Cantor Workshop October 17, 2009

So, here's what you need to know about Goal, Motivation and Conflict for Singers!

Based on Debra Dixon's book, GMC: Goal, Moivation and Conflict, I've adapted these tools so that singers can use them to bring more emotion and immediacy to their work. It's very easy! All you have to do is remember to express every aspect as an action verb.

Let's take Psalm 51. What is the singer's goal? In other words, what does he want? He wants to confess his sins and receive forgiveness. What's his motivation? In other words, why does he want to confess and be forgiven? He wants those things so he can feel once again God's favor. What's his conflict? Again, what's getting in his way? He is fighting against his own ability to admit his guilt and accept God's forgiveness. But you might have a different idea about any of those three questions. The main thing is to always express things as an action. Turn "to be happy" into "to cheer myself up." You get the drift.

Please let me know if you have questions! I hope to see you on 10/17!