Archive for 2010
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Tuesday, December 7th, 2010
I love the concept of FREEDOM UNDER CONTROL. It applies to most areas of our lives including social interaction, eating, our spiritual lives and most definitely singing.
When a singer has vocal freedom there is no restriction caused by bad mechanics. The voice doesn’t tire, and the notes at both extremes of the range are always accessible. The result is that whatever the singer wants the voice to do, it does. When this freedom is combined with self-control and wise restraint, great communications occur.
Why is it difficult for singers to achieve freedom under control?
Think of it as being like a college freshman that goes away to school. Suddenly, there is enormous freedom, but often it is not in balance with the ability, and even desire, to make the most of the learning experience. Hopefully, in time, the balance is achieved. For some, unfortunately, it is after a lot of time and money have been wasted.
In singing, the same holds true.
Many singers learn how to use the mechanics of the voice, and that’s it. They open their mouths and let it fly with nice tone and range, but little expression. They don’t have the discipline and musical knowledge to finesse the phrases into powerful tools of communications. Other singers totally get the emotions and expressions that really sell the song, but never master the mechanics that allow them to consistently get the job done.
As I said in the opening, freedom under control applies not only to singing, but also to most areas of life, including how you eat and how you relate to God. And, here’s the beauty of it: If you are willing to openly pursue both freedom and control, you will be more successful at everything.
The best singers I know take the time and make the effort to master the mechanics of the voice.
- Learn to hold the instrument (posture).
- Control the energy (breath management).
- Shape the phrases (dynamics, rhythm, tempos).
- Deliver the words (diction).
Do the above, and you are half way there. Then, study those who are masters of communicating songs. Listen, imitate, experiment and be on the lookout for mentors: Those more experienced than you, who can guide and challenge you all along the way.
FREEDOM + CONTROL = SUCCESSFUL SINGING. It’s a formula that can change the way you sing, forever.
Posted in Breathing, Choir Directors, Diction, Duets to Groups, Posture, Singing and Voice Lessons, Worship Team | No Comments »
Avocados and a Brown Bag
Wednesday, November 24th, 2010
HAPPY THANKSGIVING from Carole!
Chris and I hope that you have a peaceful and special Thanksgiving. May it include quality time with family and friends and safe travels. If you are unable to be with those you love take advantage of technology like video chats on Skype to stay connected.
Carole Beatty has still got the attitude and the fire!
For those of you who don’t celebrate Thanksgiving as a national holiday, this Thursday is a good excuse to stop your busy lives and remember those people, situations and experiences you are thankful for. It’s just a healthy thing to do for all of us.
And, speaking of being thankful, I thought I would share a day in my life and how God makes Himself so personal to me.
Avocados and a Brown Bag
Scripture tells us over and over again how God supplies our needs. I’ve read it; you’ve read it. So, a few weeks ago I realized that the Avocado’s we bought on Saturday were still not ripe & I wanted to use them for dinner. So Google to the rescue. One “expert” said to put them in a brown paper bag with tomato and they would ripen quickly. I was excited until I realized I had no brown paper bag anywhere in the house. Another suggestion was to use Newspaper. I had none. So, I took a napkin with tomato & put it in a dark place and forget about it.
Off I went to get my allergy shots. When I sat down in the waiting room guess what was on the chair next to me? A newspaper! “Thank You, Lord, I said.” Since it was old and used I felt free to take it home where I wrapped the avocado and tomato. A need answered, but it gets better.
A little later, Chris & I went to vote, then to try out the brand new Chipotle’s restaurant in Brentwood. We decided to not eat there because we had food at home waiting to be eaten. The management saw us leaving & asked why, so we told them . They said, “Stay and eat all you want and it’s on us.” We couldn’t turn down that offer and had a great free meal, another unexpected gift from the Lord. The meal included a huge bag of chips in a . . . you guessed it . . . brown paper bag. “Amazing, Lord,” I thought. And, because I couldn’t finish my dinner I went to get a lid to take it home. The guy asked if I wanted a brown bag to put it in. Of course I said YES. My God supplies all our need. He cares so much even that we would have a ripe Avocado for dinner.
I am thankful for all you who read the Vocal Coach Blogs and pray the Lord will bless your day, in Jesus’ name. Carole
Tags: carole beatty, vocal coach, vocal coaches, vocal coaching. chris beatty, vocalcoach.com
Posted in Carole Cares | 2 Comments »
Giving Thanks and Savings this Holiday Season
Monday, November 22nd, 2010
Seasons Greetings! This is Ian with the Vocal Coach Store. I just wanted to drop by and let you know about all we have in store (pun unintended) for you this holiday season. We are kicking it all off by saying “Thank you!” It’s Customer Appreciation Days here and the Vocal Coach Store in anticipation of Thanksgiving.
Our goal at the Vocal Coach Store is to help you find the singing and speaking products you need this Christmas. Many have asked “What Should I Get For the Special Singer in My Life?”. We have heard you and are here to help. OUR HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE IS COMING SOON and it has the answers you are looking for! We are committed to helping you find the that perfect gift at the perfect price for yourself or the special singer in your life.
GIVE THANKS: Beat the Holiday rush and start your gift shopping today! NOW thru Wed. NOV. 24 — Enjoy $3 OFF of $50, $7 OFF of $75, and $10 OFF your purchase of $100 or more. Simply enter coupon code: GIVETHANKS above your cart subtotal and enjoy the saving!
ONE-DAY ONLY SPECIALS: Don’t want to deal with the hustle and bustle of the mall on Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday but want to get great savings? Then Check us out at the Vocal Coach Store on Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday for more great offers from the comfort of your own home.
Also this holiday, we are introducing a NEW PRODUCT GIFT PACK (details coming soon) special for the holiday and with SAVINGS ALL SEASON LONG and gifts at all prices, you are sure to find that extra-special stocking stuffer or gift.
As you can see, there is a lot to be excited about at the Vocal Coach Store this holiday. Do you have any singing related thanks to give? What’s your favorite gift to get or give as a singer? Let us know in the comments. We always love to hear from our customers.
Oh, and Thank You! – from all of us here at Vocal Coach.
Posted in Notes from the Vocal Coach Store | No Comments »
WHAT IF YOU WERE ALWAYS BEING RECORDED?
Tuesday, November 16th, 2010
24/7 RECORDING?
What if every word you spoke and sang at home, in the car, in rehearsal and in performance was recorded? Then, at the end of the day you would be given an evaluation of how you did in areas with your tone quality, appropriate volume, clarity of your words, use of breath and more. Would that change the way you use your voice?
For some, the very possibility of being recorded and evaluated would lead to paranoia, not to mention less speaking and singing. For most, however, it should give birth to a fun, challenging and very fulfilling game called, “I will prepare mentally and physically before I open my mouth.”
THINK ABOUT IT
Every time you make an audible sound you are reinforcing your physical process be it right or wrong. If you’re like most people you speak without ever thinking about the actual sound. Hopefully, that’s because you are focusing on the message.
The fact is, we have the mental capacity to think about content and voice at the same time, and that should be our goal. Even as we begin the process we can quadruple the power of our communications by matching content with appropriate tone, volume, diction and inflections. Any time we don’t have all these elements working in harmony we risk a partial disconnect between what we think we are saying and what actually gets heard.
MAKE A LIST
It begins with you actively listening to and defining your own voice. What does it sound like? Is it rough, smooth, pitched high or low or in between? Is it soothing or alarming, unnecessarily loud or too soft to be heard? Are the words clear and easy for others to understand, or are they mumbled, requiring repeats of what you’ve said? Write down these observations. If you have the courage, ask several others to give their feedback on the above list of possibilities. Keep this list handy as you begin the Exercise In Voice Awareness.
FOR SPEAKING
- Using your new list begin to make the changes you are capable of.
- If you are straining your throat while trying to speak at too low a pitch (you can put a hand there and feel it) stop it. Allow your speaking voice to be slightly higher.
- If you are always hyper and loud when you speak, relax. Get softer. It will be easier on the listener and your voice. It will also give you room to build and grow your sound when that is appropriate.
- If you mumble your words, slow down and use the lips, tongue and teeth. With a little listening and effort you can be clear.
- Adjust other obvious areas, then begin “hearing” your tone and voice quality before it comes out, then speak.
FOR SINGING
- Before you make a sung sound think about it. What should it feel like (posture, breathing, tone resonance, diction)? Then, consider what it should sound like. Mentally anticipate and “hear” the sound before it comes out. This is a skill that you can develop.
- Whenever possible, record yourself speaking or singing, and be objective as you listen back. Ask yourself what areas met your goals and what didn’t? What can you do about it? Even many smart phones can record with surprisingly accurate quality.
REMEMBER THE GOAL
As you mentally record and evaluate your voice, you will grow in your vocal awareness. Your goal is to be “hearing” your voice even before the sound is produced. This will help the different parts of the vocal process (posture, breathing, tone, diction, and volume) deliver exactly what you want rather than whatever default sound happens to come out.
WHEN WILL YOU SEE THE FRUIT?
You can start benefiting almost immediately but it will take a little time before it happens automatically. In my own experience I began just thinking about and enjoying the sound and physical sensations of the voice. Before long it was always in the back of my mind. Now, it just happens and things adjust in milliseconds before sound comes out. Because it is on autopilot, I can put all my thought into content and delivering the message whether speaking or singing.
DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS?
Let me know your thoughts and questions at chris@vocalcoach.com and be sure to visit our FaceBook page by clicking the icon in the upper, left-hand corner of this page. While on the FB page click the “Like” button at the top of the page.
Tags: chris and carole beatty, chris beatty, speaking voice, vocal coach, vocalcoach.com
Posted in Breathing, Choir Directors, Diction, Posture, Singing Subjects, Soloist, Speaking Tips, Tone, Uncategorized, Vocal Health, Voice Fatigue and Strain, Worship Team | No Comments »
COLD WEATHER TIPS FOR SINGERS
Tuesday, November 9th, 2010
As the temperature plunges, singers and speakers need to take extra care. Here are some tips that will keep your voice healthy. The bottom line is this: With a little thought and preparation the cold weather doesn’t need to be a problem.
Having lived in temperatures ranging from 112°above to 55° below zero (Las Vegas, Northern MN, NYC, Chicago,) I can tell you that when it comes to singing, temperature does matter.
SOME OF US ARE JUST DESIGNED FOR COLD WEATHER
I did most of my early formal training and singing in Chicago, and that’s one cold city in the winter. Here is some wisdom I learned from those who lived there and those who toured around the world.
When You’re Outside in Freezing or Below Temperatures:
♪ Try to breathe in only through the nose and out through nose and mouth. This gives the air a chance to warm and moisturize before hitting your larynx and lungs.
♪ If you must talk outside, let your listener know you’ll be breathing in nasally which may slow your conversation down a bit.
♪ Scarf & hat. 70-80% of body heat-loss happens through neck and head. That’s why in New York City it’s easy to spot the singers. They’re the ones wearing scarfs and hats even in mildly cool weather. They consider themselves vocal athletes and know the importance of vocal health. It’s no different than other athletes wearing warming sleeves or heavy hoodies when they’re on the bench. It keeps them ready to do what they do. Isn’t that what you want?
♪ Cold air is usually very dry and requires us to hydrate more than normal. Remember the rule: Half your body weight in ounces of water daily. 150 lbs. = 75 ounces of water . . . at least.
♪ Humidifier and breathing steam. Because heated air from a furnace or even fire is drier air consider using a humidifier. Any time your home’s humidity is lower than 35% it’s too low for singers and very drying to the vocal tract. And, when your throat is dry consider a long, hot shower or using a Vick’s Personal Steam Inhaler. It’s a great way to counter drying and even mild swelling of the vocal folds due to too much singing or speaking.
♪ A topical moisturizer like Entertainer’s Secret Throat Spray can instantly moisturize the nasal passages, sinuses, upper throat and oral cavity. That’s a really good start to keeping moist. It doesn’t take the place of good hydrating, but it does its job well and it’s used by thousands of singers and speakers world-wide. Buy 6 and get the 7th free with this limited-time offer.
♪ A warm drink will help warm areas around the larynx, but remember: caffeine is a diuretic and can dry you out. Staying with decaffeinated drinks (still some caffeine there), or better yet no-caffeine drinks is better on singing days. Something like “Throat Coat” tea is filled with interesting flavors and very good for singers.
♪ Acclimate before singing. Arrive at where you’ll be singing 20-30 minutes early to allow your body, larynx and lungs to “get up to temp.” Guitar players and photographers allow their equipment to adjust to room temperature and humidity before beginning an event and your vocal instrument is even more fragile.
♪ Warm up smart. Smart singers begin every day with some humming and light vocal exercises so they are never too far from being ready to sing. When coming in out of the cold don’t just show up hoping to get your vocal mechanism in gear during the first few songs. Instead, as soon as your body begins to get comfortable begin lightly humming throughout your range. Then move into scales and lip-trills. (Hint: Putting some Vocal Coach warm-ups on your mp3 player or iPhone will always give you a predictable, familiar routine.)
♪ Eat smart. If you are outside a lot in cold weather you burn more calories just staying warm. On the other hand, if you are much less physically active in the winter months adjust your calorie intake accordingly. The way you eat and your overall health has a lot to do with your singing health. Try and plan ahead.
When You Have To Sing Outside
Doing any caroling this Christmas? There’s no need to sacrifice your voice as you enjoy this special time of the year, so remember:
♪ Warm up yourself and your voice before going outside.
♪ Your throat and head need to be covered.
♪ A cup or thermos of non-caffeinated tea or hot cider is a great idea.
♪ Take more frequent, smaller breaths through nose and mouth rather than normal. Big, gasping breaths through the mouth will tend to chill the larynx.
Let me know if this helps, and if you have any favorite cold weather tips. Just leave a comment or write me at chris@vocalcoah.com
Posted in Vocal Health, Voice Fatigue and Strain | 3 Comments »
THE BEST THINGS IN LIFE ARE FREE
Tuesday, November 2nd, 2010
When I say, “The best things in life are free,” I really mean it. To me, BEST means those parts of life that are fulfilling, refreshing, excellent and . . . life-giving. And, these are things you can’t buy with a credit card or cash.
Refreshing to the eyes, and free.
Sounds. The sound of wind in the trees. Rain falling on your roof or into a lake. Ocean waves, large or small, or the magical sound of a child laughing. The voice of someone you love speaking encouraging words, meaning them. And speaking of the voice, remember how God made the voice to work and it makes spoken words all the more special: Breath is released, travels through the wind pipe, sets up vibrations in the larynx that is then amplified in the chambers of the mouth and head. Then the lips, tongue and teeth shape that sound into understandable words. This is all free. Amazing.
Sights. A sunrise, sunset and even a heavy storm moving in (assuming you’re in a safe place, of course). A flower or insect you’ve never seen before and even those you’re familiar with. To be able to see, and just think about these things is a free gift.
Smells. Each season of the year has it’s own smells as different trees and plants take their turn at bringing forth their scents. That doesn’t even include the smells of foods, but someone did have to buy and cook those so technically they’re not free.
Feelings. Here’s where it becomes harder to define, yet it’s just as real as sounds and smells. The feeling of knowing you are loved, of knowing you’re doing the right thing and of peace amidst a complicated world. Those feelings are measurable and there’s nothing surreal about them.
The Cross. For me, I have to add to that list the peace and security I feel because of what Jesus did on the Cross for me. It’s the ultimate free gift, though a price was paid. A price I will never forget as I live with the free benefits every day.
What’s your “Best things in life are free” story? I’d love to hear it. Just let me know at chris@vocalcoach.com.
P.S. Free Webinar! Next Monday, November 8th I’ll be the guest on a free Online Webinar with well-known songwriter, producer and clinician Mark Condon. This free event is for singers, choir directors and worship leaders of all levels. A great place to listen, learn and ask your questions. Click here to sign up and remember: Save Monday, Nov 8th at 9:00 p.m. Eastern, 8:00 Central and 6:00 on the West Coast.
Tags: chris beatty, chris beatty vocalcoach.com, finding peace.
Posted in From the Coach, From The Heart of Chris Beatty, Uncategorized | 1 Comment »
EFFORTLESS SPEAKING TAKES SOME EFFORT
Tuesday, October 26th, 2010
The title of this article may seem a little contradictory, but it’s not. In order to sound comfortable, relaxed and effortless as you speak, you may need to do some work.
What kind of effort leads to effortless sounding Speech? Learning to listen to, and observe yourself, in daily communications. Then, taking appropriate action. Let’s consider the following areas and see how aware, or unaware you are of your own communications:
1. Vocal Tone Quality. Are you consciously aware of the sound of your own voice? You need to be. You should regularly consider whether you are speaking at too high or too low a pitch or too loudly or softy for any given situation.
We will look at those one at a time, but first I need to define a term I will be using. Optimal speaking pitch is the pitch area at which your voice can easily produce speech. It is primarily determined by the size of your relaxed vocal folds. It is easily found by spontaneously saying, “Um Hm,” as you might in response to a simple question such as, “Are you having a good day?” Instead of saying, “Yes,” say the more informal, “Um Hm.” Do this several times and find the pitches where you say the, “Um Hm.” It will often be over a 4-note range. Once you know that general pitch area you will know where you should probably be doing most of your talking. This is a general rule, but when being very expressive you will expand that range higher. Having experimented with your optimal speaking pitch, consider the following:
- Is your voice pitched too high? Have you raised the pitch level of your voice due to excitement-induced adrenaline? Is that making you hard to understand? Take a deep breath and let the pitch come back down, closer to your optimal speaking pitch. This will still allow the excitement to come through without alarming the listener.
- Is your voice pitched too low? If you gravel around well below your optimal speaking pitch it will make you difficult to understand. It will also make your voice tire quickly, leading to a more gravelly, mumbled sound. If you hear this happening, stop. Check your posture, take a deep breath and allow the voice to be pitched at your optimal speaking pitch area.
- Are you speaking too loudly? Some people are just loud. It may be due to the natural acoustics of their voice, a lack of vocal self-awareness or even hearing loss. When caused my partial deafness (how loud are your headphones/ear buds?) they often turn up the volume because they can’t hear themselves easily and assume others can’t either.
- Are you speaking too softly? If people constantly ask you to repeat things you may be talking too softly and need to adjust your volume. Of course, it may also be due to under-pronouncing your words (mumbling), looking away from the listener or lack of vocal resonance. For the resonance issue I recommend the Complete Tone CD, but for many it may just be a matter of being aware and listening to their volume and clarity more carefully.
2. Posture. The way you carry your body has considerable influence on the message you are giving. If you look tired, bored or uninterested that is how you will be perceived whether you are, or not. In other words, posture colors and modifies what you are saying. Be posture-aware, and make sure your posture and message are in agreement.
3. Face. Just like posture, your facial expression needs to agree with your words. If you’re genuinely excited but have trouble showing it, practice being excited in the mirror. It may just be that your facial muscles don’t know what to do. On the other hand, if you tend to over-express yourself to the point of alarming the listener, don’t hesitate to practice being less physically expressive while still sharing your message.
The bottom line is this: If you will put a little effort into listening to and watching what you’re doing in your spoken communications, it can make a huge difference. Making just a few needed adjustments will make you a more successful communicator. If you’re really daring, set up a camera in the corner of a room where you’re talking to people and then study what you do in real life. If you’re fortunate enough to have a skilled public speaker in your arena of friends, ask them to honestly evaluate your “daily speech” performance. This assumes, of course, you are ready and willing to do something with the input.
Cathy staying hydrated.
Finally, remember that speaking, just like singing, takes moisture from your body. Therefore, the more you talk the more water you need to drink. A passionate singer can lose as much as a gallon of water in a two-hour concert. If you talk on the phone throughout the day, host frequent meetings, teach classes or heavily use your voice in any way you need to stay hydrated. The minimum you need is half your body weight in ounces of water a day (160 lbs=80 ounces of water.) If you’re in a noisy environment, or dried out from air conditioning or heat consider using the topical moisturizer Entertainer’s Secret. We have used and sold it for years and know it really works. It now comes with a new and more effective spray nozzle. Click here to check it out.
Comments or questions? Let me know at chris@vocalcoach.com. My goal is to provide answers to your questions.
Tags: chris beatty, chris beatty vocalcoach.com, expression, improve speaking voice, speaking voice, vocal health, vocal training
Posted in Speaking Tips, Vocal Health, Voice Fatigue and Strain | No Comments »
JUST DOING vs KNOWING WHAT YOU’RE DOING
Tuesday, October 19th, 2010
God Knows What He's Doing!
There’s a huge difference between Just Doing something and Knowing What You’re Doing. My challenge and encouragement is for you to move items from your Just Doing list to your Knowing What You’re Doing list, and not just with your singing.
JUST DOING
I used to have a lot of activities on my Just Doing list. At one point it would have included things like singing, working with power tools, taking pictures, writing, working out and many more. I enjoyed doing all these activities, and still do. Now, however, I actually know what I’m doing in some of them. That makes me much more valuable in those areas and a more satisfied person.
KNOWING WHAT YOU’RE DOING – Some personal examples.
Photography. I’m naturally a fairly good photographer. I have a feel and eye for what will look good, composition etc., but like many areas in my life I never really developed a discipline for it. Several years ago I joined the Brentwood Camera Group. This gathering of 400 photographers, many professional meets monthly with amazing presentations and training classes. I’m learning from those who know infinitely more than I do and are willing to share. Being in their presence and under their guidance has made me a more efficient, more effective photographer. I’m also taking a college Photoshop class that is much harder and more time-consuming than I ever imagined . . . but I’m doing it. Photoshop has gone from being an editing program I had fun with to being a power tool to enhance what I do. Inspiration, plus preparation and feedback makes me better at doing something I already love.
Writing. I love words and I love to write and teach. Communications is exciting to me. But I learned that I need editorial feedback before I publish anything, including this blog. Why? I assume a clarity in the message that may, or may not actually be there in my writing. I’m often shocked at the little, and sometimes not-so-little things my 25-year-old-copy editor catches and suggests. (To be honest, it annoys me that I don’t see these things, but I swallow my pride and welcome the neutral, outside, expert input.) There’s a parallel here for singers: Just because you know the words and essence of a song doesn’t mean that’s what you’re giving the listener. That’s why we all need neutral, outside feedback. It’s necessary. Inspiration, plus preparation and feedback makes me better at doing something already I love.
Singing. Coming from a family filled with music, including some well-known professional musicians, gave me a natural affinity and love for music. When I went to college I realized that this was the only area I was naturally good at. So, I became a music major. Since I really didn’t play any instrument well I chose voice as my major instrument . . . by default. As time went on, and I invested time and effort in voice and music theory I had an epiphany. I “got it.” I realized that being armed with knowledge and skill made all the difference. My music and singing went from being simply fun, to being a legitimate passion and, in my case, a vocation. It began to fill me with satisfaction. Inspiration, plus preparation and feedback makes me better at doing something I already love.
MY CHALLENGE TO YOU
Don’t interpret my words to mean that if you want to sing well you must quit the rest of life and run off to college with a voice major. That’s not it at all. What I am saying, however, is that if you take your passion for singing, and add some skill-training and discipline it can change things: First, singing will become more than just fun. It will be something you can do with consistent excellence. It will be satisfying not only to you, but also to the listener. Second, you will be more valuable to those you sing with and for. A skilled singer has a better range and consistency, and is able to sing more styles than an unskilled one.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO ABOUT IT
What are your areas of Inspiration that need more Preparation and Feedback? What needs to go from the Just Doing side to the Knowing What Your Doing side? As you make that list determine which items are priority and within your power to do something about. Then, get the resources you need and begin what will be a very fulfilling process. If singing is near the top of your list let me help. Our training materials are inexpensive, user-friendly and very, very proven. (If your list starts with tennis, or wanting to be a helicopter pilot . . . not so much.)
Going from Just Doing, to Knowing What You’re Doing will take an investment of time and effort. It also may require some financial investment, but this I know: If you take your Inspiration and add some carefully planned Preparation you will be more satisfied and more effective in what you do.
Tags: chris beatty, chris beatty vocalcoach.com, IMPROVING YOUR VOICE, vocal coaching, vocal training, vocalcoach.com
Posted in Choir Directors, Duets to Groups, From the Coach, Kids and Teens, Soloist, Teaching Teens To Sing, Tips Tailored for You, Uncategorized, Worship Team | No Comments »
ONE VOICE with MANY SINGERS
Tuesday, October 5th, 2010
I recently taught the second in a series of 6 classes for worship leaders and their teams at World Outreach Church in Murfreesboro TN. This very large and active church has eight weekend services requiring many committed singers and instrumentalists. Our goals in this series of classes is to help each singer bring out their personal strengths while at the same time having the ability to bond into that one-voice sound that is so important to any group.
This class was called One Voice, and this was our process:
- We talked through the concept of giving up individuality, in favor of becoming many-singers-with-one-sound.
- With this One Voice concept in mind we then did a series of general warm-ups. In this time we started standing backed up against a wall to remind of upright, aligned posture.
- We took the first big step toward giving up individuality: We moved into a circle (limit circles to no more than 8-10) and all held hands as we continued to warm up. We came from different backgrounds and ranged in age from 25 to 66 but quickly began to have a single sound just by being “in touch” and listening. We had given up our unique sounds and yielded to a common sound. It’s exciting to experience, or even just hear this process.
- The next step was to maintain that unified blend with a more difficult hearing environment so we stayed in the circle, but turned facing away from each other. We again joined hands and continued to warm up, this time having to listen much harder.
- I played a CD with four different worship leaders and teams singing in four different styles including traditional, contemporary, Gospel and pop. Still in a circle, holding hands and facing each other we listened to a track, then matched and blended with that leader’s style and voice quality. This was also done facing away from each other, still in the circle to require focused listening and matching.
- After we had done that with each leader/style I quickly moved randomly from track to track requiring the singers to listen, adjust and yield to that singer and each other. They quickly started to own their new skills of listening and flexibility.
The next step is for the individual singers to practice these flexibility and blending skills on their own, then bring those skills to the next class, rehearsal or service. And, while this class was in a church setting, the same principles work for choirs, choruses, bands, duos, trios, quartets etc.
Remember: Practice Makes Permanent, and Muscles Have Memory. Practice and memorize the right skills and you’ll own them.
Need more great ideas and some “tools” to help you and your singers be their best? Share this free blog with your teams and be sure to visit our newest Online tool on FaceBook. Just search on VOCAL COACH WITH CHRIS AND CAROLE BEATTY then click the “Like” icon at the top of the page. That page also has open discussions that we’d love to have you join.
Tags: Blending, Blending Voices, chris beatty, singing lessons, vocal coach, vocal coaches, vocal training, vocalcoach.com
Posted in Blend, Choir Directors, From the Coach, Singing Subjects, Tips Tailored for You, Uncategorized, Worship Team | No Comments »
HAVEN’T SUNG FOR A WHILE, BUT NOW YOU ARE?
Tuesday, September 28th, 2010
A SINGER RECENTLY WROTE: After being a worship leader for many years I had a season of very little singing. Now I’m back to leading worship and teaching again. Moice tires easily and has gotten a bit “fuzzy,” compared with what it used to be. I might add that I’m not getting any younger and wondered about how age affects the voice. Also, I took some Aspirin and Tylenol. While my voice then felt and sounded better, I still wanted your opinion and more guidelines.
VOCAL COACH THOUGHTS: What a great question and you’re not alone being in this situation. Due to the fact that what we call “the voice” is a combination of physical, mechanical and acoustical functions, all working together, aging will have an impact. But, with a little knowledge and some new habits you should do just fine. Consider these points:
1. Aging does impact the voice. As we age we become less flexible, can lose stamina and our bodies have a harder time maintaining moisture and lubrication. Everything from our eyes to our skin gets dryer. Solution: Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate, and avoid caffeine. At least half your body weight in ounces of water, per day. (180 lbs=90 oz water.) Also, consider using Entertainer’s Secret Throat Relief Spray (ADD LINK) as a way to topically moisturize the sinuses, nasal passages, and upper throat.
2. What we call “the voice” is really a number of physical, mechanical and acoustical systems working together. The muscles involved can get weak. If unused for a long period they can suffer a gradual decline of effectiveness due to underuse or neglect. But, don’t panic. A rebuilding process can change all that, so read on.
3. Regaining or rebuilding the voice simply means understanding and applying the right concepts and exercises. This means identifying the foundations, getting those foundations in order through systematic exercises and finally owning them. How long might this take? One minute to begin; several months to own. You achieve success by constant vocal awareness throughout the day combined with short periods of focused exercises.
4. Pace yourself and your voice usage. Don’t try to go from 0-60 too quickly. Get in the habit of daily, systematic and sensible warm-up. When you can, let your voice rest before and after singing. Especially while your getting back up-to-speed. And remember: Talking is using the voice, often with less awareness of what you’re doing than during singing.
5. Caution: If your voice is tired and raspy after singing give it a day off from unnecessary use. But, don’t whisper as that is more harmful than just speaking softly in a normal voice.
6. Aspirin and Tylenol. This reader did mention that these medications helped when his voice got rough. That’s because he had overworked the voice to the point of some minor inflammation, or swelling. The anti-inflammatory medication would help that, but there could also be a side-effect of more drying. When in doubt, breathing steam might be a better way to return the leading edges of the vocal folks to normal and get rid of that rough, raspy sound. The Vic’s Personal Steam Inhaler is a great, inexpensive tool for that. I always have one nearby for those times when I’ve taxed my voice a bit too much.
ABOUT THOSE FOUNDATIONS
1. Posture is where it all starts. Sloppy posture undermines everything else. Be upright and relaxed. Visit the “Posture” category in the Vocal Coach Blog for more.
2. Good Breathing, or Breath Management will become natural as you understand and exercise these strong muscles. Check out “Ten Steps To Better Breathing” on our Free Singing Resources page. Also, read other Blogs in the “Breathing” Category. If you want a powerful resource get the CD or download for Complete Breathing.
3. Tone, is the sound quality of your voice. The goal is to use minimal breath and good acoustics to easily project your voice to the point you are as efficient as a baby or child. They have no problem getting their messages out there with no voice fatigue.
Click here for a short Vocal Coach Video on Tone called “What Does Your Voice Sound Like?”
4. Warming up your voice is critical to getting the most out of your instrument without sacrificing it. Starting the day with humming in your middle range is a good way to get things awake and moving. From there (with good posture, breathing, and light buzzing tone) move higher and lower in your range. Moving to the lip-thrill, and finally songs, should get you ready to sing and speak safely throughout the day. Complete Warm-Up is a powerful tool to educate and exercise you and your voice.
Finally, here is the THE VOCAL COACH “BEFORE I SING” CHECK LISTWe use in our Vocal Coach Classes and private coaching. Print this out and carry it with you.
1. I’m an upright Child of the King, and should stand and sit like it all day long.
2. As I inhale I breathe down, expanding front, sides and back. As I exhale the ribs and chest remain stable.
3. I am a sound system with my own resonators and amplifiers that I can feel.
4. I warm up my voice like the vocal athlete I am, starting in mid-range, then moving higher and lower.
Humming and Lip-Trills are the best start.
5. I make my words easy to understand by using my lips, tongue and teeth. This takes stress off my larynx.
6. By being vocally-aware throughout the day I will be establishing good Muscle Memory.
Tags: chris and carole beatty, chris beatty, vocal coach with chris and carole beatty, vocal coaching, vocal training, vocalcoach.com
Posted in Ask the Coach, From the Coach, Performance, Posture, The Senior Voice, Uncategorized, Warm-Ups, Worship Team | 3 Comments »
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