Archive for the ‘Singing and Voice Lessons’ Category

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SERIOUS SINGERS NEED TO STAY IN THE GAME

Monday, April 30th, 2012

DALLAS WORKSHOP May 12th

There are only a few seats left for the May 12th Vocal Coach Workshop in Plano TX.  This small-group, personal training format (max of 15 people) will be taught via live, interactive audio/video from our Nashville studio.  This is a completely interactive, powerful and economical way ($75) to get great teaching and personal feedback on your voice.  There are also private coaching times available that afternoon. To sign up visit the VOICE KITCHEN  voicekitchen.com or call Jill at 469-383-8885.

SERIOUS SINGERS NEED TO STAY IN THE GAME

THE NON-SINGING PART OF YOUR LIFE EFFECTS YOUR SINGING

Serious singers need to “stay in the game” even in non-singing times.  The way you live your daily life heavily impacts your singing voice. Many singers are very surprised at how little they consider their voices during non-singing times. But if you’re a real singer, one who is looking for the most from your instrument you will keep your head in the game all day, every day.  Why? Because all parts of your life are intertwined.

A Sobering Truth

Most serious students-in-training are very focused during their lessons, practices, rehearsals and performances.  But, the minute they leave the training environment they pay little attention to posture, vocal tone quality and speaking diction.

The other area of abuse is the lack of attention and discipline in the areas of eating, exercise and rest.  High school and college age singers in particular seem to live life to the fullest and try and squeeze in some vocal disciplines “as needed.”  And guest what? If you’re a casual singer there is nothing wrong with that.  You can’t focus on all things all the time.  But know that the way you schedule and use your time shows your real priorities.  If you are set on making your voice the best, most consistent instrument it can be, you need to put in the work and pay the price.

Put In the Work

The mental and physical work required to become an excellent singer are substantial.  You not only have to develop the voice, you have to become more knowledgable in the things of music.

Pay The Price

Developing any skill to the point of excellence requires sacrifice in the areas of time, energy and often, finances.  Many times it’s not inconvenient or easy.  This is true for academics, sports and, not surprisingly, singing.  That’s just the way most things work.

Start Where You’re Planted

Begin, by taking full advantage of the people and situations around you.  If you’re in school that means get in every singing group you can, whether school or church to develop your ear and musical disciplines.  Even if that’s not the style you are heading for it can still help lay the foundations of ear training, tone, blend and the mechanics of posture, breathing and diction. If you’re a bit older look for local community college classes or personal training.  Larger churches may have Fine Arts departments with training available. You might be surprised at the level of teaching available in your community.

Other Options

Somewhere along the way you may want to invest in training materials from Vocal Coach. For many, this may even be where you start, but I wanted to make sure your eyes were open to all the options available to you.

 Need Feedback Along The Way?

Throughout the process, whether working on foundations or getting a song ready for performance or recording Vocal Coach is here with our Online two-way coaching.  Check the web site for details.

 Summary: Get In The Game and Stay In The Game.

Don’t just think about.  Don’t just dream about it. If you really, really want to sing in public, and do it well then do the work.  Pay the price.  Make the sacrifice.  Get the training.  Then carry what you’re learning into your daily life.

 

If you have questions for vocal coach Chris Beatty just email moc.hcaoclacovnull@sirhc

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Posted in From The Heart of Chris Beatty, Singing and Voice Lessons, Uncategorized, Vocal Training & Practice Helps | No Comments »

SPRING TRAINING FOR SINGERS

Thursday, April 12th, 2012


They're not waving. They're stretching!

NO MATTER HOW GOOD YOU ARE, YOU NEED ONGOING TRAINING & COACHING

Having just returned from yet another month of Major League Baseball Spring Training in FL I am again reminded of this: We all need on-going training, no matter how good we are.  In fact, it was the big name superstars that were the first on the field before every game with their trainers.  And these guys were already partially warmed up and in extremely good shape.

We, singers need to take our craft just as seriously.  We need to stop being satisfied with just acceptable singing and push to be all we can be.  Singing up to your potential is more satisfying in every way.  Plus, it makes you more valuable to those you sing with and those who hear you. That being said, consider these training opportunities:

GOOD TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

ANOTHER DALLAS AREA WORKSHOP MAY 12, 2012 9:00-Noon

Due to the success of our last Online Video Workshop at the Voice Kitchen in Plano TX we’re doing it again! I’ll be live in our Brentwood TN studio connected to the Voice Kitchen video studio. This class is limited to the first 15 who sign up and is a great way to get small group training at an exceptional price.  There are also two slots remaining for 30 minute one-on-one sessions that afternoon.

To sign up go to voicekitchen.com or call Jill at 469-383-8885.

VOCAL COACH PACKAGES – Physical product or Download.

If you’ve visited the Vocal Coach Online Store Recently you know we are constantly offering new packages and bundles and special pricing.  Being able to master the foundations in the convenience of your own home, when it works for you is just part of what Vocal Coach is all about. You can download Vocal Coach training CD’s in a matter of minutes and be on your way to better singing.

FACE-TO-FACE PERSONAL TRAINING

Online training is getting more and more popular.  It allows us (you and me) to see and hear each other without anyone having to drive or fly anywhere.  You’re at home; I’m in my studio. If you have Internet and a webcam on your computer you’re good to go!  Check out details by clicking here

Hope to see you soon in an Online session.

Chris

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Posted in Singing and Voice Lessons, Singing Exercises, Uncategorized, Vocal Coach Workshops, Vocal Training & Practice Helps | No Comments »

GETTING THE MOST OUT OF VOCAL PRACTICE

Monday, March 12th, 2012

GETTING THE MOST OUT OF YOUR VOCAL  PRACTICE

Your Body Soul & Spirit are involved when you use your voice.  None of the three can be force-fed, and all are more receptive and effective when you take a few minutes to prepare your practice and rehearsal times.

As You Prepare to Practice Consider These Principles

  1. Being casual about practice and rehearsal may lead to performance casualties.
  2. Practice makes permanent, so don’t practice using wrong technique.
  3. Muscles have memory, so think “mechanics” until things become more natural.
  4. You are more likely to reach your goals if you have some. Make a plan before you begin.  Write it down!
  5. You are a vocal athlete and have physical limits.  Athletes who never learn to warm up, work smart and cool down have more injuries and shorter careers.  It’s the same for singers.

How Long To Practice?

You need the right quality and quantity of time.   For a normal vocal practice session, allow 45 minutes to an hour-and-a-half.  If you’re doing a lot of non-vocal, mental work (thinking through gestures, expression, lip-syncing etc.), you can go longer as long as you remain focused. When you stop making positive progress it’s time to stop. Be sensitive to your physical voice as well as what you are accomplishing . . . nor not accomplishing.

Rehearsals

Rehearsals, as apposed to working technique, may take much longer, especially when others are involved. The key is to go into it warmed up and prepared and pace the use of your voice.

When Working With Vocal Coach Training Materials

If you have the Singer series, you can get tips from the Getting Started CD on how to most effectively work through it.  Whether you have the series or a variety of other CD’s the key is to decide what you want to accomplish.  If you’re building or reinforcing the foundations start with Complete Breathing, Warm-Up, Tone and Expanding Your Range.  Spend some time in the introductory teaching to get in the right mindset.  Take notes and replay sections that jump out at you.  Then, move on to the exercises, repeating as necessary until your mind and mechanism both “get it.”

Don’t be in a rush, or expect to suddenly have it all working.  As all the parts learn to work together, it will be well worth the investment in time and effort. Use the form below as a practice tracker.

VOCAL WORKOUT TRACKER FORM

Copy/Paste the Workout Tracker  into Word or Pages and print as many copies as you need. It will help you track what’s working and what’s not and make you a smart singer.

 Name:_______________________Date:_____________________

Objectives/goals for this session: (Technique goals, songs to work on etc.) Use as much space as you need.

 

 

Reflecttions On The Session:  Take all the room you need:

  •  What worked as planned, what is getting better/easier and what is still an issue?  (Include questions, thoughts etc. so you know the areas in which you need more information etc.
  • Did you end up using different materials or songs that you originally planned on?
  • Are you encouraged or frustrated? Describe.

As you see patterns emerging you will know where to focus and where you may need extra help.

 

Have questions or comments?  Let me know at moc.hcaoclacovnull@sirhc

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Posted in From the Coach, Singing and Voice Lessons, Singing Exercises, Soloist, Teaching Teens To Sing, Vocal Training & Practice Helps | No Comments »

CAN YOU TEACH ME TO SING?

Tuesday, February 14th, 2012

Every few weeks I get asked that question so I thought I’d respond to it here. 

Singing is one of the most fulfilling ways to express yourself, and most people have some or all of the necessary starting tools.  But, can anyone be taught to sing?   To help you get in the right mindset, ask yourself this question:  “Can anyone be an outstanding cook, songwriter or athlete?”  Let’s consider those first, then singing.

Can anyone be a great cook?  Not if you have problems with your sense of smell or taste.  Knowledge of how foods go together can be learned, but the “smell” and “taste” also need to be present in great cooks.
What about songwriting? Can it be taught?  Yes, but there are some foundations that can make the difference between a casual writer and one who develops and creates amazing songs. I’m a great example.  I know music theory, love to use words and have a very musical ear, so I have a lot going for me. One of my songs is on dozens of CD’s and several more are published. However, I don’t do what serious songwriters do: Spend hours writing and co-writing songs.  It’s not priority for me, and until it is I won’t be a good, consistent songwriter.
Playing sports is a whole other subject.  To play any kind of ball well, you have to be in reasonably good shape, practice regularly (not once a month) and actually know and understand the rules of the game. Being a fan and being a player are completely different.

NOW, WHAT ABOUT SINGING?  Here are the elements that need to be working well and working together in order for you to sing with good quality, accuracy and consistency.

  • THE DESIRE AND WILLINGNESS to open your mouth in front of others and sing.  Seem obvious?  I  work with some singers who have enormous desire and passion but are literally terrified to sing in public, which is rather limiting.  Why this fear?  They don’t know what will come out under real-life  pressure.
  • THE MECHANICS of posture, breathing, tone and expression are all part of what makes a singer effective.  If any of those areas are weak, you will lose quality and consistency.
  • A MUSICAL EAR (ear, brain, larynx connection) is a must.  Without it you won’t have good pitch center (be on the right note), dynamics (loud, soft) and phrasing (what you “do” with the phrase). With decent training, someone with reasonable pitch accuracy can usually develop a good musical ear, but it takes time.
  • THE DESIRE TO COMMUNICATE A MESSAGE is what separates those who just “sing” from those who “CONNECT” with the audience, which is the ultimate goal.  That means analyzing the message (lyrics and musical style) and coming up with a game plan that includes expression, gestures, meaningful dynamics, phrasing and more.  It’s a real effort, that when done well comes off as easy and natural. That’s what allows the listener to relax and take it in, rather than nervously wondering if you will hit the high notes.

Now, it’s time to list your strengths as well as the areas that need some work.    Then, make the time to get the tools necessary to turn those weaknesses into strengths.  It may be one of the most satisfying things you ever do.

If you need guidance regarding which tools will serve you best explore the vocalcoach.com web site or email me at moc.hcaoclacovnull@sirhc We are here to help you be your best and get the most enjoyment out of singing possible.

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Posted in From The Heart of Chris Beatty, Singing and Voice Lessons, Soloist, Songwriting, Teaching Teens To Sing, The Senior Voice, Uncategorized | No Comments »

WANT TO SING BETTER THIS YEAR THAN LAST?

Tuesday, January 3rd, 2012

If you want to sing, SING!  But, because muscles have memory, and will memorize what you’re doing, right or wrong, I suggest the following:

MAKE SOME DELIBERATE PLANS.

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’RE AN EXPERIENCED SINGER

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.

IF YOU’RE A NOVICE

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.


IF YOU’VE  STARTED YOUR LIST HERE ARE SOME TRAINING OPTIONS

  • Self-Training.  If you are a motivated, disciplined person you can accomplish quite a bit yourself assuming that you have good foundations like good posture, breathing and a musical ear.  You also need to have had some musical experience be it in a choir or perhaps you’re part of a family who does music together.  Your tools should be a good set of training CD’s or videos along with getting feedback from those around you with some experience and training.
  • Local Voice Teacher/Coach. The key here is to find someone who has had systematic training.  Not just someone who happens to be a good singer.  Doing it and teaching it are two different things. What works for one may not work for another. That’s why teachers are trained. You also need someone who relates to your age, culture and musical goals at least to some degree.  Sometimes a local college can help with suggestions and their staff might well teach outside of school.
  • Live, Personal Online Training.  We have found this to be a powerful tool.  I regularly teach students from around the country and even as far as 8 time zones away. Skype, FaceTime, iChat etc are great tools and any webcam system works. (Check the web site for details.)

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 moc.hcaoclacovnull@sirhc

I’ll be answering your questions on the blog and in videos throughout the year.

 

 

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Posted in Choir Directors, Performance, Singing and Voice Lessons, Soloist, Teaching Teens To Sing, Uncategorized, Worship Team | No Comments »

GIFTS FOR THE SINGERS IN YOUR LIFE

Thursday, December 15th, 2011

Receive a 10% discount at checkout when you enter HOLIDAY10 in the coupon code.

WHAT TO BUY FOR THE SINGERS IN YOUR LIFE? 

HOW ABOUT SOMETHING TO MAKE THEM BETTER SINGERS?

 

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. 

Receive a 10% discount at checkout when you enter HOLIDAY10 in the coupon code. 

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“I WANT A VOCAL COACH, NOT MORE CD’S!”

Thursday, November 3rd, 2011

REMINDER OF DALLAS VOCAL COACH WORKSHOP

HAS YOUR VOICE HAD A TUNE-UP LATLEY?

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 moc.hcaoclacovnull@sirhc.

Hope to hear from you or see you soon Online.

Chris

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HAS YOUR VOICE HAD A TUNE-UP LATELY? Dallas Vocal Coach Workshop Nov. 12th

Thursday, October 27th, 2011

Has Your Voice Had A Tune-Up Lately?

 SING HIGHER, LOWER AND LONGER WITHOUT VOCAL FATIGUE


 JOIN US SATURDAY NOVEMBER 12th, 9:00 a.m. to Noon for a Live, Interactive Video Vocal Coach Workshop in Dallas TX

with Chris & Carole Beatty. 

Co-Sponsored by Vocal Coach and the THE VOICE KITCHEN in Dallas

 

WHO IS IT FOR?  Singers, Worship Leaders, Choir Members, Teachers, Pastors.

HOW DOES A LIVE VIDEO WORKSHOP WORK?  It’s simple.  You arrive at the Voice Kitchen in Dallas  November 12th at 9:00.  That classroom will be connected by live video feed to our Vocal Coach studio in Brentwood TN.  That’s it! We see, hear and interact with each other throughout the workshop.

HOW BIG WILL THE CLASS BE? In an effort to maximize personal attention the class will be limited to the first 15 who sign up.

WHAT WILL IT COVER? The critical foundations that even experienced singers and speakers need to fine-tune.

  • POSTURE: Sounds boring but it’s NOT!  Discovering a natural, balanced posture benefits not only your voice but the way you look and function in life. It’s a posture you can live with.
  • BREATHING: Breath is the power behind the voice.  The problem is, many of us have been taught strange techniques that really don’t make sense.  Our approach will make sense and the exercises you will learn will build good “breath management” for your speaking and singing.  Many of us breathe the wrong way.   We actually interfere with our own technique.
  • TONE: What do you sound like when all the tension and bad technique is gone?  You will be amazed at the sound and feeling of a free voice for speaking and singing.  Get ready for your absolute best sound.  It may surprise you.
  • DICTION: Believe it or not, when you clean up some diction habits your voice is much happier, the sound is cleaner and the message is easier to understand.  The Vocal Coach approach to diction is used world-wide by thousands with great success.
  • WARM-UPS & COOL-DOWNS: Those who depend on their voices are really vocal athletes.  After all, the voice is a physical, mechanical and acoustical instrument.  As you learn to warm-up and cool down your voice you will avoid injury and maximize your performance.
  • YOUR QUESTIONS: We’ll also be taking your questions and working through other areas that will make you the best you can be.

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 moc.nehctikeciovnull@oiduts.  You can also call Jill at the Voice Kitchen at 469-383-8885. Technical questions can be addressed to moc.hcaoclacovnull@sirhc.

 REMEMBER: THERE ARE ONLY 15 SEATS FOR THIS WORKSHOP, SO ACT NOW!

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Posted in Choir Directors, Performance, Singing and Voice Lessons, Uncategorized, Worship Team | 2 Comments »

DISTANCE LEARNING FROM VOCAL COACH

Tuesday, August 9th, 2011

VOCAL COACHING USING LONG OR SHORT DISTANCE LEARNING IS CONVENIENT, LESS EXPENSIVE AND REALLY GETS THE JOB DONE!

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:

  1. A singer-songwriter and physician from the East Coast needed help preparing for a recording project.  We worked through diction and tone exercises as well as interpretation and phrasing.  We got the job done using Skype, and now he’s ordered our Singer Series to continue the process.
  2. A singer-songwriter and United Nations delegate had some serious vocal challenges that we got a handle on in just a few hours in our Brentwood studio.  Finding the free, natural tone quality and establishing efficient breathing (actually using less breath) were on our agenda.
  3. A teen worship leader needed direction to free up his maturing voice.  He got more comfortable with the mechanics of singing and started to experience a more free transition between registers.  All this with webcams and the free program Skype.
  4. A twenty-something worship leader and church soloist asked for  coaching to help him “own” a particular song. After discussing the real message of the song we used such tools as lip-syncing, exaggerating diction and stabilizing posture to bring out the best vocal sound. Inspiration plus thorough preparation is always the best combination.
  5. In a few weeks I’ll be working with a touring artist who just had throat surgery.  He and is having a challenging recovery and needs a little help making sure he is using the instrument the right way.  This is just one of the many instances where the right coaching can help save a voice and a career.
  6. One of our students (who is a well-known singer) just called while on tour.  He was having a difficult time getting over some vocal issues.  Because we are on the same page as  teacher and student we were able to accomplish much just over the phone.

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

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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 »

WHEN YOU SING IS YOUR BRAIN PART OF THE MIX?

Tuesday, February 8th, 2011

BACKGROUND

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.

APPLICATION IN YOUR SINGING

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.

BACH TO ROCK AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN

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.

SUMMARY

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.

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Posted in Choir Directors, From The Heart of Chris Beatty, Singing and Voice Lessons, Soloist, Speaking Tips | 1 Comment »

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