Archive for November, 2010
|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 moc.hcaoclacovnull@sirhc 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 moc.haoclacovnull@sirhc
Posted in Vocal Health, Voice Fatigue and Strain | 4 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 moc.hcaoclacovnull@sirhc.
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 »
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