Posts Tagged ‘blog.vocalcoach.com’
| Newer Entries »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.
Tags: blog.vocalcoach.com, breath control, breath support, Breathing, chris beatty, chris beatty vocalcoach.com
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.
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.
Tags: blog.vocalcoach.com, chris beatty, discovery launch, vocal coaching, vocal training, vocalcoach.com
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
HAVING THE FAITH TO GO THROUGH
Tuesday, February 22nd, 2011
Some thoughts from the heart of Carole.
My favorite book in the Bible
This week I have been reading Esther, my favorite book in the Bible. Why is this book so special to me? Maybe it is because I am a Jewish Christ-Follower and hid my beliefs at times. Maybe it is because Esther was in foreign territory, where I have been many times. Or maybe it is because God placed her someplace, “For such a time as this.”
Deliberate decisions
I’ve been there. In fact, I have been in many situations where I knew God had put me. While there, I had to make deliberate decisions to listen to what He said. I had to choose to obey His voice rather than what I felt.
Having the faith to go thru is my choice, and yours. Really listening, then obeying will change not only your life but the lives of those around you. (Esther 4:14)
Open your ears to hear what God is saying and then obey
My encouragement to you is to open your ears to hear what God is saying and then obey. You may hear His voice in times of prayer, your personal time in Scripture or from a gifted teacher. Esther listened and obeyed. I am continually learning this same skill and it’s a blessing. I wish the same blessing on you.
May your week be one of hearing His voice, and obeying.
Carole
Tags: blog.vocalcoach.com, carole beatty, chris beatty, chris beatty vocalcoach.com, vocal coach carole beatty
Posted in Carole Cares | 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 »
Welcome To The All New Vocal Coach!
Monday, January 25th, 2010
Hi Singers! Welcome to the All New Vocal Coach!
Because we are as passionate about the voice as you are we have made some great changes to the Vocal Coach Web Site and Blog.
NEW WEB SITE at vocalcoach.com with some great new features including:
Lower prices on all your favorite CD’s & DVD’s.
The Coach’s Pick is back. Each month we’ll highlight one of the many Vocal Coach training products and offer special pricing. The current Coach’s Pick gives you a 20% discount, so be sure to check it out.
Free Singing Resources. In addition to our blog articles we will be offering free quarterly online classes. Free instructive videos. Free downloadable mp3’s. Free white papers and more.
Enhance Your Worship is a new resource for those in ministry. It will feature articles and tips for worship leaders, worship teams and choir members. We will also address common issues with the speaking voice for pastors and teachers. So, be sure to share your needs and questions at moc.hcaoclacovnull@sirhc .
NEW BLOG at blog.vocalcoach.com featuring:
Tips and articles that answer YOUR vocal questions.
Carole Cares. Carole, who along with Chris has been working with singers around the world for over 30 years. In this section Carole will feature your vocal success stories and testimonies as well as other personal observations and thoughts. You can contact Carole at moc.hcaoclacovnull@seracelorac
We look forward to sharing all that 2010 has to offer with you. Please visit us often at vocalcoach.com and blog.vocalcoach.com and let us know how we can help you be the best singer you can be.
Lastly, to be sure you don’t miss anything Vocal Coach has to offer PLEASE ENTER YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS AT THE TOP OF THIS PAGE. Even if you think you are on the list. Why? Because we have changed blog hosting and need to update our list.
Thank you for being part of the Vocal Coach Family.
Chris and Carole Beatty
Tags: blog.vocalcoach.com, chris beatty, singing lessons, vocal coach, vocal coach blog, vocalcoach.com, voice lessons
Posted in Ask the Coach, Choir Directors, Coach's Pick, Duets to Groups, From the Coach, Worship Team | No Comments »
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