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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 »

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:

  1. Upright, balanced posture whether sitting or standing.
  2. Breathing that goes low and doesn’t require heaving of the chest.
  3. Speaking with a resonant tone quality whether you are using a soft or loud volume.
  4. 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 moc.hcaoclacovnull@sirhc

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Posted in Soloist, Speaking Tips, Uncategorized, Vocal Health, Worship Team | 4 Comments »

Training Children’s Voices is Important & Now Is The Time

Wednesday, July 6th, 2011

Please Click Here:  Chris Beatty on Training Children’s Voices

As you click on the link above you will hear my thoughts about helping our children become the best communicators they can be.

The more our kids learn about their voices, and how to use them in speaking and singing the clearer communicators they will be, and that’s important for a successful future.

Carole and I have six grandchildren and have taught literally thousands of students, young and old, around the world.  We really “get it” when it comes to teaching and coaching our kids the right way.

Please click on the audio link above, then let me know that you think by emailing moc.hcaoclacovnull@sirhc

Chris

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Posted in Kids and Teens, Teaching Kids To Sing, Uncategorized | No Comments »

EVER EXPERIENCE FEAR OR INSECURITY WHEN YOU SING?

Friday, May 20th, 2011

Both fear and insecurity can cause unsteady breathing, stressed tone quality, inaccurate pitch and more.

If this is you, here are some solutions to set you free:

INEXPERIENCE. If mere inexperience is the cause, the solution will be found in developing and owning good vocal technique and performance skills.  This can be accomplished by finding a local, qualified teacher and coach, or taking advantage of Vocal Coach Online Training.  Online training is the personal, powerful, convenient and cost effective way to get the training you need.
SHYNESS. If you are a shy person by nature, you may need additional coaching to further reinforce mechanics of not only the voice, but also of expression and gestures. These will have to be exaggerated. Rehearsing with props and in front of a video camera or mirror is especially helpful.  If you don’t naturally know how to be expressive in front of a crowd consider using the Complete Performance CD. It’s a powerful tool.
PITCH ISSUES. If you have pitch issues, and know it, dig in with a sensitive, experienced teacher and conquer this ear-training issue. This is a nonnegotiable skill for singers.  If, after reasonable time you don’t see much progress get a second opinion.  If you are still not able to get from pitch center to pitch center accurately, you may have to confront the possibility that singing in public is not for you.  Even then, as long as you’re not holding a microphone, sing on, and enjoy.  Note: We can do an effective evaluation of pitch issues with a single Online Session using Skype or iChat. Just visit Personal Training on our site.
UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS. If your own expectations are a bit too idealistic, based more on dreams than honest feedback and careful training, it may be time to reevaluate and recalculate.  You should know that the stories behind most successful singers include a lot about very hard work. That doesn’t mean singing 8 hours a day, but It does mean learning how to use the tools of singing properly.  This includes your vocal mechanism, accurate pitch, an understanding of tone quality, expression and gesture and more. Good singers don’t just happen any more than good athletes do.  It’s always about inspiration plus . . . preparation. One, without the other, will always leave you lacking.

THE GOOD NEWS is that you don’t need to be stuck with bad vocal habits or even a lack of knowing where you really stand. Step out, reach out and enjoy the voice you have. Vocal Coach is here to serve your vocal needs.

P.S. You can now download PDF files for the leadsheets (notes & lyrics) for our most popular CD’s for only  $2.99 each. Just check the CD in the Vocal Coach Store.

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Posted in Choir Directors, From The Heart of Chris Beatty, Kids and Teens, Performance, Tone, 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 The Right Amount of Air

Thursday, March 24th, 2011

Not Enough Breath To Get The Job Done?

TOO MUCH AIR?

When a singer begins performing publicly there is a tendency to push too much air. It is often the result of adrenaline, combined with the unfamiliar feedback from monitors and house speakers.  If you take in too much air, then push it out too fast, it can compromise pitch, tone quality and more.

TOO LITTLE AIR?

Then, there are those who suddenly get timid as they hear their own voices through the sound system and are unsure of how to react.  Some singers are so distracted they actually forget to breathe and find themselves panicking as a result.

THE GOAL IS . . . JUST WHAT YOU NEED

The goal is to provide the larynx with just the right amount of air, and air pressure to get the job done. That means, of course, that the brain has to know what the demands of the phrase are.  The vocal range, length of each note, volume and even the style. Once that is understood, as a result of studying the song, the brain can tell the respiratory system exactly what to provide. As long as the breathing mechanism has been exercised the right way it will have the agility and stamina to do the job.

Sound complicated?  It is.  But, most of this will happen automatically if you will spend some time training and exercising the different parts of your singing mechanism. It also requires that you spend some time working with and analyzing what you want to do with the song.

60' Tall Inflatable Slide. Just the right amount of air brings joy to all!

SOME PEOPLE DO IT SO EASILY

“But,” you might say, “some people seem to do it so easily and naturally.”  True, but it probably took them a few years for it to become “easy and natural.”  Many artists and athletes appear to become overnight successes, but it seldom happens over night.  You just hadn’t heard about them while they were struggling through the training periods.

SOME TIPS FOR MASTERING THE AIR FLOW

  • First, remember that the voice is a  wind instrument.  A moving column of air, traveling between the vocal folds is what makes the sound. Therefore, the way you move the air has everything to do with your success.  As you look at the pictures of the 60′ tall inflatable slide it becomes clear that the right about of air is necessary if it is to serve its purpose.  Too little will collapse it.  Too much could pop.  But, just the right amount brings joy to hundreds, just like good singing.
  • Balanced posture allows you free, efficient breathing. Slouching, or sticking the head out over your toes will limit your chances for success.
  • Practicing breathing as its own skill, using sipping and hissing exercises while watching for a still posture gets the muscles ready. That, in turn, leads to good muscle memory.
  • As you inhale, remember to feel it down and out. That is, feel your inhalations expanding fully around the waist area, front, sides and into the lower back.
  • As you exhale, keep the back and sides stable. Allow the frontal abdominal wall to come in as needed but keep the back and sides comfortably expanding.

IT’S NOT MAGIC

REMEMBER: Even with  singers who seem to have an almost “magical” touch when they perform it’s really a matter of Preparation, combined with Inspiration and experience. Do the work . . . the right way . . . and you, too, will get good results.

DON’T MISS SPECIAL OFFERS

Don’t forget to check the Vocal Coach Store for current special offers and make the most of your instrument. If you’re looking for a tool to get your breathing squared away take a look at the COMPLETE BREATHING CD.  To see other special offers check out the HOME PAGE.

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Posted in Breathing, Posture, Singing Subjects, Soloist, Tone, Uncategorized | No Comments »

10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 DISCOVERY LAUNCH

Friday, March 4th, 2011

THE LAUNCH

February 24th was the final launch of the Discovery shuttle from the Kennedy Space Center. I was there with Carole and two good friends from Dallas. We started our day at 4:00 a.m. for the 4:50 p.m. launch. After clearing security, we were bused to a causeway several miles from the launch pad. We had a perfect viewing angle of Discovery and the enormous rockets that would power her through the Earth’s atmosphere and into space. During the hours leading up to the countdown we set up cameras and just soaked in this historic view of one of man’s most dramatic achievements. With only one second to go, there was a momentary pause in the countdown, and then it happened. The solid-fuel rocket ignited and in just seconds both shuttle and rockets were totally enveloped in a white smoky cloud. Magically, the shuttle and rockets slowly emerged from the cloud, first slowly and then accelerating quickly. This was all accompanied by a thunderous roar and shaking of the earth, completing the majestic experience.

Discovery Launch Feb 24, 2011

An Emotional, Life-Changing Experience

THE MUSIC LOVER AND SINGER

The music-lover in me was attending a concert with a fifty thousand-piece orchestra and chorus. It was truly an experience to behold and one I will never forget. The singer in me was reminded of the similarities and differences between the lift off of Discovery and hearing a highly trained singer. Both areas include specialized areas of science. Both areas also begin with dreams, an active imagination and the courage to enter into previously unknown areas. But, while mastery and understanding of all systems were necessary for Discovery, there is still a wonderful mystery that accompanies the singing process. Some of that mystery is acoustical in nature and some of it is due to the spiritual and emotional elements involved.

THE BOTTOM LINE

The bottom line for me is that I was privileged to attend the Discovery launch on February 24, 2011. I’m equally privileged to play the most unique instrument in the world: The human voice. I hope you are enjoying yours.

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AND IF OUR GOD IS FOR US by Chris Tomlin. Vocal Coach CD Review

Tuesday, January 18th, 2011

Special CD Review from Vocal Coach Chris Beatty

AND IF OUR GOD IS FOR US by Chris Tomlin

Reviewed by Vocal Coach/Songwriter Chris Beatty

I was thrilled when Chris Tomlin’s publicists as me to review Chris’ new album.  From the onset of the album, the clean vocals, powerful Scripture-filled lyrics and meaningful tracks hooked me.  Before I even made it through the first song, Our God, I was singing truths like, “Our God is greater, our god is stronger.  God You are higher than any other.”  As the album continued I couldn’t help but be drawn into confessing and declaring God’s instructions as well as the fruit of those instructions.

Chris Tomlin’s vocals are out front and very personal, always communicating heart-to-heart.  Because of this, each song impacted me freshly with each listen.  I Will Follow, I Lift My Hands and Majesty of Heaven will take you to the Cross in a gentle, powerful way. Before even getting half way through the album you’ll get to kick it up a notch and declare, “There are no chains on me.”  Hearing yourself say that is life-changing.

And If Our God Is For Us is about life, healing, broken chains, bowed knees and the power in the name of Jesus.  Before you’ve reached the final song, Awakening, you may well have had your own awakening. AWAKE, MY SOUL, AND SING!

And If Our God Is For Us will take you to a higher place.

Chris Beatty is a Christian vocal coach (vocalcoach.com) and songwriter (Holy Ground).  He lives in Brentwood TN with his wife, Carole

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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 moc.hcaoclacovnull@sirhc 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.

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Posted in Breathing, Choir Directors, Diction, Posture, Singing Subjects, Soloist, Speaking Tips, Tone, Uncategorized, Vocal Health, Voice Fatigue and Strain, Worship Team | No Comments »

THE BEST THINGS IN LIFE ARE FREE

Tuesday, November 2nd, 2010

When I say, “The best things in life are free,” I really mean it.  To me, BEST means those parts of life that are fulfilling, refreshing, excellent and . . . life-giving.  And, these are things you can’t buy with a credit card or cash.

Refreshing to the eyes, and free.

Sounds. The sound of wind in the trees.  Rain falling on your roof or into a lake. Ocean waves, large or small, or the magical sound of a child laughing. The voice of someone you love speaking encouraging words, meaning them. And speaking of the voice, remember how God made the voice to work and it makes spoken words all the more special: Breath is released, travels through the wind pipe, sets up vibrations in the larynx that is then amplified in the chambers of the mouth and head.  Then the lips, tongue and teeth shape that sound into understandable words.  This is all free. Amazing.

Sights. A sunrise, sunset and even a heavy storm moving in (assuming you’re in a safe place, of course). A flower or insect you’ve never seen before and even those you’re familiar with. To be able to see, and just think about these things is a free gift.

Smells. Each season of the year has it’s own smells as different trees and plants take their turn at bringing forth their scents.  That doesn’t even include the smells of foods, but someone did have to buy and cook those so technically they’re not free.

Feelings. Here’s where it becomes harder to define, yet it’s just as real as sounds and smells.  The feeling of knowing you are loved, of knowing you’re doing the right thing and of peace amidst a complicated world. Those feelings are measurable and there’s nothing surreal about them.

The Cross. For me, I have to add to that list the peace and security I feel because of what Jesus did on the Cross for me. It’s the ultimate free gift, though a price was paid. A price I will never forget as I live with the free benefits every day.

What’s your “Best things in life are free” story?  I’d love to hear it.  Just let me know at moc.hcaoclacovnull@sirhc.

P.S. Free Webinar!  Next Monday, November 8th I’ll be the guest on a free Online Webinar with well-known songwriter, producer and clinician Mark Condon.  This free event is for singers, choir directors and worship leaders of all levels. A great place to listen, learn and ask your questions.  Click here to sign up and remember: Save Monday, Nov 8th at 9:00 p.m. Eastern, 8:00 Central and 6:00 on the West Coast.

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Posted in From the Coach, From The Heart of Chris Beatty, Uncategorized | 1 Comment »

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