Tuesday, January 3rd, 2012
Don’t get stuck in the rut of just thinking about it and wanting it. You don’t have to know the entire path from where you are to where you want to be, but you do need to take the first step. That requires writing down your vocal strengths and weaknesses. “But,” you might say, “I don’t really know what those are.”
By admitting that, you’ve actually taken the first step, and the second step is to get some feedback and evaluation from someone with training. That can be a current or former choir director, a neighbor with some musical/vocal training or even a visit to your local community college music department. You can also schedule an Online video session with me by signing up on the Vocal Coach site. Let whoever it is know that you are wanting their opinion on how you do with the the basics, or, if you’re more experienced with the more advanced areas of singing.
If you know you need to improve your breath management and pitch accuracy you’ve got a good start. Maybe you need to add to that list the ability to smoothly move from lower notes (chest register) to higher ones (head register) smoothly. Or, are you trying to figure out how to go from just singing a song to really mastering it with full, creative expression.
Get feedback on the basics include the ability to accurately match pitch, rhythm patterns, imitate simple and complex phrases etc. The more advanced areas include how you treat phrasing, diction, dynamics and expression.
So, depending on your goals, budget and where you live you can find a way to take the next steps to being a better singer. And, I can tell you from personal experience as well as from watching lots of students that using your voice the right way is a lot more satisfying than just getting by.
PLEASE LET ME KNOW your thoughts and questions at chris@vocalcoach.com
I’ll be answering your questions on the blog and in videos throughout the year.
Tags: chris beatty, singing lessons, vocal coaching, vocal training, vocalcoach.com
Posted in Choir Directors, Performance, Singing and Voice Lessons, Soloist, Teaching Teens To Sing, Uncategorized, Worship Team | No Comments »
Thursday, December 15th, 2011
Receive a 10% discount at checkout when you enter HOLIDAY10 in the coupon code.
1. A personal Online training & coaching session with Chris Beatty. All you need is a webcam and Skype, iChat or FaceTime. It’s the perfect way to evaluate your strengths and weaknesses and get on a path to being your best.
2. Vocal Coach Singer 12 CD training series. A complete, systematic program to help you be all you can be.
3. Our Teaching Kids To Sing pack is the perfect gift for kids and grandkids! The two DVD’s and one CD set cover the foundations of singing in a fun, practical and very user-friendly way.
Tags: choir, chris beatty, sing better, singing lessons, vocal training, voice lessons, voice training
Posted in Choir Directors, From the Coach, Singing and Voice Lessons, Uncategorized | No Comments »
Thursday, November 3rd, 2011
There are still a few openings left for the Saturday, November 12th Vocal Coach Workshop in Dallas. It will be held at the “Voice Kitchen” video studio and limited to 15 students. I will be teaching “live” from my studio in TN and we’ll all see and hear each other throughout. 9:00-Noon Nov 12th. This is a great value. Just click here for more info or to sign up.
“I WANT A VOCAL COACH, NOT MORE CD’s!”
I totally get that statement. Regular, personal training from a skilled and experienced teacher/coach is the ideal. BUT, in real life that means living near one of those teachers who is probably going to charge a good bit, and they deserve it.
I HONESTLY BELIEVE you can get the “information” and “personal feedback” you need by using a combination of affordable methods.
TO START WITH, you really can learn (or be reminded of) much of the fundamentals through carefully structured CD’s. (There has to be a reason we’ve sold over 1 million of them.)
TO CONTINUE learning you will, at some point, want feedback and interaction from a teacher, or coach. In my case I am both voice teacher (technique) and coach (expression, interpretation, staging etc.). Because we live in the Internet Age you can literally be interacting with a teacher fom a desktop, laptop, iPad or even iPhone with full audio and video. If you’re in the Dallas areas you can start with the Nov small class. Or just schedule an ONLINE SESSION with me on our site. All you need is an Internet connection and a web cam and mic which are part of most computers or very inexpensive to add.
SUMMARY: TAKE ADVANTAGE OF IT ALL TO BE THE BEST YOU CAN BE. You can download a training CD in 5 minutes from our VOCAL COACH STORE at vocalcoach.com where you can also schedule an online session. And, don’t forget the free tips and other free resources our site, or email me at chris@vocalcoach.com.
Hope to hear from you or see you soon Online.
Chris
Tags: chris beatty vocalcoach.com, performance training, singing lessons, vocal coaching, worship leader
Posted in From the Coach, Singing and Voice Lessons, Vocal Coach Workshops | No Comments »
Thursday, October 27th, 2011
WHAT IS THE COST? Less than a one-hour personal session in the Vocal Coach studio, and you don’t need to drive or fly to Nashville and pay for a hotel. Your total cost is $75.
HOW DO I SIGN UP? Just go to WWW.VOICEKITCHEN.COM or email studio@voicekitchen.com. You can also call Jill at the Voice Kitchen at 469-383-8885. Technical questions can be addressed to chris@vocalcoach.com.
Tags: blog.vocalcoach.com, chris beatty, chris beatty vocalcoach.com, Dallas Vocal Workshop, Dallas Workshop, Vocal Coach Workshop, Vocal Workshop
Posted in Choir Directors, Performance, Singing and Voice Lessons, Uncategorized, Worship Team | 2 Comments »
Tuesday, August 9th, 2011
What a fun time we live in when it comes to distance learning. Some of our students travel half way across the country for one-on-one, in person coaching in our Brentwood TN studio. Many, however, are traveling only a few feet to their laptops, desktops or iPads. The really amazing thing about live, distance learning is how affordable, yet powerful it is. I see and hear you; you see and hear me. That combination can accomplish a lot in a short time at a very minimal cost.
Here are some examples from the last month that I know you will enjoy hearing about:
There is nothing more satisfying and rewarding to me than watching singers overcome obstacles and be all they can be in every way. I’ve been seeing this for many years and it never stops touching my heart. That’s what Vocal Coach is all about.
Is it YOUR TIME for some personal training?
If you have questions about Vocal Coach Distance Learning or any of our Vocal Coach products please let me know in one of the following ways:
Hope to hear from you soon, and maybe even see you.
Chris Beatty
Tags: blog.vocalcoach.com, chris and carole beatty, good foundations, performance training, singing lessons, vocalcoach.com, voice lessons, worship leader
Posted in Choir Directors, Duets to Groups, From The Heart of Chris Beatty, Singing and Voice Lessons, Soloist, Teaching Teens To Sing, Uncategorized | No Comments »
Tuesday, February 8th, 2011
As a young singer, in a very musical home, I was constantly being mentored in the things of voice and music without even knowing it. I thought it normal to hear one’s mother playing the piano, or giving a voice lesson in our living room. I remember hiding behind the couch and just listening, intrigued by what I was hearing.
I also didn’t think anything of it when my mother would fly to New York for one of my uncle, Samuel Barber’s premiers, whether for the opening of the new Metropolitan Opera House in Lincoln Center or with the New York Philharmonic. I knew my family loved and respected good music, but had yet to fully understand the impact it would have on my life.
It wasn’t until I was under the gifted leadership of my high school choir director Eric Jensen, that I began to grasp the brain-ear-larynx connection. Once that happened, I was quick to start experimenting with vocal sounds based on what I had been exposed to in my childhood. Step two happened in college under the no-nonsense guidance of my technique teacher, Dr. Harvey Ringle, and my coach, Fredrick Schauwecker. They would only settle for complete freedom in the vocal mechanism no matter what style was being sung. They knew my potential and never let me off the hook of accurate and free singing.
The next big revelation of how the voice works occurred when I was 19. I started singing with the Chicago Symphony Chorus under director Margaret Hillis, one of the most relentless, non-compromising director/conductors imaginable. Every note, every phrase, all dynamics and balanced blend had to be there all the time. Our rehearsals were exhausting, but always fruitful.
As I look back I now see that my DNA and family set the stage for my vocal passion. But, it wasn’t until by brain, ears, larynx, respiratory system and articulators got on the same page that I really got it.
As much as I’m sure you enjoyed reading about my background, you’re probably asking yourself, “What does this mean to me?” Here’s the answer:
1. Let this be a wake-up call to never just sing without engaging your mind. It is true that good singing should become automatic, but that only becomes reality after many hours of focusing on all the parts, then putting them together one piece at a time. As the muscle and mental memories become strong, you don’t need to think about the details; however, you always need to be vocally aware. Always.
2. Do the musical and physical work of intelligent singing. Challenge your mind and ear as you work to perfect pitch center, phrasing and dynamics, diction and expression and the all-important posture, breathing and tone. Never stop evaluating, improving and getting feedback from qualified, neutral sources. Remember: Those who do the smartest preparation get the lucky breaks.
In my teens and early 20’s I had the advantage of being invited to NYC for amazing rehearsals and performances by some of the best singers in the world. Seeing their seriousness and focus impressed me. As I ventured out and sang pop shows in Las Vegas (not something the musicians in my family had ever done) I realized the same focus and excellence was also there. I sang family shows with amazing bands and singers. Now, I’m part of a church whose lead singers can literally sing any style. They have the ability to read printed arrangements or create “head arrangements” on the spot. This is not something you find in the average church. I know that living in the Nashville area and having a congregation of 7,500 doesn’t hurt, but the point is this: Excellence can exist anywhere there are singers willing to receive instruction and discipline their craft.
If you want to be an excellent singer don’t just sing. Make sure your brain isn’t M.I.A. Use the full resources available, whether it’s through private study, the Vocal Coach CD’s or live Online coaching. Do something. You owe it to your voice and your audience.
Tags: chris beatty, chris beatty vocalcoach.com, good foundations, use your brain when you sing, vocal training, voice lessons, voice training
Posted in Choir Directors, From The Heart of Chris Beatty, Singing and Voice Lessons, Soloist, Speaking Tips | 1 Comment »
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.
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 »
Thursday, June 3rd, 2010
Comment from Vocal Coach Chris Beatty: My guest author for this blog is one worth hearing, in words and music . Jamie Harvill is not only the author of Ancient of Days, Firm Foundation and many more popular worship songs. He is a pastor and highly experienced worship leader, guitarist, singer and one of my favorite worship leaders. If you go to Jamie’s site at jamieharvill.com you can take advantage of his summer Online-and-phone training classes for songwriters and worship leaders.
When interviewed for a magazine a few days ago I was asked the question, “What would you say are the top three priorities for worship leaders?” My answers are simple but I believe that if heeded and practiced, they will bring fruit to your worship leading experience. My suggestions are based on the teaching of Jesus from Matthew 22:37-40 when He was asked what He thought was the greatest commandment:
Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (NIV)
1. Love God. This seems obvious at first but it is a commandment from Jesus. Loving God in every area of our life is our greatest testimony. When we have a passion for God in work, when we play, when times are smooth and when they are rocky, when we are with our families and our guard is down, our passion for God is obvious and it is contagious when others see us living what we lead.
2. Love people. We must live a singular life when we lead people. We cannot be one way with our close friends and then another with those we lead at church. If we lead by influence (and this, in my opinion, is the only way to lead), and we love and respect people–stopping to listen to their story and showing care and concern for them–they will follow us. A true leader is one who never has to force people to follow. If you find yourself coercing others to follow, you are not a leader. People will follow your leadership if you care for them.
3. Bring excellence. My pastor always encourages our team to bring our “A” game each service. We have five services each weekend and it can be easy to “phone-one-in” if we are not careful.
The best way for me to bring my best is to, first, be prepared. I believe proper preparation for our worship leading brings rest. I am relaxed. This, in turn, helps my team and the congregation to be relaxed (people have a hard time focusing on God when you are fumbling around as the leader).
Second, it helps to be focused. I try to train my heart and mind to zero-in on the task at hand for the hour or so before I lead. One tool I use to help me with this is to put a cheat-sheet (notes, keys changes, chord changes, arrangements, etc.) on the floor next to my mic stand so I can look down and find my bearings, if needed, as I proceed through the worship service.
Third, I think rehearsal is so important. I can hear you saying a collective, “DUH!” right about now! We have rehearsals on Tuesday nights so we then have a few days to study the rehearsal CD before we arrive back on Saturday afternoon to lead the services. Two services Saturday and two or three Sunday in multiple sanctuaries. It’s a busy place.
I find that all of these preps bring rest and there is no better way to lead others. When we have a passion for God and people while knowing where we are going in worship, and how we are going to get there, others will gladly follow!
I have many more things to say that I can’t write here in this one post. So, if you want to learn more, I want to give you an opportunity to join me as I am starting two new web-based schools offering virtual classrooms and personal coaching. I will be the main instructor for both tracks. One track is to train and strengthen the next generation of songwriters for the church called Song Schools. The other course, Worship Consultants, is for churches and worship leaders who want to improve leadership skills, team-building and worship services. You can find out more details about each course at songschools.com, worshipconsultants.com and jamieharvill.com. Classes start in mid-July.
Older Post Home Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)
Tags: chris beatty, jamie harvill, vocal coach, vocal training, worship leader, worship training
Posted in Choir Directors, From the Coach, Performance, Singing and Voice Lessons, Songwriting, Tips Tailored for You, Worship Team | 2 Comments »
Wednesday, May 19th, 2010
Lots of Experience, but Poor Technique
I recently had a new student who has been performing on stage and in the studio for many years. Recently, she has experienced several occurrences of her voice just leaving, and not returning full strength for weeks. The Ear, Nose and Throat doctor scoped her and announced, “You’re vocal folds are completely healthy.”
Good News; Bad News
It was encouraging to know that there was no visible, physical damage. At the same time it was discouraging not to know what caused the vocal loss. Her next step was coming to me, a voice teacher (technique and mechanics) and vocal coach (interpretation and expression).
A Little of the Right Kind of Training Can Go A Long Way
This gifted and experienced singer had never had regular vocal training of any kind. As we went step-by-step through her vocal technique, making adjustments along the way, she was shocked at all the big and little things that could be adjusted. She was also pleased to know the “why” of everything we did. With this full understanding, she will be able to reproduce the right technique until it becomes habit. That muscle memory will take a few months. But, meaningful changes were already starting to take place.
Start Where You Are and Don’t Stop Learning
Even if you haven’t experienced the kind of trouble this student did, there is a good chance you have more to learn. Most of us get complacent until there’s trouble. The smarter approach is to keep learning, and learning and learning. Set yourself up for success by doing regular warm-ups and singing songs. All along the way, track what’s working and what isn’t in a journal. That way you have a measure of what’s going on and can share it with a teacher or coach. Even if you don’t work with a teacher you can choose what training materials you need.
For example, if you have terrible posture during the day, and run out of breathing when singing you might consider our Compete Breathing and Complete Tone CD’s. They get right to the heart of the matter with very specific principles and exercises. If you need to be more expressive consider enrolling in a voice class or acting class at a local community college. If you have the desire, there’s probably a way to make it happen.
Let Me Know Your Thoughts in the Comments section below.
Tags: chris beatty, healthy singing, singing lessons, vocal coach, vocal health, vocal training
Posted in Performance, Singing and Voice Lessons, Soloist, Tips Tailored for You, Worship Team | 2 Comments »
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
Tags: american idol, chris beatty, singing lessons, singing your best, vocal coach, vocal coaching
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 »