Archive for the ‘Choir Directors’ Category
« Older Entries |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.
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 »
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.
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 »
KEEPING A MOIST VOICE IN DRY WEATHER
Friday, December 2nd, 2011
IT’S WINTER. THAT MEANS LOTS OF SINGING AND DRYER AIR
ONE OF THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES all singers face is recognizing how dehydrating singing is even in the best of times. Every time we exhale we are losing moisture. In fact, when a singer like Chris Tomlin does a full concert he’s apt to lose a gallon or more of water in one night just through the breath. Add to that normal perspiration and evaporation through the skin and you need some serious hydration just to stay even. In winter, the air inside and outside is dryer it makes it even worse.
THE REAL DANGER is the control you can lose and the damage you can cause if the vocal folds (vocal cords) don’t have the right lubrication as they articulate thousands of times during a phrase.
THINGS YOU CAN DO TO HELP maintain the needed moisture include:
- Keep your body hydrated, drinking a minimum of 1/2 your body weight in ounces every day. If you weigh 160 pounds that means 80 ounces of water. If you weigh 500 pounds you ate too much on Thanksgiving day
. - If you’re physically active playing sports, shoveling snow or whatever you’ll need additional water just to stay even.
- If you’re singing, or even doing a lot of speaking you need to anticipate those times by starting to super-hydrate several days before. Drink, drink, drink and make it mostly water or juices, not caffienated drinks.
- In addition to keeping your system hydrated there are times to consider some topical moisture in the nose and throat area. This can be accomplished
with a Vick’s Personal Steam Inhaler. It’s made by Kaz and sold at Target, Walmart etc ($25-30) or Entertainer’s Secret Throat Spray (vocalcoach.com/store $6.95 ea). The steam inhaler also helps is you’ve over-used the voice a bit. The Entertainer’s Secret is a great, topical moisturizer that will keep the nasal passages, sinuses and upper throat moist even in a dry setting.
Tags: chris beatty, chris beatty vocalcoach.com, dry throat, singing lessons, vocal training, voice lessons
Posted in Choir Directors, Performance, Soloist, Uncategorized, Vocal Health, 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 »
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!
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 »
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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:
- Email me at moc.hcaoclacovnull@sirhc
- Call our NEW OFFICE PHONE NUMBER: 615-649-8067.
- Go to the Vocal Coach Web Site and check out Personal Lessons and the Vocal Coach Store.
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 »
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 »
Sinus Solutions for Singers
Wednesday, February 16th, 2011
We Don’t Sell It But We Sure Use It: Neil Med Sinus Rinse
I just got another question from a singer suffering from sinus problems so I thought I’d share a hot tip.
I’m not a medical doctor, but I am a singer speaker and teacher and I know how even slight sinus issues can interfere with my work. Neil Med was suggested to us by our allergist. It has been a tremendous help to my wife, Carole and I as well as dozens and dozens of our singers. Using it daily is good preventive medicine.
Neil Med is inexpensive and is available at Walgreen’s. We recommend the style shown below with the soft squeeze bottle. Check out the link below, give it a try and let us know if it helps.
Chris
http://www.neilmed.com/usa/products.php
A great way to fight sinus problems for singers.
Tags: chris beatty, chris beatty vocalcoach.com, Neil Med Sinus Rinse, singer's health, sinuses and singing
Posted in Choir Directors, Vocal Health | 4 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.
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 »
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