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SERIOUS SINGERS NEED TO STAY IN THE GAME

Monday, April 30th, 2012

DALLAS WORKSHOP May 12th

There are only a few seats left for the May 12th Vocal Coach Workshop in Plano TX.  This small-group, personal training format (max of 15 people) will be taught via live, interactive audio/video from our Nashville studio.  This is a completely interactive, powerful and economical way ($75) to get great teaching and personal feedback on your voice.  There are also private coaching times available that afternoon. To sign up visit the VOICE KITCHEN  voicekitchen.com or call Jill at 469-383-8885.

SERIOUS SINGERS NEED TO STAY IN THE GAME

THE NON-SINGING PART OF YOUR LIFE EFFECTS YOUR SINGING

Serious singers need to “stay in the game” even in non-singing times.  The way you live your daily life heavily impacts your singing voice. Many singers are very surprised at how little they consider their voices during non-singing times. But if you’re a real singer, one who is looking for the most from your instrument you will keep your head in the game all day, every day.  Why? Because all parts of your life are intertwined.

A Sobering Truth

Most serious students-in-training are very focused during their lessons, practices, rehearsals and performances.  But, the minute they leave the training environment they pay little attention to posture, vocal tone quality and speaking diction.

The other area of abuse is the lack of attention and discipline in the areas of eating, exercise and rest.  High school and college age singers in particular seem to live life to the fullest and try and squeeze in some vocal disciplines “as needed.”  And guest what? If you’re a casual singer there is nothing wrong with that.  You can’t focus on all things all the time.  But know that the way you schedule and use your time shows your real priorities.  If you are set on making your voice the best, most consistent instrument it can be, you need to put in the work and pay the price.

Put In the Work

The mental and physical work required to become an excellent singer are substantial.  You not only have to develop the voice, you have to become more knowledgable in the things of music.

Pay The Price

Developing any skill to the point of excellence requires sacrifice in the areas of time, energy and often, finances.  Many times it’s not inconvenient or easy.  This is true for academics, sports and, not surprisingly, singing.  That’s just the way most things work.

Start Where You’re Planted

Begin, by taking full advantage of the people and situations around you.  If you’re in school that means get in every singing group you can, whether school or church to develop your ear and musical disciplines.  Even if that’s not the style you are heading for it can still help lay the foundations of ear training, tone, blend and the mechanics of posture, breathing and diction. If you’re a bit older look for local community college classes or personal training.  Larger churches may have Fine Arts departments with training available. You might be surprised at the level of teaching available in your community.

Other Options

Somewhere along the way you may want to invest in training materials from Vocal Coach. For many, this may even be where you start, but I wanted to make sure your eyes were open to all the options available to you.

 Need Feedback Along The Way?

Throughout the process, whether working on foundations or getting a song ready for performance or recording Vocal Coach is here with our Online two-way coaching.  Check the web site for details.

 Summary: Get In The Game and Stay In The Game.

Don’t just think about.  Don’t just dream about it. If you really, really want to sing in public, and do it well then do the work.  Pay the price.  Make the sacrifice.  Get the training.  Then carry what you’re learning into your daily life.

 

If you have questions for vocal coach Chris Beatty just email moc.hcaoclacovnull@sirhc

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Posted in From The Heart of Chris Beatty, Singing and Voice Lessons, Uncategorized, Vocal Training & Practice Helps | No Comments »

SPRING TRAINING FOR SINGERS

Thursday, April 12th, 2012


They're not waving. They're stretching!

NO MATTER HOW GOOD YOU ARE, YOU NEED ONGOING TRAINING & COACHING

Having just returned from yet another month of Major League Baseball Spring Training in FL I am again reminded of this: We all need on-going training, no matter how good we are.  In fact, it was the big name superstars that were the first on the field before every game with their trainers.  And these guys were already partially warmed up and in extremely good shape.

We, singers need to take our craft just as seriously.  We need to stop being satisfied with just acceptable singing and push to be all we can be.  Singing up to your potential is more satisfying in every way.  Plus, it makes you more valuable to those you sing with and those who hear you. That being said, consider these training opportunities:

GOOD TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

ANOTHER DALLAS AREA WORKSHOP MAY 12, 2012 9:00-Noon

Due to the success of our last Online Video Workshop at the Voice Kitchen in Plano TX we’re doing it again! I’ll be live in our Brentwood TN studio connected to the Voice Kitchen video studio. This class is limited to the first 15 who sign up and is a great way to get small group training at an exceptional price.  There are also two slots remaining for 30 minute one-on-one sessions that afternoon.

To sign up go to voicekitchen.com or call Jill at 469-383-8885.

VOCAL COACH PACKAGES – Physical product or Download.

If you’ve visited the Vocal Coach Online Store Recently you know we are constantly offering new packages and bundles and special pricing.  Being able to master the foundations in the convenience of your own home, when it works for you is just part of what Vocal Coach is all about. You can download Vocal Coach training CD’s in a matter of minutes and be on your way to better singing.

FACE-TO-FACE PERSONAL TRAINING

Online training is getting more and more popular.  It allows us (you and me) to see and hear each other without anyone having to drive or fly anywhere.  You’re at home; I’m in my studio. If you have Internet and a webcam on your computer you’re good to go!  Check out details by clicking here

Hope to see you soon in an Online session.

Chris

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Posted in Singing and Voice Lessons, Singing Exercises, Uncategorized, Vocal Coach Workshops, 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 »

Singing Turns Your Breath Into Music

Tuesday, January 24th, 2012

There's a lot to a trumpet.I just saw a great cartoon from the old Family Circus series. The older brother is holding a trumpet and educating his younger sibling.  He says,

“When you blow through here it turns your breath into music.”  

That’s EXACTLY how a child would summarize the workings of a trumpet.  He doesn’t need to know all the details. Someone else has taken care of that, and it works.

Well, guess what? In many ways we should think of our voices the same way.  You move air from the lungs up through the mouth and it turns it into music. In fact, when performing, that’s about all you have room in your brain to think about.  The rest of your attention should be on being an expressive communicator to the listener.

Don’t get me wrong. I am fully aware of all the mechanical and acoustical events going on as well as the preparation it takes to become a good singer.  I’m just reminding us all that it’s easy to over-think the whole vocal process to the point of sounding and looking like a vocal robot.

 Learning the mechanics in order to not have to think about the mechanics is the goal, and it is a process.  But oh the joy of being able to just stand there and let your mind, body and spirit turn moving breath into a powerful and clear message.

Remember, it’s easy:

“When you blow through here it turns your breath into music.”

 Have an amazing week, and let me know how Vocal Coach can help you do what you do, better.

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Posted in Breathing, From The Heart of Chris Beatty, Teaching Kids To Sing, Tone, Uncategorized | No Comments »

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:

  1. Make sure the rear-view mirror is positioned comfortably high requiring you to sit tall to see out the back window.
  2. 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.
  3. Have a goal of physically feeling a free, rich tone since road noise, air conditioning etc. may make accurate hearing challenging.
  4. 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 moc.hcaoclacovnull@sirhc and put “Question” in the subject.

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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 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 »

GIFTS FOR THE SINGERS IN YOUR LIFE

Thursday, December 15th, 2011

Receive a 10% discount at checkout when you enter HOLIDAY10 in the coupon code.

WHAT TO BUY FOR THE SINGERS IN YOUR LIFE? 

HOW ABOUT SOMETHING TO MAKE THEM BETTER SINGERS?

 

1. A personal Online training & coaching session with Chris Beatty. All you need is a webcam and Skype, iChat or FaceTime. It’s the perfect way to evaluate your strengths and weaknesses and get on a path to being your best. 

2. Vocal Coach Singer 12 CD training series. A complete, systematic program to help you be all you can be. 

3.  Our Teaching Kids To Sing pack is the perfect gift for kids and grandkids!  The two DVD’s and one CD set cover the foundations of singing in a fun, practical and very user-friendly way. 

Receive a 10% discount at checkout when you enter HOLIDAY10 in the coupon code. 

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Posted in Choir Directors, From the Coach, Singing and Voice Lessons, Uncategorized | No Comments »

KEEPING A MOIST VOICE IN DRY WEATHER

Friday, December 2nd, 2011

IT’S WINTER.  THAT MEANS LOTS OF SINGING AND DRYER AIR

ONE OF THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES all singers face is  recognizing how dehydrating singing is even in the best of times.  Every time we exhale we are losing moisture.  In fact, when a singer like Chris Tomlin does a full concert he’s apt to lose a gallon or more of water in one night just through the breath.  Add to that normal perspiration and evaporation through the skin and you need some serious hydration just to stay even.  In winter, the air inside and outside is dryer it makes it even worse.

THE REAL DANGER is the control you can lose and the damage you can cause if the vocal folds (vocal cords) don’t have the right lubrication as they articulate thousands of times during a phrase.

THINGS YOU CAN DO TO HELP maintain the needed moisture include:

  1. 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 :-) .
  2. If you’re physically active playing sports, shoveling snow or whatever you’ll need additional water just to stay even.
  3. 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.
  4. 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 mc-entertainers-secret.jpegwith 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.
THE KEY TO KEEPING YOUR VOICE MOIST is to remember that you are a vocal athlete and you need to honor the needs of the physical instrument.  If you do, you, your voice and your audience will all be much happier campers.
LET ME KNOW YOUR QUESTIONS at moc.hcaoclacovnull@sirhc and be sure to take advantage of our winter sales.

 

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Posted in Choir Directors, Performance, Soloist, Uncategorized, Vocal Health, Worship Team | No Comments »

What Is The Lip-Trill or Bubble Exercise? & Dallas area, here we come.

Monday, November 7th, 2011

THE LIP-TRILL MYSTERY SOLVED (with Audio Demonstration)! 

Recently, I’ve been getting a lot of questions regarding one of the most powerful vocal exercises any singer or speaker can do: THE LIP-TRILL, BUBBLE or MOTOR exercise.

Before you listen to the audio link below prepare your mind with these thoughts:

1. The lip-trill is done naturally by all babies and toddlers. Yes, YOU did it when you were younger!

2. It brings an awareness of the many parts of the face and head that are involved when you speak and sing.

3. It is the safest way to venture into your highest notes without straining or pushing.

4. It helps the body produce the right lubrication for the leading edges of the vocal folds.

5. It serves as a natural decongestant since it helps vibrate loose any thick mucus in the sinuses and nasal passages.

6. This exercise is so freeing you may literally open up entire new areas of your voice.

How important is the Lip-Trill? I have all my students sing their songs on the lip-trill sound to discover how the song SHOULD FEEL when they sing it.

CLICK HERE: Lip Trill Demo by Vocal Coach Chris Beatty

 

 

DO YOU LIVE ANYWHERE NEAR DALLAS/PLANO?

Has Your Voice Had A Tune-Up Lately?

Join us Saturday, November 12 from 9:00-Noon for a live, interactive Vocal Coach Workshop.

  • LIMITED TO 15 STUDENTS.
  • LIVE VIDEO FEED BETWEEN CHRIS BEATTY IN THE VOCAL COACH STUDIO IN TN & YOU IN THE VOICE KITCHEN STUDIO IN PLANO.
  • A WONDERFUL AND INEXPENSIVE WAY TO GET THE PERSONAL ATTENTION YOU NEED TO BE YOUR BEST.

Please click here for more details and to sign up: Vocal Coach Workshop at the Voice Kitchen, Dallas.

The voice Kitchen is located at:   7005 Chase Oaks Blvd., Suite 250, Plano, TX 75025

Have Questions?  Just call Jill at 469-383-8885


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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 »

HAS YOUR VOICE HAD A TUNE-UP LATELY? Dallas Vocal Coach Workshop Nov. 12th

Thursday, October 27th, 2011

Has Your Voice Had A Tune-Up Lately?

 SING HIGHER, LOWER AND LONGER WITHOUT VOCAL FATIGUE


 JOIN US SATURDAY NOVEMBER 12th, 9:00 a.m. to Noon for a Live, Interactive Video Vocal Coach Workshop in Dallas TX

with Chris & Carole Beatty. 

Co-Sponsored by Vocal Coach and the THE VOICE KITCHEN in Dallas

 

WHO IS IT FOR?  Singers, Worship Leaders, Choir Members, Teachers, Pastors.

HOW DOES A LIVE VIDEO WORKSHOP WORK?  It’s simple.  You arrive at the Voice Kitchen in Dallas  November 12th at 9:00.  That classroom will be connected by live video feed to our Vocal Coach studio in Brentwood TN.  That’s it! We see, hear and interact with each other throughout the workshop.

HOW BIG WILL THE CLASS BE? In an effort to maximize personal attention the class will be limited to the first 15 who sign up.

WHAT WILL IT COVER? The critical foundations that even experienced singers and speakers need to fine-tune.

  • POSTURE: Sounds boring but it’s NOT!  Discovering a natural, balanced posture benefits not only your voice but the way you look and function in life. It’s a posture you can live with.
  • BREATHING: Breath is the power behind the voice.  The problem is, many of us have been taught strange techniques that really don’t make sense.  Our approach will make sense and the exercises you will learn will build good “breath management” for your speaking and singing.  Many of us breathe the wrong way.   We actually interfere with our own technique.
  • TONE: What do you sound like when all the tension and bad technique is gone?  You will be amazed at the sound and feeling of a free voice for speaking and singing.  Get ready for your absolute best sound.  It may surprise you.
  • DICTION: Believe it or not, when you clean up some diction habits your voice is much happier, the sound is cleaner and the message is easier to understand.  The Vocal Coach approach to diction is used world-wide by thousands with great success.
  • WARM-UPS & COOL-DOWNS: Those who depend on their voices are really vocal athletes.  After all, the voice is a physical, mechanical and acoustical instrument.  As you learn to warm-up and cool down your voice you will avoid injury and maximize your performance.
  • YOUR QUESTIONS: We’ll also be taking your questions and working through other areas that will make you the best you can be.

WHAT IS THE COST? Less than a one-hour personal session in the Vocal Coach studio, and you don’t need to drive or fly to Nashville and pay for a hotel.  Your total cost is $75.

HOW DO I SIGN UP?  Just go to WWW.VOICEKITCHEN.COM or email moc.nehctikeciovnull@oiduts.  You can also call Jill at the Voice Kitchen at 469-383-8885. Technical questions can be addressed to moc.hcaoclacovnull@sirhc.

 REMEMBER: THERE ARE ONLY 15 SEATS FOR THIS WORKSHOP, SO ACT NOW!

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Posted in Choir Directors, Performance, Singing and Voice Lessons, Uncategorized, Worship Team | 2 Comments »

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