Hi, So i do theatre but i have major trouble with part singing, I can never seem to be able to sing my part when everyone else is singing. when we all sing together it feels like I cant even hear myself. and it is not that i dont know my harmony because I am able to sing it when the others aren't. I need help!!!! any suggestions?
Part singing is not easy for many and takes a lot of development! It’s a skill, just like everything else! People gravitate towards be melody, so when they have to sing something else, it’s seemingly impossible to hear your part.
A few things you can do are to go to your piano and hit a middle C. (Or any random note, really!). Now sing an E above it (or any random note) and try to hold your own against the C. Many find harmonizing above a note easier, so try harmonizing below it for more of a challenge. Hold the E and try to sing the C below it. A few minutes of this a day can do wonders to helping you hear your harmonies. Try different notes, different intervals, and just work to stay strong with your note as you play another note so you can hear how it fits into the context of the chord!
If you go to church, try reading the harmonies in the hymns! It’s a great way to practice with low risk of failure!
And finally, you can try harmonizing with your favorite songs. Try to sing a third above the song and hold your own. This is tough for a beginner, but as you become more comfortable, it can be a great exercise.