Archive for the ‘Choir Directors’ Category

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First Comes the Inner Stillness

Wednesday, April 14th, 2010

By way of introduction: There are several categories of Vocal Coach Blogs.  First, the purely technical, dealing with the mechanics of singing. Second, personal thoughts from Carole, called “Carole Cares.” And, third, those written for anyone who functions in a place of ministry within the Church whether choir director or member, worship team member and those in the congregation who want to give their best.  This blog is from that third category, and will also be posted under the “Enhancing Your Worship” tab on the site.

First Comes the Inner Stillness

In addition to training singers and speakers around the world for a number of decades, I have also had the opportunity to lead worship in a number of different settings, large and small, in the U.S. and abroad.  From those experiences, and triggered by a recent message from my own pastor, I share this thought: I believe you can accomplish more meaningful interaction with God in 10 minutes of inner stillness than an hour of desperate, distraction-filled seeking. And, that’s a good thing for every aspect of your life.

For those who worship, from the congregation or the platform, there is a necessary skill to master that has nothing to do with music.  That is the skill of cultivating an inner stillness.

Be still and know that I am God (Psalm 46:10)

Inner stillness is a place of tranquility and quietness of the mind and emotions.  A place where there is no competition for your attention and God can get right through to you, and you to Him.  This is where the connection, correction, adjustments and inspiration take place. Then, and only then can you be sure you are prepared at the foundational level to lead others to the cross.

Inner Stillness can only be found by deliberate actions. It doesn’t just happen because you want it to.  It doesn’t always happen quickly, and you can’t pay for it with a credit card and there’s no download available.  Here are some tools that can help you find this life-giving place:

1.     Desire. You must acknowledge the need and value of inner stillness in your life.

2.     Planned schedule. You must practice getting there and staying there.  After awhile you will get there more quickly.

3.     Set the physical stage. Get quiet. Get comfortable. Surround yourself with only those tools that will help the process like your bible, and a notebook.

4.     Pray that your body, soul and spirit will rest in the arms of the King and be still.

5.     Drive out mental and emotional concerns by replacing them with Scripture, leaving no room for distractions.  They will return quickly enough.

Once You’re There, Listen

Only after you have gotten to that place of inner stillness will you have something life-giving to share.  Only then, when your spiritual ears are open, can you hear the fresh and new and then give it away to others.

But, what if I can’t seem to “get there,” or “stay there?”

That means you’re human, and subject to a multitude of distractions.  After all, we do live in a multi-tasking, always-something-going-on world.  That, of course, is the very reason we need to spend time in the inner stillness.  Without it we tend to only take in and reflect what the world has to offer; not what the Lord has to offer, and that can be dangerous and very, very limiting in every area of your life.

Give Inner Stillness a try

There’s a real feeling of victory when you are able to push “Pause” on business-as-usual.  Once you have experienced that you can graduate to the “Stop” button, and then you’re really there. . . in that place of stillness.

What helps you find your inner stillness?  I would love hear your thoughts in the comments section.

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Posted in Choir Directors, Duets to Groups, From the Coach, Kids and Teens, Soloist, Teaching Teens To Sing, Tips Tailored for You, Uncategorized, Worship Team | 4 Comments »

Don’t Forfeit Your Own Voice By Just Imitating Others!

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 moc.hcaoclacovnull@sirhc

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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 »

WHO IS CONTROLLING YOUR VOICE? YOU, OR IT?

Sunday, March 21st, 2010

Do you control your voice, or does it control you? An odd question?  Perhaps, but I know many a singer who’s happiness with life is linked to whether their voice is working well, or not on any given day. And many of these same singers are doing absolutely nothing to build vocal foundations that result in a predictable, stable vocal experience.

In other words, they’re treating the voice as a mysterious, sometimes-it’s-there, sometimes-it’s-not instrument, and that never works. The fact is, what we call “the voice” can be as predictable and dependable as a carpenter’s tool or a professional baseball pitcher’s throwing arm.  Both the tool and the arm can have issues, of course, but with proper development and maintenance they tend to serve well for many years.

My advice is to be proactive with your voice. Identify your weaknesses as well as areas that you just don’t understand at all.  Be honest. Then, step-by-step, find ways to conquer each area, either with personal training, Online training, or with hardcopy or download CD’s that address your issues.  The important thing is that YOU be in charge of your voice.  Don’t just LET things happen.  MAKE things happen.

Got some specific questions that need answering?  Let me know at moc.hcaoclacovnull@sirhc and be sure to see the new special offer on the Vocal Coach store.

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Posted in Choir Directors, Duets to Groups, From the Coach, Performance, Singing Exercises, Soloist, Teaching Teens To Sing, Tips Tailored for You, Uncategorized, Worship Team | No Comments »

Lessons from the Olympics and American Idol!

Monday, February 22nd, 2010

Have you ever noticed that those who act on their dreams with discipline and training are the ones who reach their goals?  And, those who are dreamers-only, without discipline and training usually don’t accomplish their goals?

In the Olympics we see only the best of the best.  Those who for years have paid the price to physically and mentally prepare for the toughest competitions in the world. The ones who know that 2/100ths of a second can make the difference between winning and loosing.

They have to train well, eat well, rest well and do everything in their power to stay healthy.  Even a small cold or upset stomach can compromise their performance, and they know it. Performing at the Olympic level is very inconvenient and costly, but that’s what it takes, and they are willing to pay the price.

In contrast, American Idol shows it all.  We see everything from the very gifted and talented to those who have no idea what they are doing.  Many have been encouraged to audition based on their talents and dedication.  Others have been encouraged to audition by well-meaning family and friends when what they really needed was more training.  It’s no different than sports.  It takes more than just wanting it.

What really shows the value of intense, professional training and coaching is what happens in the performances of even the best singers.  They continue to improve.  Many become truly great vocal communicators.  They learn to own it all: The high notes, movement and expression.  They deliver complete message to the audience, and that takes work, and the right kind of training.

One big lesson for us all is to know when to just encourage someone with positive comments and when to point them towards excellent training. As I have said many of times, Inspiration Without Preparation leaves you incomplete, lacking necessary skills and consistency. And, Preparation Without Inspiration often leaves you mechanical, and boring.

Does that mean we should only dream about things we are sure to accomplish?  No. I regularly dream about doing all kinds of things that I couldn’t possibly accomplish in one lifetime, and I’m fine with that.  But, I also realize that if I am honestly interested in accomplishing a certain goal, I have to be willing to pay the price of training and discipline.  Sometimes I am willing; sometimes I’m not, but at least I know it.

How do these thoughts challenge you? Hopefully, you will look at where you are now as a singer, where you would like to be and make the big decision: Am I willing to pay the price to get to the next level?  Will I sacrifice to make the time and resources available for my training?

If the answer is yes, do the necessary research to see what training is available in your area, or what resources you should purchase.  If the answer is no, that’s fine, too. You can still enjoy singing at your current level and stop being anxious about not being more accomplished at this time. In either case, it’s good to identify what should, or should not be happening right now and act accordingly.

Review the underlined phrases above and sing on!

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Posted in Choir Directors, Duets to Groups, Performance, Soloist, Teaching Teens To Sing, Worship Team | No Comments »

Welcome To The All New Vocal Coach!

Monday, January 25th, 2010

Hi Singers!  Welcome to the All New Vocal Coach!

Because we are as passionate about the voice as you are we have made some great changes to the Vocal Coach Web Site and Blog.

NEW WEB SITE at vocalcoach.com with some great new features including:

Lower prices on all your favorite CD’s & DVD’s.

The Coach’s Pick is back. Each month we’ll highlight one of the many Vocal Coach training products and offer special pricing.  The current Coach’s Pick gives you a 20% discount, so be sure to check it out.

Free Singing Resources. In addition to our blog articles we will be offering free quarterly online classes.  Free instructive videos.  Free downloadable mp3’s.  Free white papers and more.

Enhance Your Worship is a new resource for those in ministry.  It will feature articles and tips for worship leaders, worship teams and choir members.  We will also address common issues with the speaking voice for pastors and teachers. So, be sure to share your needs and questions at moc.hcaoclacovnull@sirhc .

NEW BLOG at blog.vocalcoach.com featuring:

Tips and articles that answer YOUR vocal questions.

Carole Cares. Carole, who along with Chris has been working with singers around the world for over 30 years. In this section Carole will feature your vocal success stories and testimonies as well as other personal observations and thoughts. You can contact Carole at moc.hcaoclacovnull@seracelorac

We look forward to sharing all that 2010 has to offer with you. Please visit us often at vocalcoach.com and blog.vocalcoach.com and let us know how we can help you be the best singer you can be.

Lastly, to be sure you don’t miss anything Vocal Coach has to offer PLEASE ENTER YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS AT THE TOP OF THIS PAGE. Even if you think you are on the list.  Why?  Because we have changed blog hosting and need to update our list.

Thank you for being part of the Vocal Coach Family.

Chris and Carole Beatty

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Posted in Ask the Coach, Choir Directors, Coach's Pick, Duets to Groups, From the Coach, Worship Team | No Comments »

Finding the Right Songs

Friday, January 15th, 2010

Finding great songs that will work well for you takes more work than just dreaming. It isn’t as simple as just saying, “I like that song. It moves me.  I think I’ll perform that at my next opportunity.”  There is, however, a process you can work through that will help you qualify songs that you will be able to sing and communicate well, and here it is:

  1. KNOW YOURSELF.That means knowing your dependable vocal range. That’s the one that works every time you sing after a good warm-up, not the “it worked once” one. Also, be honest about what styles you can relate to at this time in your life. Loving a song doesn’t mean you are culturally and vocally ready to sing it.
  2. MAKE A LIST OF SONGS. Think out of the box and consider not only what you like, but what others like.  It’s a big world and if you want to be heard you need to be willing to color outside your familiar lines and even take some risks.
  3. MAKE SURE THE RANGE FITS, AND THE TESSITURA FITS. Range: If you are limited to commercial tracks, or an accompanist who doesn’t transpose well it’s more challenging.  Why?  Because your range, and the song’srange have to agree. If you, your accompanist or band can transpose keys to make this work it’s much easier to find songs. Tessitura: You need to also consider the “tessitura,” or average siging area of the song.  If a song has a 1 1/2 octave range and you can get it in a key that works for you, GREAT.  But if 98% of the song sits on the top 5 notes, or bottom 4 notes of your range it can wear you out vocally.  So, analyze where most the song sits and be honest and realistic as you do.  I’m not saying run from challenges.  I’m just saying know they are there.
  4. TYPE OUT THE LYRICS, THEN ACT IT. Type out the lyrics in 14-point type, triple spaced so you can make notes.  Now, read and act out the lyrics as a monologue.  Do you, and can you believe the message?  If you imagine you are doing a monologue to a group of 1st graders or senior citizens it will help you be more naturally expressive.  If not can you make it convincing, or is this song a poor choice?
  5. GET THAT ALL-IMPORTANT NEUTRAL FEEDBACK from those who will be encouraging and honest. You may want to begin by video taping yourself and making obvious changes.  It’s the perfect place to try some new ways to make a song work.  Then move on to live, people feedback. Why?  Bacause you must be willing to hear other’s opinions if you are to grow. It’s not always fun, but it is necessary.  When someone doesn’t think a song is working find out why.  Is it the message, the range, the arrangement, unclear diction, lack of meaningful phrasing or physical expressions? These are all fixable, but you have to know there’s a problem before you can fix it.

    6. There are millions of songs out there in addition to what you can write.  As you choose carefully you will increase your chances for strong communications.

Posted in Choir Directors, Duets to Groups, Performance, Worship Team | No Comments »

Help! I'm Leading By Example And I'm Not a Very Good One

Friday, January 15th, 2010

A choir director recently called me and said, “Help! I’m Leading By Example & I’m Not a Good One!”

We all do it. Lead by example, that is. It’s just the way things work. Our children learn how to speak by imitating those who raise them. That can be good, or that can be bad. Our moral judgments, values, eating habits, attitudes and more are also passed on to those under our care.

When it comes to any kind of vocal group the same is true. The leadership who takes their voices, and how they use them seriously will be constantly sharing good foundations as they speak sing and lead. Those who don’t may be creating confusion as they ask for one thing and demonstrate another. Now, I’m not suggesting that choir directors need to be great singers. But certain, non-negotiable foundations can be maintained by almost anyone at any age.

I strongly believe that one of the most influential vocal leaders in today’s society is the high school choir director. During this time in a singer’s life he or she is in the “learning mode” and very vulnerable to what is being taught. In college only the music or voice majors pay much attention to voice technique and as we get older the percentages get even smaller. Yet we all continue to use our voices for a lifetime.

Why this power at the High School level? Perhaps it’s because choir is a contrast to English, French, algebra or biology. It’s a place where the audio senses can engage along with a different kind of social interaction. And, like sports, it has an element of team interdependency and that is an important skill to learn.

Second only to the High School setting is the church youth choir. Here, with the addition of the spiritual is a place where a supernatural unity can develop in sound and spirit, and it doesn’t get much better than that.

What’s the point of all this?

If you are in a place of influence over singers, whether as a choir director, worship leader, voice teacher or public school music teacher at any level, YOU ARE LEADING BY EXAMPLE WHETHER YOU WANT TO OR NOT. Those under your care are not just listening to your instruction. They are observing your posture, breathing, facial expression and more. They are listening to the tone and pitch accuracy in your voice.

Your desire should be to continue to evolve as a singer and leader, and that takes commitment and time. It is, I believe, necessary if you are to continue to be the best possible influents you can be. And, here’s a bonus: You will be experiencing personal satisfaction every step of the way.

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Posted in Breathing, Choir Directors, Performance, Posture, Tips Tailored for You, Worship Team | No Comments »

Had A Conversation With Your Larynx Lately?

Monday, November 2nd, 2009

Had A Conversation With Your Larynx Lately?

Maybe it’s time you did.  Why?  Because many of us forget that there is are a number of physical and acoustical processes that make singing possible.  One the the key players is the larynx, and the closer you two become the better, and more consistent your singing will be.

Why, just th other day I listened in to a singer-larynx conversation that went like this:*

Singer: I just want to sing.

Singer: I just want to survive your singing, and sometimes you make that tough.

Singer: Sorry about that. I get so stressed and distracted I don’t even know what I’m doing until it’s all over, and by then I’ve abused you.  You actually hurt and get rough sounding.

Larynx: You got that right.  But, if you’ll stop physically stressing me, I’ll stop emotionally stressing you.

Singer: Sounds like a plan.  Where do we start?

Larynx: Well, since we’re kind of stuck with each other for the rest of our lives, with no replacement parts available, maybe we should get to know each other.  You know, abilities, expectations etc.

Singer: I’m game.  Why don’t you start.

Larynx: Well, to start with, I was designed by the greatest inventor of all time.  He created the entire universe and everything and everyone in it.  He also figured out the mechanics and acoustics of making sound.  He’s really good!  Here are some things you should know:

The vocal folds (sometimes called vocal cords) are designed to protect the lungs from foreign objects.  When something heads that way, like food or liquid, the vocal folds close to protect the lungs. They can also become a one-way valve allowing you to cough the threat away.  Rather clever if you ask me.

The cool thing, of course, is that these same vocal folds can vibrate as air from the lungs passes between them.  And, depending on the length and thickness of their leading edge, they can produce hundreds of different pitches.

Singer: Very cool, but why can some people sing the big high notes so easily and others look and sound like they’re screaming? And it doesn’t seem to matter if they’re male or female.

Larynx: You’re right about range not being gender-specific.  Most men, of course have lower voices than most women, but there are thousands of exceptions to that. If a woman has thicker and longer vocal folds she may be a natural tenor.  If a man has shorter, thinner folds he may be an outstanding high tenor or even alto.  The Creator gave everyone a potentially wide range, but not all the same range.  Kind of like the string family in the orchestra: Violin, viola, cello and double bass.  All have wide ranges, but all have different ranges.

The important thing is to discover how we were made and maximize that range. Then, to choose song arrangements that fit into our range.  And, remember: No matter what our range you need to develop the skills and habits that will make us the most consistent and flexible singer we can be.

Singer: But, what if I don’t like our range?  What if I’m really a bass and would prefer to be a tenor?

Larynx: You’ll have to talk to the Creator about that one.  I once overheard a cello asking the Creator if he could play a violin concerto. The Creator didn’t even bother to respond.

Note to self: Stay in touch with the larynx.  It’s good for both of us as well as our listeners.

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Posted in Choir Directors, Duets to Groups, Singing Subjects, Worship Team | No Comments »

Singing In A Circle

Monday, October 19th, 2009

Rehearse your singing groups in small circles. It’s one of the quickest ways to get everyone on the same page.

Let’s face it: The biggest challenge in getting singers to blend, and be “one voice with many parts,” is that everyone tends to do their own thing. They do what in their minds is good singing, and it may be. But, it also may not fit in with what the others singers are doing.

The Setup:

I suggest having no more than 5-6 singers per circle for the best result. Having at least one strong, accurate voice in each circle is a good idea. You can start them in circles with their own parts, but that should be quickly moved to mixed-parts circles as soon are they are able. Instruct them to look at one another’s faces and mouths, even though this will cause nervous laughter at first.

What Can Be Accomplished:

Fine-tuning pitch. As singers are able to actually hear each other it’s amazing how they naturally tune up. Unifying diction. First, they will become diction-aware in a good way. Then, as they watch others working on pronouncing clear vowels and consonants they will fall into line.
Dynamics. Be sure to use exercises and songs that have varying dynamics so everyone can learn to move together. You should also have them lip-sync the words (no sound) during this exercise.

Proof of Success:

I use the circle technique in professional groups, church choirs and worship teams, high school and junior high groups. It always works!!!

I am betting that after even one extended session of working the circle you will have dramatically improved your singers’ sound. The proof will be when you let them back in their normal arrangement. You, and they will hear the difference, and this will likely become a regular discipline in your rehearsals. Let me know how it works for you at moc.hcaoclacovnull@sirhc.

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Posted in Blend, Choir Directors, Duets to Groups, Singing Subjects, Worship Team | 1 Comment »

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