Archive for April, 2010

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First Comes the Inner Stillness

Wednesday, April 14th, 2010

By way of introduction: There are several categories of Vocal Coach Blogs.  First, the purely technical, dealing with the mechanics of singing. Second, personal thoughts from Carole, called “Carole Cares.” And, third, those written for anyone who functions in a place of ministry within the Church whether choir director or member, worship team member and those in the congregation who want to give their best.  This blog is from that third category, and will also be posted under the “Enhancing Your Worship” tab on the site.

First Comes the Inner Stillness

In addition to training singers and speakers around the world for a number of decades, I have also had the opportunity to lead worship in a number of different settings, large and small, in the U.S. and abroad.  From those experiences, and triggered by a recent message from my own pastor, I share this thought: I believe you can accomplish more meaningful interaction with God in 10 minutes of inner stillness than an hour of desperate, distraction-filled seeking. And, that’s a good thing for every aspect of your life.

For those who worship, from the congregation or the platform, there is a necessary skill to master that has nothing to do with music.  That is the skill of cultivating an inner stillness.

Be still and know that I am God (Psalm 46:10)

Inner stillness is a place of tranquility and quietness of the mind and emotions.  A place where there is no competition for your attention and God can get right through to you, and you to Him.  This is where the connection, correction, adjustments and inspiration take place. Then, and only then can you be sure you are prepared at the foundational level to lead others to the cross.

Inner Stillness can only be found by deliberate actions. It doesn’t just happen because you want it to.  It doesn’t always happen quickly, and you can’t pay for it with a credit card and there’s no download available.  Here are some tools that can help you find this life-giving place:

1.     Desire. You must acknowledge the need and value of inner stillness in your life.

2.     Planned schedule. You must practice getting there and staying there.  After awhile you will get there more quickly.

3.     Set the physical stage. Get quiet. Get comfortable. Surround yourself with only those tools that will help the process like your bible, and a notebook.

4.     Pray that your body, soul and spirit will rest in the arms of the King and be still.

5.     Drive out mental and emotional concerns by replacing them with Scripture, leaving no room for distractions.  They will return quickly enough.

Once You’re There, Listen

Only after you have gotten to that place of inner stillness will you have something life-giving to share.  Only then, when your spiritual ears are open, can you hear the fresh and new and then give it away to others.

But, what if I can’t seem to “get there,” or “stay there?”

That means you’re human, and subject to a multitude of distractions.  After all, we do live in a multi-tasking, always-something-going-on world.  That, of course, is the very reason we need to spend time in the inner stillness.  Without it we tend to only take in and reflect what the world has to offer; not what the Lord has to offer, and that can be dangerous and very, very limiting in every area of your life.

Give Inner Stillness a try

There’s a real feeling of victory when you are able to push “Pause” on business-as-usual.  Once you have experienced that you can graduate to the “Stop” button, and then you’re really there. . . in that place of stillness.

What helps you find your inner stillness?  I would love hear your thoughts in the comments section.

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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 | 4 Comments »

Don’t Forfeit Your Own Voice By Just Imitating Others!

Friday, April 2nd, 2010

Don’t Forfeit Your Own Voice By Just Imitating Others!

If you never take the time and effort to discover your own best vocal sound you may well forfeit, and be deprived of ever knowing your full vocal potential.  Here are some thoughts and steps to help you keep growing and be your best.

We Learn By Imitation

It is true that we learn to speak by imitation. Everything from tone quality to diction and accent will reflect those you were around during your vocally formative years.  But, you are not limited to how you began. Any performer who has taken singing or acting classes realizes the tremendous potential to expand and fine-tune the vocal instrument.

There Are Limitations, But Not That Many

That being said, there are limits to what any vocalist can do, depending on the anatomy and structure of the individual. But, few of us come close to maximizing the potential that’s just waiting to happen.  A modern day example of that is demonstrated in the American Idol TV show.  It is common to see a mediocre singer, with good potential suddenly come alive and really communicate.  How does this happen?

They are challenged, coached and rehearsed by professionals in a focused environment.  They are also forced to experience new styles and genres.  Some, that they may not even relate to.  The result?  They have the opportunity to try new things, push their abilities beyond the comfort zone and grow as artists and communicators.

Here Are Some Steps To Help You Reach Your Potential

1. Open Your Mind and Ears. Get out of the mental rut that says, “This is just how I sound.”  Change that to, “This is how I have sounded, but there’s probably much, much more I can do.”  Start listening to some other songs and styles within your comfort zone (for now) and sing along.  If you never allow your voice to try something new you will live in a vocal and stylistic rut.

2. Be Creative and Daring Alone. Become as uninhibited as a child in using not only your voice, but also your face, arms and entire body to act out the song.  Go overboard, exaggerating everything just to experience the potential.  Will you need to dial that back a little in real performance?  Maybe, but probably not as much as you first think.  Full, honest, meaningful expression is what you owe to your listener.

3. Be Creative and Daring In Front of Others. Find a few people with some performance experience and ask them to be your audience.  Let them know you are striving to expand your vocal and physical expression and get their feedback. But remember that even they should not limit your road to experimentation.

4. Use Neutral Tools. Mirrors and video feedback, using anything from a video camera, computer or iPhone can all be helpful.  And, if you’re not already doing it consider some form of systematic training. That can be in the form of a few key CD’s like Complete Breathing, Warm-up & Tone to keep you on track.  Comprehensive sets like Vocal Coach Singer include full training principles and exercises, journals and a guidebook to help you track your progress and make meaningful adjustments as you go.  You may also find a good local teacher or coach as well as classes at a community college.

There are lots of ways to learn, but do something. Don’t forfeit your best for what just happens to be there now.  Be all you can be.  It’s much more satisfying for both you and the listener.

Please Share. I’d love to know what has, and has not helped you maximize your vocal gift.  Comment here, or email me at chris@vocalcoach.com

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Posted in Choir Directors, Duets to Groups, Kids and Teens, Performance, Singing and Voice Lessons, Singing Exercises, Teaching Teens To Sing, Tips Tailored for You, Worship Team | 2 Comments »

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