When this couple, Carolin Schneider (38) and Gjermund Frivold (43), get to work, there’s a great atmosphere, a sense of well-being—and a high level of musical energy. This is the recent experience of a number of churches on the east coast of the USA .
Focus on vocal coaching, playback production and studio recording
The two visitors from Norway gave music lessons to several church groups there. They both work for BCC Music at BCC’s head office. And the journey wasn’t just for the benefit of these church groups.
Read also: New major investment in music
The trip started in mid-August, with a trip of about 6,000 km from Oslo to Newark, where Daniel Reed (30), a musical enthusiast, picked them up at the airport. The couple visited seven BCC churches on the east coast of the US in the course of eight days, and they taught with special focus on vocal coaching, playback production, and studio recording.
“There were so many touching moments,” says Carolin after the trip.
“What’s exciting,” she says, “is that when you coach people, they loosen up a bit more—and they’re often surprised at how overwhelming the response from the audience can be.”
Eye contact signals confidence
Presentation in front of an audience is particularly important for a soloist. The tips from the music experts are: Eye contact often gives a signal of interest and confidence, while a lack of it can be perceived as insecurity. Posture and the use of movement also give strong signals: a straight and relaxed posture shows confidence, while a slumped back can be interpreted as uncertainty or tiredness.
Hand gestures and an open posture can make communication more engaging, while crossed arms can easily be perceived as dismissive. Even small gestures, such as a nod or head shake, can say a lot without words.
Soloists must have the feeling that nothing they do is “wrong”
“When recording with soloists in a music studio, you need to create a comfortable and trusting atmosphere. The soloists must have the feeling that nothing they do is ‘wrong.’
Nobody dares trying anything new if they are afraid criticism afterwards.”
Daniel Reed, one of the people involved in music in the USA, invited the couple to come over and hold a course. They traveled on behalf of BCC Music, and as it turned out, BCC Music also benefited from the trip.
“We met a lot of really good singers on the trip,” says Carolin. We often got goosebumps when they really dared to give more of themselves and started really singing.
Both Carolin and Gjermund are involved in producing music for church events. Through BCC Music, they contribute to the presentation of songs from the songbook Ways of the Lord, focusing on the songs’ content. Many of the songs will now be produced in English and distributed through the publisher Hidden Treasures.
“For us, it’s a great opportunity to get to know more soloists, especially English-speaking ones. It’s very useful when it comes to creating more songs for the mission work in Hidden Treasures,” says Carolin.
Participants learned about vocal technique and expression
“It was a great atmosphere with Carolin and Gjermund! This wasn’t just an ordinary masterclass, but an experience that also brought a lot of joy,” says Daniel Reed.
“Participants learned about vocal technique and expression. We’re very passionate about music here on the east coast of the US, and the visit from Norway just reinforced that.”