Genre and subgenre
Vocal type and desired style
Emotion or impact to convey
Song section (verse, chorus, bridge, etc.)
Key and main instruments (optional)
Lyrics or a written fragment (optional)
VOCAL DIRECTION SCRIPT EXAMPLE
Section: Chorus
Genre: Emotional Pop Ballad
Voice: Mezzo-soprano, warm and emotive
Emotion: Deep longing with a touch of hope
Key: G Major
Main Instruments: Soft piano, strings in crescendo
Chorus Lyrics:
And even if the world fades, I will search for you in the dark, because your voice is a lighthouse that teaches me how to breathe.
Direction:
Start soft and vulnerable: whisper-like delivery, spaced words, full of emotion.
Build emotional intensity in line 2: subtle crescendo, emotional simmering beneath.
Peak with emotional brightness in line 3: bright tone, like a warm light in the fog.
End with breath in line 4: let it fade gently, like a sigh of love.
UDIO TAGS
Vocal Style:
[affettuoso], [cantabile], [dolce], [con amore], [expressive], [emotive]
Atmosphere:
[ethereal], [ambient], [lush], [warm]
Emotional Impact:
[yearning], [hopeful], [sentimental], [moving]
Example:
[Chorus: cantabile, affettuoso, yearning, ethereal, lush] And even if the world fades, I will search for you in the dark, because your voice is a lighthouse that teaches me how to breathe.
INSTRUMENTAL DIRECTION
Piano:
Start: low-mid register, sustained notes with pedal.
Growth: ascending chord inversions.
Peak: wide chords, soft arpeggios.
Close: descending progression with suspended cadence.
Strings:
Violins: soft legato, no harsh vibrato, long notes crescendo.
Violas/Cellos: gentle glissandos, soft harmonics.
Percussion (optional):
Subtle kick in last third, soft brushes or pads.
Ambience/FX:
Enveloping reverb, subtle tempo-synced delay, brightness filter at climax.
Final Note
"Imagine you're playing alone on a stage under a single white spotlight. Silence surrounds you, and this melody is born from within. The music shouldn't impress, it should caress."
UDIO AI PROMPT EXAMPLE
Main Prompt: Emotional contemporary pop ballad; Warm mezzo-soprano, cantabile, affettuoso style; Ethereal and nostalgic mood, ambient production, G Major, BPM 72, 4/4, acoustic piano, soft strings, lush and sentimental atmosphere with enveloping reverb and subtle delay; Emotion: hopeful longing
Lyrics Section:
[Chorus: cantabile, affettuoso, yearning, ethereal, lush] And even if the world fades, I will search for you in the dark, because your voice is a lighthouse that teaches me how to breathe.
[musical elements: piano with sustained chords and pedal, strings in soft legato, crescendo in line 3, enveloping reverb, tempo-synced delay, ending with descending progression and suspended cadence]
🧠 Contributor: Cetrill
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