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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tags: chris beatty vocalcoach.com, finding peace., singing lessons, vocal coach, vocal teacher, worship leader
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 »
Friday, April 2nd, 2010
Don’t Forfeit Your Own Voice By Just Imitating Others!
If you never take the time and effort to discover your own best vocal sound you may well forfeit, and be deprived of ever knowing your full vocal potential. Here are some thoughts and steps to help you keep growing and be your best.
We Learn By Imitation
It is true that we learn to speak by imitation. Everything from tone quality to diction and accent will reflect those you were around during your vocally formative years. But, you are not limited to how you began. Any performer who has taken singing or acting classes realizes the tremendous potential to expand and fine-tune the vocal instrument.
There Are Limitations, But Not That Many
That being said, there are limits to what any vocalist can do, depending on the anatomy and structure of the individual. But, few of us come close to maximizing the potential that’s just waiting to happen. A modern day example of that is demonstrated in the American Idol TV show. It is common to see a mediocre singer, with good potential suddenly come alive and really communicate. How does this happen?
They are challenged, coached and rehearsed by professionals in a focused environment. They are also forced to experience new styles and genres. Some, that they may not even relate to. The result? They have the opportunity to try new things, push their abilities beyond the comfort zone and grow as artists and communicators.
Here Are Some Steps To Help You Reach Your Potential
1. Open Your Mind and Ears. Get out of the mental rut that says, “This is just how I sound.” Change that to, “This is how I have sounded, but there’s probably much, much more I can do.” Start listening to some other songs and styles within your comfort zone (for now) and sing along. If you never allow your voice to try something new you will live in a vocal and stylistic rut.
2. Be Creative and Daring Alone. Become as uninhibited as a child in using not only your voice, but also your face, arms and entire body to act out the song. Go overboard, exaggerating everything just to experience the potential. Will you need to dial that back a little in real performance? Maybe, but probably not as much as you first think. Full, honest, meaningful expression is what you owe to your listener.
3. Be Creative and Daring In Front of Others. Find a few people with some performance experience and ask them to be your audience. Let them know you are striving to expand your vocal and physical expression and get their feedback. But remember that even they should not limit your road to experimentation.
4. Use Neutral Tools. Mirrors and video feedback, using anything from a video camera, computer or iPhone can all be helpful. And, if you’re not already doing it consider some form of systematic training. That can be in the form of a few key CD’s like Complete Breathing, Warm-up & Tone to keep you on track. Comprehensive sets like Vocal Coach Singer include full training principles and exercises, journals and a guidebook to help you track your progress and make meaningful adjustments as you go. You may also find a good local teacher or coach as well as classes at a community college.
There are lots of ways to learn, but do something. Don’t forfeit your best for what just happens to be there now. Be all you can be. It’s much more satisfying for both you and the listener.
Please Share. I’d love to know what has, and has not helped you maximize your vocal gift. Comment here, or email me at chris@vocalcoach.com
Tags: american idol, chris beatty, singing lessons, singing your best, vocal coach, vocal coaching
Posted in Choir Directors, Duets to Groups, Kids and Teens, Performance, Singing Exercises, Singing and Voice Lessons, Teaching Teens To Sing, Tips Tailored for You, Worship Team | 2 Comments »
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 chris@vocalcoach.com and be sure to see the new special offer on the Vocal Coach store.
Tags: chris beatty, sing better, singing lessons, vocal coach, Vocal control, vocal performance
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 »
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!
Tags: chris beatty, singing, singing lessons, vocal coach, vocal coaching, Vocal Olympics
Posted in Choir Directors, Duets to Groups, Performance, Soloist, Teaching Teens To Sing, Worship Team | No Comments »