Archive for the ‘Teaching Teens To Sing’ Category

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GETTING THE MOST OUT OF VOCAL PRACTICE

Monday, March 12th, 2012

GETTING THE MOST OUT OF YOUR VOCAL  PRACTICE

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

As You Prepare to Practice Consider These Principles

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

How Long To Practice?

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

Rehearsals

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

When Working With Vocal Coach Training Materials

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

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

VOCAL WORKOUT TRACKER FORM

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

 Name:_______________________Date:_____________________

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

 

 

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

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

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

 

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

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

CAN YOU TEACH ME TO SING?

Tuesday, February 14th, 2012

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WANT TO SING BETTER THIS YEAR THAN LAST?

Tuesday, January 3rd, 2012

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

MAKE SOME DELIBERATE PLANS.

Don’t get stuck in the rut of just thinking about it and wanting it.  You don’t have to know the entire path from where you are to where you want to be, but you do need to take the first step. That requires writing down your vocal strengths and weaknesses. “But,” you might say, “I don’t really know what those are.”

By admitting that, you’ve actually taken the first step, and the second step is to get some feedback and evaluation from someone with training. That can be a current or former choir director, a neighbor with some musical/vocal training or even a visit to your local community college music department. You can also schedule an Online video session with me by signing up on the Vocal Coach site.  Let whoever it is know that you are wanting their opinion on how you do with the the basics, or, if you’re more experienced with the more advanced areas of singing.

IF YOU’RE AN EXPERIENCED SINGER

If you know you need to improve your breath management and pitch accuracy you’ve got a good start. Maybe you need to add to that list the ability to smoothly move from lower notes (chest register) to higher ones (head register) smoothly.  Or, are you trying to figure out how to go from just singing a song to really mastering it with full, creative expression.

IF YOU’RE A NOVICE

Get feedback on the basics include the ability to accurately match pitch, rhythm patterns, imitate simple and complex phrases etc. The more advanced areas include how you treat phrasing, diction, dynamics and expression.


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

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

So, depending on your goals, budget and where you live you can find a way to take the next steps to being a better singer.  And, I can tell you from personal experience as well as from watching lots of students that using your voice the right way is a lot more satisfying than just getting by.

PLEASE LET ME KNOW your thoughts and questions at moc.hcaoclacovnull@sirhc

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

 

 

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

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


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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 »

DISTANCE LEARNING FROM VOCAL COACH

Tuesday, August 9th, 2011

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

What a fun time we live in when it comes to distance learning.  Some of our students travel half way across the country for one-on-one, in person coaching in our Brentwood TN studio.  Many, however, are traveling only a few feet to their laptops, desktops or iPads. The really amazing thing about live, distance learning is how affordable, yet powerful it is. I see and hear you; you see and hear me.  That combination can accomplish a lot in a short time at a very minimal cost.

Here are some examples from the last month that I know you will enjoy hearing about:

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

There is nothing more satisfying and rewarding to me than watching singers overcome obstacles and be all they can be in every way. I’ve been seeing this for many years and it never stops touching my heart. That’s what Vocal Coach is all about.

Is it YOUR TIME for some personal training?

If you have questions about Vocal Coach Distance Learning or any of our Vocal Coach products please let me know in one of the following ways:

Hope to hear from you soon, and maybe even see you.
Chris Beatty

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Posted in Choir Directors, Duets to Groups, From The Heart of Chris Beatty, Singing and Voice Lessons, Soloist, Teaching Teens To Sing, Uncategorized | No Comments »

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.

VERY SPECIAL OFFER

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%.

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Posted in Choir Directors, Diction, Performance, Soloist, Teaching Teens To Sing, Tone, Uncategorized, Worship Team | No Comments »

JUST DOING vs KNOWING WHAT YOU’RE DOING

Tuesday, October 19th, 2010

God Knows What He's Doing!

There’s a huge difference between Just Doing something and Knowing What You’re Doing. My challenge and encouragement is for you to move items from your Just Doing list to your Knowing What You’re Doing list, and not just with your singing.

JUST DOING

I used to have a lot of activities on my Just Doing list. At one point it would have included things like singing, working with power tools, taking pictures, writing, working out and many more. I enjoyed doing all these activities, and still do.  Now, however, I actually know what I’m doing in some of them.  That makes me much more valuable in those areas and a more satisfied person.

KNOWING WHAT YOU’RE DOING – Some personal examples.

Photography. I’m naturally a fairly good photographer. I have a feel and eye for what will look good, composition etc., but like many areas in my life I never really developed a discipline for it. Several years ago I joined the Brentwood Camera Group.  This gathering of 400 photographers, many professional meets monthly with amazing presentations and training classes. I’m learning from those who know infinitely more than I do and are willing to share. Being in their presence and under their guidance has made me a more efficient, more effective photographer. I’m also taking a college Photoshop class that is much harder and more time-consuming than I ever imagined . . . but I’m doing it.  Photoshop has gone from being an editing program I had fun with to being a power tool to enhance what I do.  Inspiration, plus preparation and feedback makes me better at doing something I already love.

Writing. I love words and I love to write and teach. Communications is exciting to me.  But I learned that I need editorial feedback before I publish anything, including this blog. Why? I assume a clarity in the message that may, or may not actually be there in my writing. I’m often shocked at the little, and sometimes not-so-little things my 25-year-old-copy editor catches and suggests.  (To be honest, it annoys me that I don’t see these things, but I swallow my pride and welcome the neutral, outside, expert input.) There’s a parallel here for singers: Just because you know the words and essence of a song doesn’t mean that’s what you’re giving the listener. That’s why we all need neutral, outside feedback.  It’s necessary. Inspiration, plus preparation and feedback makes me better at doing something already I love.

Singing. Coming from a family filled with music, including some well-known professional musicians, gave me a natural affinity and love for music. When I went to college I realized that this was the only area I was naturally good at. So, I became a music major. Since I really didn’t play any instrument well I chose voice as my major instrument . . . by default. As time went on, and I invested time and effort in voice and music theory I had an epiphany.  I “got it.”  I realized that being armed with knowledge and skill made all the difference. My music and singing went from being simply fun, to being a legitimate passion and, in my case, a vocation. It began to fill me with satisfaction.  Inspiration, plus preparation and feedback makes me better at doing something I already love.

MY CHALLENGE TO YOU

Don’t interpret my words to mean that if you want to sing well you must quit the rest of life and run off to college with a voice major.  That’s not it at all.  What I am saying, however, is that if you take your passion for singing, and add some skill-training and discipline it can change things: First, singing will become more than just fun.  It will be something you can do with consistent excellence.  It will be satisfying not only to you, but also to the listener. Second, you will be more valuable to those you sing with and for. A skilled singer has a better range and consistency, and is able to sing more styles than an unskilled one.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO ABOUT IT

What are your areas of Inspiration that need more Preparation and Feedback? What needs to go from the Just Doing side to the Knowing What Your Doing side?  As you make that list determine which items are priority and within your power to do something about.  Then, get the resources you need and begin what will be a very fulfilling process.  If singing is near the top of your list let me help. Our training materials are inexpensive, user-friendly and very, very proven.  (If your list starts with tennis, or wanting to be a helicopter pilot . . . not so much.)

Going from Just Doing, to Knowing What You’re Doing will take an investment of time and effort. It also may require some financial investment, but this I know: If you take your Inspiration and add some carefully planned Preparation you will be more satisfied and more effective in what you do.

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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 | No Comments »

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 »

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