Archive for the ‘Singing Subjects’ Category
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Tuesday, January 24th, 2012
I just saw a great cartoon from the old Family Circus series. The older brother is holding a trumpet and educating his younger sibling. He says,
“When you blow through here it turns your breath into music.”
That’s EXACTLY how a child would summarize the workings of a trumpet. He doesn’t need to know all the details. Someone else has taken care of that, and it works.
Well, guess what? In many ways we should think of our voices the same way. You move air from the lungs up through the mouth and it turns it into music. In fact, when performing, that’s about all you have room in your brain to think about. The rest of your attention should be on being an expressive communicator to the listener.
Don’t get me wrong. I am fully aware of all the mechanical and acoustical events going on as well as the preparation it takes to become a good singer. I’m just reminding us all that it’s easy to over-think the whole vocal process to the point of sounding and looking like a vocal robot.
Learning the mechanics in order to not have to think about the mechanics is the goal, and it is a process. But oh the joy of being able to just stand there and let your mind, body and spirit turn moving breath into a powerful and clear message.
Remember, it’s easy:
“When you blow through here it turns your breath into music.”
Have an amazing week, and let me know how Vocal Coach can help you do what you do, better.
Tags: blog.vocalcoach.com, chris beatty, chris beatty vocalcoach.com, singing lessons, vocal coach, vocal training
Posted in Breathing, From The Heart of Chris Beatty, Teaching Kids To Sing, Tone, Uncategorized | No Comments »
IS SINGING IN THE CAR OK FOR THE VOICE?
Monday, January 16th, 2012
WANT TO HEAR THE AUDIO VERSION OF THIS BLOG? Click here: Blog-WarmingUpInCar_011612
Great Email Question
I got a great email question that asked this: “Chris, I bought the Vocal Coach series from you at a workshop you gave. You mention warming up while driving to rehearsal/gig. I thought I had heard not to do that. Is it ok to do that so long as posture is correct?” This is a super question because it deals with real life for a singer.
Ideal vs Reality
Let’s start with this: The “ideal” warm-up/practice scenario would have you peaceful and quiet, undisturbed. You are rested, have eaten well and have just read something relaxing. Maybe even had a string quartet playing during your meal. I’m not being sarcastic. Superstars like Luciano Pavarotti and Michael Jackson traveled with their own chef’s, food supply and, in the case of Pavarotti, entertainment.
Muscle Memory
Most singers who wait, and only warm-up and practice in perfect, ideal situations often just don’t do it. The result is that they don’t develop the muscle memory necessary for good singing.
Is Warming Up in the Car Ok?
I have sung all over the world and sometimes the only place I knew I could really “get away” to think and warm-up was in a rental car. Pavarotti and Jackson I am not, but I do know what my voice and mind and emotions feel like when I’m fully ready to perform and I’ll do about anything to make that happen. If you’re a choir or worship team member and the car is your only time to focus, put in a Vocal Coach Warm-Up or Daily Workout CD and go for it. The goal is to be ready.
If you do end up warming up in a car:
- Make sure the rear-view mirror is positioned comfortably high requiring you to sit tall to see out the back window.
- Keep your hands at the One and Three O’clock positions on the steerting wheel. It will stabilize your chest and ribs in a comfortably expanded position.
- Have a goal of physically feeling a free, rich tone since road noise, air conditioning etc. may make accurate hearing challenging.
- Don’t try to out-sing the car noise. Instead, sing smart. If you begin to strain, back off and recheck posture, breathing and tone. If you aren’t solid in those foundations make a plan, get some materials personal training and learn to do it right.
Ten Minutes Is Much Better Than Nothing
What it your schedule or situation doesn’t allow for a good warm-up? That’s where muscle memory and experience kick in and get you through, but it’s not something to get comfortable with. Those who do ultimately pay the price of sloppy, unpredictable performances. There is always some time to do humming and lip-trill exercises even if it’s while you’re in the shower and getting ready.
Summary
Do all you can to assure regular warm-up and practice times in ideal surrounding. When that can’t happen, make sure to still prepare your voice and heart even if you need to hide in the janitor’s closet or a car to do it.
Got a Question You Would Like Answered?
Just email me at chris@vocalcoach.com and put “Question” in the subject.
Tags: blog.vocalcoach.com, chris beatty, chris beatty vocalcoach.com, singing lessons, vocal coach, vocal training, voice training, worship leader
Posted in Soloist, Uncategorized, Vocal Coach Audios, Warm-Ups, Worship Team | No Comments »
What Is The Lip-Trill or Bubble Exercise? & Dallas area, here we come.
Monday, November 7th, 2011
THE LIP-TRILL MYSTERY SOLVED (with Audio Demonstration)!
Recently, I’ve been getting a lot of questions regarding one of the most powerful vocal exercises any singer or speaker can do: THE LIP-TRILL, BUBBLE or MOTOR exercise.
Before you listen to the audio link below prepare your mind with these thoughts:
1. The lip-trill is done naturally by all babies and toddlers. Yes, YOU did it when you were younger!
2. It brings an awareness of the many parts of the face and head that are involved when you speak and sing.
3. It is the safest way to venture into your highest notes without straining or pushing.
4. It helps the body produce the right lubrication for the leading edges of the vocal folds.
5. It serves as a natural decongestant since it helps vibrate loose any thick mucus in the sinuses and nasal passages.
6. This exercise is so freeing you may literally open up entire new areas of your voice.
How important is the Lip-Trill? I have all my students sing their songs on the lip-trill sound to discover how the song SHOULD FEEL when they sing it.
CLICK HERE: Lip Trill Demo by Vocal Coach Chris Beatty
DO YOU LIVE ANYWHERE NEAR DALLAS/PLANO?
Has Your Voice Had A Tune-Up Lately?
Join us Saturday, November 12 from 9:00-Noon for a live, interactive Vocal Coach Workshop.
- LIMITED TO 15 STUDENTS.
- LIVE VIDEO FEED BETWEEN CHRIS BEATTY IN THE VOCAL COACH STUDIO IN TN & YOU IN THE VOICE KITCHEN STUDIO IN PLANO.
- A WONDERFUL AND INEXPENSIVE WAY TO GET THE PERSONAL ATTENTION YOU NEED TO BE YOUR BEST.
Please click here for more details and to sign up: Vocal Coach Workshop at the Voice Kitchen, Dallas.
The voice Kitchen is located at: 7005 Chase Oaks Blvd., Suite 250, Plano, TX 75025
Have Questions? Just call Jill at 469-383-8885
Tags: blog.vocalcoach.com, chris beatty, Lip Trill Exercise, singing lessons, vocal training, Vocal Warm-ups, Vocal Workshop, vocalcoach.com, voice lessons
Posted in Choir Directors, Singing Exercises, Singing Subjects, Soloist, Teaching Teens To Sing, Tone, Uncategorized, Vocal Coach Audios, Vocal Coach Workshops, Vocal Range, Warm-Ups | No Comments »
EVER EXPERIENCE FEAR OR INSECURITY WHEN YOU SING?
Friday, May 20th, 2011
Both fear and insecurity can cause unsteady breathing, stressed tone quality, inaccurate pitch and more.
If this is you, here are some solutions to set you free:
INEXPERIENCE. If mere inexperience is the cause, the solution will be found in developing and owning good vocal technique and performance skills. This can be accomplished by finding a local, qualified teacher and coach, or taking advantage of Vocal Coach Online Training. Online training is the personal, powerful, convenient and cost effective way to get the training you need.
SHYNESS. If you are a shy person by nature, you may need additional coaching to further reinforce mechanics of not only the voice, but also of expression and gestures. These will have to be exaggerated. Rehearsing with props and in front of a video camera or mirror is especially helpful. If you don’t naturally know how to be expressive in front of a crowd consider using the Complete Performance CD. It’s a powerful tool.
PITCH ISSUES. If you have pitch issues, and know it, dig in with a sensitive, experienced teacher and conquer this ear-training issue. This is a nonnegotiable skill for singers. If, after reasonable time you don’t see much progress get a second opinion. If you are still not able to get from pitch center to pitch center accurately, you may have to confront the possibility that singing in public is not for you. Even then, as long as you’re not holding a microphone, sing on, and enjoy. Note: We can do an effective evaluation of pitch issues with a single Online Session using Skype or iChat. Just visit Personal Training on our site.
UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS. If your own expectations are a bit too idealistic, based more on dreams than honest feedback and careful training, it may be time to reevaluate and recalculate. You should know that the stories behind most successful singers include a lot about very hard work. That doesn’t mean singing 8 hours a day, but It does mean learning how to use the tools of singing properly. This includes your vocal mechanism, accurate pitch, an understanding of tone quality, expression and gesture and more. Good singers don’t just happen any more than good athletes do. It’s always about inspiration plus . . . preparation. One, without the other, will always leave you lacking.
THE GOOD NEWS is that you don’t need to be stuck with bad vocal habits or even a lack of knowing where you really stand. Step out, reach out and enjoy the voice you have. Vocal Coach is here to serve your vocal needs.
P.S. You can now download PDF files for the leadsheets (notes & lyrics) for our most popular CD’s for only $2.99 each. Just check the CD in the Vocal Coach Store.
Tags: chris beatty, performance coaching, Pitch, singing lessons, vocal training, vocalcoach.com
Posted in Choir Directors, From The Heart of Chris Beatty, Kids and Teens, Performance, Tone, Uncategorized | No Comments »
DICTION. IT’S MORE THAN WORDS.
Tuesday, April 19th, 2011
DICTION REALLY IS ABOUT MORE THAN WORDS
Most people know that diction is all about making your message understandable to the listener. But, for the singer, there is a lot more at stake than just the message. There are vocal issues! Issues like tone quality, pitch and vocal stamina. These areas and more are impacted by the way you pronounce your words.
Example 1: if you’re a mumbler, there’s a good chance your larynx is working overtime trying to fix the unclear words coming out of your mouth. It can’t, of course, since diction has to be taken care of with lips, tongue, teeth and an ear that knows what to listen for. Clearing up the diction will reduce vocal stress and make you a better singer.
Example 2: If you have sloppy diction when you record and depend on “fixing it in the mix” you’re building some really bad habits. It’s true that programs like ProTools, Logic Pro and AutoTune allow the engineer to correct pitch, reduce the amount of SSS or TTT and even move a syllable within the phrase. But, some things are better being done right in real-time, every time. It’s healthier for your voice, makes a better performer and makes you more fun to record.
SOME THINGS YOU CAN DO RIGHT NOW
Begin by looking at your self in a mirror and lip-syncing the words to a song. No sound, but moving lips, face and tongue. It will help you get in touch with all the muscles involved with good diction. Next, still with no sound, be even more expressive as you “sing” the song and memorize the “feeling” of good diction and expression. Finally, make sure your voice is warmed up and put the music to it. Try and duplicate what you felt in the first exercises.
Because DICTION is one of those important-but-often-neglected areas of singing, WE ARE OFFERING THE COMPLETE DICTION CD at a special price. Just CLICK HERE to learn more and save 20%.
Tags: complete diction, Diction, diction for singers, singing diction, singing lessons, vocal coach chris beatty, vocalcoach.com, voice training
Posted in Choir Directors, Diction, Performance, Soloist, Teaching Teens To Sing, Tone, Uncategorized, Worship Team | No Comments »
Just The Right Amount of Air
Thursday, March 24th, 2011
Not Enough Breath To Get The Job Done?
TOO MUCH AIR?
When a singer begins performing publicly there is a tendency to push too much air. It is often the result of adrenaline, combined with the unfamiliar feedback from monitors and house speakers. If you take in too much air, then push it out too fast, it can compromise pitch, tone quality and more.
TOO LITTLE AIR?
Then, there are those who suddenly get timid as they hear their own voices through the sound system and are unsure of how to react. Some singers are so distracted they actually forget to breathe and find themselves panicking as a result.
THE GOAL IS . . . JUST WHAT YOU NEED
The goal is to provide the larynx with just the right amount of air, and air pressure to get the job done. That means, of course, that the brain has to know what the demands of the phrase are. The vocal range, length of each note, volume and even the style. Once that is understood, as a result of studying the song, the brain can tell the respiratory system exactly what to provide. As long as the breathing mechanism has been exercised the right way it will have the agility and stamina to do the job.
Sound complicated? It is. But, most of this will happen automatically if you will spend some time training and exercising the different parts of your singing mechanism. It also requires that you spend some time working with and analyzing what you want to do with the song.
60' Tall Inflatable Slide. Just the right amount of air brings joy to all!
SOME PEOPLE DO IT SO EASILY
“But,” you might say, “some people seem to do it so easily and naturally.” True, but it probably took them a few years for it to become “easy and natural.” Many artists and athletes appear to become overnight successes, but it seldom happens over night. You just hadn’t heard about them while they were struggling through the training periods.
SOME TIPS FOR MASTERING THE AIR FLOW
- First, remember that the voice is a wind instrument. A moving column of air, traveling between the vocal folds is what makes the sound. Therefore, the way you move the air has everything to do with your success. As you look at the pictures of the 60′ tall inflatable slide it becomes clear that the right about of air is necessary if it is to serve its purpose. Too little will collapse it. Too much could pop. But, just the right amount brings joy to hundreds, just like good singing.
- Balanced posture allows you free, efficient breathing. Slouching, or sticking the head out over your toes will limit your chances for success.
- Practicing breathing as its own skill, using sipping and hissing exercises while watching for a still posture gets the muscles ready. That, in turn, leads to good muscle memory.
- As you inhale, remember to feel it down and out. That is, feel your inhalations expanding fully around the waist area, front, sides and into the lower back.
- As you exhale, keep the back and sides stable. Allow the frontal abdominal wall to come in as needed but keep the back and sides comfortably expanding.
IT’S NOT MAGIC
REMEMBER: Even with singers who seem to have an almost “magical” touch when they perform it’s really a matter of Preparation, combined with Inspiration and experience. Do the work . . . the right way . . . and you, too, will get good results.
DON’T MISS SPECIAL OFFERS
Don’t forget to check the Vocal Coach Store for current special offers and make the most of your instrument. If you’re looking for a tool to get your breathing squared away take a look at the COMPLETE BREATHING CD. To see other special offers check out the HOME PAGE.
Tags: blog.vocalcoach.com, breath control, breath support, Breathing, chris beatty, chris beatty vocalcoach.com
Posted in Breathing, Posture, Singing Subjects, Soloist, Tone, Uncategorized | No Comments »
FREEDOM + CONTROL = SUCCESSFUL SINGING
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 »
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 »
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