Diction
Diction refers to how clearly and correctly words are pronounced when singing. In choir and vocal music, it's a crucial skill that ensures audiences can understand the lyrics and that the musical message is effectively communicated. Good diction involves proper pronunciation of vowels and consonants, clear articulation, and sometimes working with different languages, as choirs often perform pieces in Latin, German, Italian, or other languages. This term is commonly used when discussing vocal technique and choir direction, and you might also see it referred to as "articulation" or "vocal clarity."
Examples in Resumes
Trained 40-member choir in proper Diction techniques for multiple languages
Improved ensemble Diction through specialized workshops and exercises
Led weekly Diction and pronunciation training for university choir
Typical job title: "Choir Directors"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Choir Directors
Professional Organizations
Online Communities
Job Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you approach teaching diction for a multilingual choral piece?
Expected Answer: A senior choir director should discuss their systematic approach to teaching pronunciation in different languages, use of International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), and methods for helping singers maintain clear diction while performing complex musical passages.
Q: How do you balance good diction with musical expression in a large choir?
Expected Answer: Should explain techniques for maintaining clear pronunciation without sacrificing emotional expression, including practical exercises and rehearsal strategies for large groups.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What methods do you use to improve a choir's consonant clarity?
Expected Answer: Should describe specific exercises for improving consonant pronunciation, techniques for unified consonant placement, and strategies for maintaining clarity in different acoustic spaces.
Q: How do you address common diction problems in choral singing?
Expected Answer: Should discuss typical pronunciation challenges, demonstration of correction techniques, and methods for achieving uniform pronunciation across the choir.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What are the basic elements of good choral diction?
Expected Answer: Should explain the importance of clear vowels and consonants, basic pronunciation rules, and simple exercises for improving clarity in singing.
Q: How do you teach proper pronunciation of a simple English text to a choir?
Expected Answer: Should describe basic approaches to teaching text, including word-by-word practice, rhythm speaking, and simple exercises for uniform pronunciation.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic pronunciation teaching
- English diction coaching
- Simple vocal exercises
- Understanding of basic vocal anatomy
Mid (2-5 years)
- Multiple language pronunciation
- Advanced vocal exercises
- Group diction training
- Performance preparation
Senior (5+ years)
- Expert language coaching
- Advanced choral techniques
- Workshop leadership
- Program development
Red Flags to Watch For
- No formal vocal training or education
- Unable to demonstrate proper pronunciation techniques
- Lack of experience with different languages
- Poor communication skills
- No understanding of vocal health principles
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