Archive for the ‘Worship Team’ Category
« Older Entries |IS SINGING IN THE CAR OK FOR THE VOICE?
Monday, January 16th, 2012
WANT TO HEAR THE AUDIO VERSION OF THIS BLOG? Click here: Blog-WarmingUpInCar_011612
Great Email Question
I got a great email question that asked this: “Chris, I bought the Vocal Coach series from you at a workshop you gave. You mention warming up while driving to rehearsal/gig. I thought I had heard not to do that. Is it ok to do that so long as posture is correct?” This is a super question because it deals with real life for a singer.
Ideal vs Reality
Let’s start with this: The “ideal” warm-up/practice scenario would have you peaceful and quiet, undisturbed. You are rested, have eaten well and have just read something relaxing. Maybe even had a string quartet playing during your meal. I’m not being sarcastic. Superstars like Luciano Pavarotti and Michael Jackson traveled with their own chef’s, food supply and, in the case of Pavarotti, entertainment.
Muscle Memory
Most singers who wait, and only warm-up and practice in perfect, ideal situations often just don’t do it. The result is that they don’t develop the muscle memory necessary for good singing.
Is Warming Up in the Car Ok?
I have sung all over the world and sometimes the only place I knew I could really “get away” to think and warm-up was in a rental car. Pavarotti and Jackson I am not, but I do know what my voice and mind and emotions feel like when I’m fully ready to perform and I’ll do about anything to make that happen. If you’re a choir or worship team member and the car is your only time to focus, put in a Vocal Coach Warm-Up or Daily Workout CD and go for it. The goal is to be ready.
If you do end up warming up in a car:
- Make sure the rear-view mirror is positioned comfortably high requiring you to sit tall to see out the back window.
- Keep your hands at the One and Three O’clock positions on the steerting wheel. It will stabilize your chest and ribs in a comfortably expanded position.
- Have a goal of physically feeling a free, rich tone since road noise, air conditioning etc. may make accurate hearing challenging.
- Don’t try to out-sing the car noise. Instead, sing smart. If you begin to strain, back off and recheck posture, breathing and tone. If you aren’t solid in those foundations make a plan, get some materials personal training and learn to do it right.
Ten Minutes Is Much Better Than Nothing
What it your schedule or situation doesn’t allow for a good warm-up? That’s where muscle memory and experience kick in and get you through, but it’s not something to get comfortable with. Those who do ultimately pay the price of sloppy, unpredictable performances. There is always some time to do humming and lip-trill exercises even if it’s while you’re in the shower and getting ready.
Summary
Do all you can to assure regular warm-up and practice times in ideal surrounding. When that can’t happen, make sure to still prepare your voice and heart even if you need to hide in the janitor’s closet or a car to do it.
Got a Question You Would Like Answered?
Just email me at chris@vocalcoach.com and put “Question” in the subject.
Tags: blog.vocalcoach.com, chris beatty, chris beatty vocalcoach.com, singing lessons, vocal coach, vocal training, voice training, worship leader
Posted in Soloist, Uncategorized, Vocal Coach Audios, Warm-Ups, Worship Team | No Comments »
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 chris@vocalcoach.com
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 »
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 »
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 studio@voicekitchen.com. You can also call Jill at the Voice Kitchen at 469-383-8885. Technical questions can be addressed to chris@vocalcoach.com.
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 »
SOME QUICK TIPS FROM VOCAL COACH CHRIS BEATTY
Tuesday, July 12th, 2011
EXTREME HEAT CAN = DRY THROAT?
Dressed for HOT weather
Dressed for HOT weather
Much of the country is experiencing extreme heat. We had a heat index of 110 yesterday in Nashville which is very, very unusual. The good news for Carole and me is that we don’t have to leave the home/office/studio. The bad news is that with the air conditioner on much of the day the air is almost dangerously dry. Dry skin, dry contact lenses and, if we’re not careful, dry throat. The one and only solution is a substantial increase in water intake. So, give thanks for air conditioning, and, at the same time recognize the need to super-hydrate.
DON’T WORRY ABOUT IT, DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT
We singers are notorious about nervously wondering if the voice will “be there for us” every time. Why is this? Because, for most of us there have been times when all did not go . . . perfectly.
The solution is twofold. First, don’t waste time worrying about it. Worrying doesn’t accomplish anything. In fact, the stress caused by worrying is likely to make things worse by making you less confident, drying out your throat due to increased adrenaline and, if you are a Christ-Follower you are clearly told NOT to be anxious and worry. It will interfere with what God has for you. Just check out Matthew 6:25-27 and Philippians 4:6-7.
Second, take action and train with a goal of being the best, most consistent singers and communicator you can be. I often say that singers are vocal athletes, and really good athletes never stop training. They know that bad habits can and will creep in to your technique and the only way to avoid that is by continuing to get meaningful feedback, being honest with that feedback and being proactive in making changes.
THE GOOD NEWS FOR SINGERS is that you can incorporate many aspects of your vocal training into normal, daily life. Violin players and professional basketball players don’t have it so easy. They have to have an instrument or basketball.
How does this translate to singers? Simply by practicing and reinforcing the following:
- Upright, balanced posture whether sitting or standing.
- Breathing that goes low and doesn’t require heaving of the chest.
- Speaking with a resonant tone quality whether you are using a soft or loud volume.
- Articulating every word clearly when talking to a friend, on the phone or teaching.
By turning your everyday voice technique into a nonstop training session you will be building a muscle memory base that can transfer right into your singing.
LET US KNOW HOW WE CAN HELP YOU BE THE BEST YOU CAN BE. Email chris@vocalcoach.com
Tags: blog.vocalcoach.com, chris beatty, performance stress, singing lessons, vocal training, vocalcoach.com
Posted in Soloist, Speaking Tips, Uncategorized, Vocal Health, Worship Team | 4 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 »
“Most Wanted” List from Vocal Coach Chris Beatty
Tuesday, January 11th, 2011
Tell me about your vocal “Most Wanted” list. That’s a list of those things you most want to have happen with your singing in 2011.
Let’s set the stage with these thoughts:
1. By definition, a good singer is a good communicator in song, using whatever styles or genres he or she chooses and can relate to.
2. To be improving one’s singing skills means the singer must be increasing in technical skill and musical knowledge.
3. Increasing these skills and knowledge take planning and effort. It doesn’t just happen because you want it to.
None of the above points are rocket science, but they are necessary reminders to most of us because, it’s easy to settle into a rut of mediocrity or even fear regarding how far we can go as singers.
The Good News
The good news is that based on many years of teaching (technique) and coaching (interpretation/expression) singers, I know you can be better. Even the most accomplished singer can always learn more. If you’re an average singer, you haven’t even approached your range, agility, stamina and expression potential. My students range from beginners to professional touring artists and university professors, and they all have this in common: Every single one has areas in which they can grow, and that’s exactly what they’re looking for. Is that what you are looking for?
If You’re Ready, Put it in Motion
1. Believe in your heart that you can become a better singer this year. Do you believe in the power of prayer? The use it. Ask God to help you be consistent and maximize your gifts. He won’t do the work for you, and you certainly can’t do His part, but the combination is unbeatable.
2. Take realistic baby steps that will allow you to measure your progress.
3. Schedule your time. Get out your calendar right now and schedule some times to work on your “Most Wanted” list. That should include planning what resources you will use (Vocal Coach material, local voice class or personal training etc). Remember: If it’s not reflected in your calendar and/or checkbook it’s probably not very high on your priority list.
4. Create a self-challenge. Most of us know what our areas of weakness are without having to ask anyone else. Begin your list. The top of your “Vocal Most Wanted” list will read something like this: Schedule and keep vocal training appointments.
5. Take advantage of free resources like the Ten Steps to Better Breathing for Singers and the free Enhance Your Worship page. Also, remember that, to make searching easy, all the Vocal Coach Blogs are categorized by topic.
6. Get some feedback. At some point you are going to want outside feedback and direction. Some easy forms include using a mirror or video camera to keep an eye on posture and expression. Next is using a video camera, web cam or even iPhone to record some of your singing. There is nothing quite as honest as a recording. I also suggest playing it back for a neutral source who will give you honest input.
7. Schedule an Online Vocal Coach Session. Having a two-way video/audio session using Skype is easy and inexpensive. All you need is a computer with webcam and microphone (or mic/headset) which most newer computers come with. Spending 45 minutes with me Online can give you the feedback you need to keep you on track in your practicing, as well as challenge you with new, targeted exercises.
I hope these suggestions and tips will help you create and use your vocal “Most Wanted” list. I look forward to your feedback.
Tags: blog.vocalcoach.com, breathing technique for singers, chris beatty, chris beatty vocalcoach.com, singing lessons
Posted in Choir Directors, Duets to Groups, From The Heart of Chris Beatty, Soloist, Tips Tailored for You, Worship Team | 1 Comment »
FREEDOM + CONTROL = SUCCESSFUL SINGING
Tuesday, December 7th, 2010
I love the concept of FREEDOM UNDER CONTROL. It applies to most areas of our lives including social interaction, eating, our spiritual lives and most definitely singing.
When a singer has vocal freedom there is no restriction caused by bad mechanics. The voice doesn’t tire, and the notes at both extremes of the range are always accessible. The result is that whatever the singer wants the voice to do, it does. When this freedom is combined with self-control and wise restraint, great communications occur.
Why is it difficult for singers to achieve freedom under control?
Think of it as being like a college freshman that goes away to school. Suddenly, there is enormous freedom, but often it is not in balance with the ability, and even desire, to make the most of the learning experience. Hopefully, in time, the balance is achieved. For some, unfortunately, it is after a lot of time and money have been wasted.
In singing, the same holds true.
Many singers learn how to use the mechanics of the voice, and that’s it. They open their mouths and let it fly with nice tone and range, but little expression. They don’t have the discipline and musical knowledge to finesse the phrases into powerful tools of communications. Other singers totally get the emotions and expressions that really sell the song, but never master the mechanics that allow them to consistently get the job done.
As I said in the opening, freedom under control applies not only to singing, but also to most areas of life, including how you eat and how you relate to God. And, here’s the beauty of it: If you are willing to openly pursue both freedom and control, you will be more successful at everything.
The best singers I know take the time and make the effort to master the mechanics of the voice.
- Learn to hold the instrument (posture).
- Control the energy (breath management).
- Shape the phrases (dynamics, rhythm, tempos).
- Deliver the words (diction).
Do the above, and you are half way there. Then, study those who are masters of communicating songs. Listen, imitate, experiment and be on the lookout for mentors: Those more experienced than you, who can guide and challenge you all along the way.
FREEDOM + CONTROL = SUCCESSFUL SINGING. It’s a formula that can change the way you sing, forever.
Posted in Breathing, Choir Directors, Diction, Duets to Groups, Posture, Singing and Voice Lessons, Worship Team | No Comments »
WHAT IF YOU WERE ALWAYS BEING RECORDED?
Tuesday, November 16th, 2010
24/7 RECORDING?
What if every word you spoke and sang at home, in the car, in rehearsal and in performance was recorded? Then, at the end of the day you would be given an evaluation of how you did in areas with your tone quality, appropriate volume, clarity of your words, use of breath and more. Would that change the way you use your voice?
For some, the very possibility of being recorded and evaluated would lead to paranoia, not to mention less speaking and singing. For most, however, it should give birth to a fun, challenging and very fulfilling game called, “I will prepare mentally and physically before I open my mouth.”
THINK ABOUT IT
Every time you make an audible sound you are reinforcing your physical process be it right or wrong. If you’re like most people you speak without ever thinking about the actual sound. Hopefully, that’s because you are focusing on the message.
The fact is, we have the mental capacity to think about content and voice at the same time, and that should be our goal. Even as we begin the process we can quadruple the power of our communications by matching content with appropriate tone, volume, diction and inflections. Any time we don’t have all these elements working in harmony we risk a partial disconnect between what we think we are saying and what actually gets heard.
MAKE A LIST
It begins with you actively listening to and defining your own voice. What does it sound like? Is it rough, smooth, pitched high or low or in between? Is it soothing or alarming, unnecessarily loud or too soft to be heard? Are the words clear and easy for others to understand, or are they mumbled, requiring repeats of what you’ve said? Write down these observations. If you have the courage, ask several others to give their feedback on the above list of possibilities. Keep this list handy as you begin the Exercise In Voice Awareness.
FOR SPEAKING
- Using your new list begin to make the changes you are capable of.
- If you are straining your throat while trying to speak at too low a pitch (you can put a hand there and feel it) stop it. Allow your speaking voice to be slightly higher.
- If you are always hyper and loud when you speak, relax. Get softer. It will be easier on the listener and your voice. It will also give you room to build and grow your sound when that is appropriate.
- If you mumble your words, slow down and use the lips, tongue and teeth. With a little listening and effort you can be clear.
- Adjust other obvious areas, then begin “hearing” your tone and voice quality before it comes out, then speak.
FOR SINGING
- Before you make a sung sound think about it. What should it feel like (posture, breathing, tone resonance, diction)? Then, consider what it should sound like. Mentally anticipate and “hear” the sound before it comes out. This is a skill that you can develop.
- Whenever possible, record yourself speaking or singing, and be objective as you listen back. Ask yourself what areas met your goals and what didn’t? What can you do about it? Even many smart phones can record with surprisingly accurate quality.
REMEMBER THE GOAL
As you mentally record and evaluate your voice, you will grow in your vocal awareness. Your goal is to be “hearing” your voice even before the sound is produced. This will help the different parts of the vocal process (posture, breathing, tone, diction, and volume) deliver exactly what you want rather than whatever default sound happens to come out.
WHEN WILL YOU SEE THE FRUIT?
You can start benefiting almost immediately but it will take a little time before it happens automatically. In my own experience I began just thinking about and enjoying the sound and physical sensations of the voice. Before long it was always in the back of my mind. Now, it just happens and things adjust in milliseconds before sound comes out. Because it is on autopilot, I can put all my thought into content and delivering the message whether speaking or singing.
DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS?
Let me know your thoughts and questions at chris@vocalcoach.com and be sure to visit our FaceBook page by clicking the icon in the upper, left-hand corner of this page. While on the FB page click the “Like” button at the top of the page.
Tags: chris and carole beatty, chris beatty, speaking voice, vocal coach, vocalcoach.com
Posted in Breathing, Choir Directors, Diction, Posture, Singing Subjects, Soloist, Speaking Tips, Tone, Uncategorized, Vocal Health, Voice Fatigue and Strain, Worship Team | No Comments »
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.
Tags: chris beatty, chris beatty vocalcoach.com, IMPROVING YOUR VOICE, vocal coaching, vocal training, vocalcoach.com
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 »
-
Let us know what you think
Loading ...