One of my favorite strategies for when my students need a little singing break but I want to keep moving forward is the strategic metaphor.
Rather than a quick instruction, select a metaphor that requires a little bit of explanation. Today, for example, I needed 60-90 seconds of time to explain a bit about The Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy, so I could describe the “Somebody Else’s Problem” ship and relate that back to human nature and specifically to a strategy for sopranos to be effective in a section where the bass has the melody.
A long walk, a comedian might say. For me, it’s a perfect tool to have for these situations.