Posts Tagged ‘chris beatty vocalcoach.com’
« Older Entries | Newer Entries »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
Tags: chris beatty, chris beatty vocalcoach.com, kids singing lessons, singing kids, singing lessons, singing lessons for children, Teaching kids to sing
Posted in Kids and Teens, Teaching Kids To Sing, Uncategorized | 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.
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 »
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 »
Sinus Solutions for Singers
Wednesday, February 16th, 2011
We Don’t Sell It But We Sure Use It: Neil Med Sinus Rinse
I just got another question from a singer suffering from sinus problems so I thought I’d share a hot tip.
I’m not a medical doctor, but I am a singer speaker and teacher and I know how even slight sinus issues can interfere with my work. Neil Med was suggested to us by our allergist. It has been a tremendous help to my wife, Carole and I as well as dozens and dozens of our singers. Using it daily is good preventive medicine.
Neil Med is inexpensive and is available at Walgreen’s. We recommend the style shown below with the soft squeeze bottle. Check out the link below, give it a try and let us know if it helps.
Chris
http://www.neilmed.com/usa/products.php
A great way to fight sinus problems for singers.
Tags: chris beatty, chris beatty vocalcoach.com, Neil Med Sinus Rinse, singer's health, sinuses and singing
Posted in Choir Directors, Vocal Health | 4 Comments »
WHEN YOU SING IS YOUR BRAIN PART OF THE MIX?
Tuesday, February 8th, 2011
BACKGROUND
As a young singer, in a very musical home, I was constantly being mentored in the things of voice and music without even knowing it. I thought it normal to hear one’s mother playing the piano, or giving a voice lesson in our living room. I remember hiding behind the couch and just listening, intrigued by what I was hearing.
I also didn’t think anything of it when my mother would fly to New York for one of my uncle, Samuel Barber’s premiers, whether for the opening of the new Metropolitan Opera House in Lincoln Center or with the New York Philharmonic. I knew my family loved and respected good music, but had yet to fully understand the impact it would have on my life.
It wasn’t until I was under the gifted leadership of my high school choir director Eric Jensen, that I began to grasp the brain-ear-larynx connection. Once that happened, I was quick to start experimenting with vocal sounds based on what I had been exposed to in my childhood. Step two happened in college under the no-nonsense guidance of my technique teacher, Dr. Harvey Ringle, and my coach, Fredrick Schauwecker. They would only settle for complete freedom in the vocal mechanism no matter what style was being sung. They knew my potential and never let me off the hook of accurate and free singing.
The next big revelation of how the voice works occurred when I was 19. I started singing with the Chicago Symphony Chorus under director Margaret Hillis, one of the most relentless, non-compromising director/conductors imaginable. Every note, every phrase, all dynamics and balanced blend had to be there all the time. Our rehearsals were exhausting, but always fruitful.
As I look back I now see that my DNA and family set the stage for my vocal passion. But, it wasn’t until by brain, ears, larynx, respiratory system and articulators got on the same page that I really got it.
APPLICATION IN YOUR SINGING
As much as I’m sure you enjoyed reading about my background, you’re probably asking yourself, “What does this mean to me?” Here’s the answer:
1. Let this be a wake-up call to never just sing without engaging your mind. It is true that good singing should become automatic, but that only becomes reality after many hours of focusing on all the parts, then putting them together one piece at a time. As the muscle and mental memories become strong, you don’t need to think about the details; however, you always need to be vocally aware. Always.
2. Do the musical and physical work of intelligent singing. Challenge your mind and ear as you work to perfect pitch center, phrasing and dynamics, diction and expression and the all-important posture, breathing and tone. Never stop evaluating, improving and getting feedback from qualified, neutral sources. Remember: Those who do the smartest preparation get the lucky breaks.
BACH TO ROCK AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN
In my teens and early 20’s I had the advantage of being invited to NYC for amazing rehearsals and performances by some of the best singers in the world. Seeing their seriousness and focus impressed me. As I ventured out and sang pop shows in Las Vegas (not something the musicians in my family had ever done) I realized the same focus and excellence was also there. I sang family shows with amazing bands and singers. Now, I’m part of a church whose lead singers can literally sing any style. They have the ability to read printed arrangements or create “head arrangements” on the spot. This is not something you find in the average church. I know that living in the Nashville area and having a congregation of 7,500 doesn’t hurt, but the point is this: Excellence can exist anywhere there are singers willing to receive instruction and discipline their craft.
SUMMARY
If you want to be an excellent singer don’t just sing. Make sure your brain isn’t M.I.A. Use the full resources available, whether it’s through private study, the Vocal Coach CD’s or live Online coaching. Do something. You owe it to your voice and your audience.
Tags: chris beatty, chris beatty vocalcoach.com, good foundations, use your brain when you sing, vocal training, voice lessons, voice training
Posted in Choir Directors, From The Heart of Chris Beatty, Singing and Voice Lessons, Soloist, Speaking Tips | 1 Comment »
“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 »
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.
Tags: chris beatty, chris beatty vocalcoach.com, finding peace.
Posted in From the Coach, From The Heart of Chris Beatty, Uncategorized | 1 Comment »
EFFORTLESS SPEAKING TAKES SOME EFFORT
Tuesday, October 26th, 2010
The title of this article may seem a little contradictory, but it’s not. In order to sound comfortable, relaxed and effortless as you speak, you may need to do some work.
What kind of effort leads to effortless sounding Speech? Learning to listen to, and observe yourself, in daily communications. Then, taking appropriate action. Let’s consider the following areas and see how aware, or unaware you are of your own communications:
1. Vocal Tone Quality. Are you consciously aware of the sound of your own voice? You need to be. You should regularly consider whether you are speaking at too high or too low a pitch or too loudly or softy for any given situation.
We will look at those one at a time, but first I need to define a term I will be using. Optimal speaking pitch is the pitch area at which your voice can easily produce speech. It is primarily determined by the size of your relaxed vocal folds. It is easily found by spontaneously saying, “Um Hm,” as you might in response to a simple question such as, “Are you having a good day?” Instead of saying, “Yes,” say the more informal, “Um Hm.” Do this several times and find the pitches where you say the, “Um Hm.” It will often be over a 4-note range. Once you know that general pitch area you will know where you should probably be doing most of your talking. This is a general rule, but when being very expressive you will expand that range higher. Having experimented with your optimal speaking pitch, consider the following:
- Is your voice pitched too high? Have you raised the pitch level of your voice due to excitement-induced adrenaline? Is that making you hard to understand? Take a deep breath and let the pitch come back down, closer to your optimal speaking pitch. This will still allow the excitement to come through without alarming the listener.
- Is your voice pitched too low? If you gravel around well below your optimal speaking pitch it will make you difficult to understand. It will also make your voice tire quickly, leading to a more gravelly, mumbled sound. If you hear this happening, stop. Check your posture, take a deep breath and allow the voice to be pitched at your optimal speaking pitch area.
- Are you speaking too loudly? Some people are just loud. It may be due to the natural acoustics of their voice, a lack of vocal self-awareness or even hearing loss. When caused my partial deafness (how loud are your headphones/ear buds?) they often turn up the volume because they can’t hear themselves easily and assume others can’t either.
- Are you speaking too softly? If people constantly ask you to repeat things you may be talking too softly and need to adjust your volume. Of course, it may also be due to under-pronouncing your words (mumbling), looking away from the listener or lack of vocal resonance. For the resonance issue I recommend the Complete Tone CD, but for many it may just be a matter of being aware and listening to their volume and clarity more carefully.
2. Posture. The way you carry your body has considerable influence on the message you are giving. If you look tired, bored or uninterested that is how you will be perceived whether you are, or not. In other words, posture colors and modifies what you are saying. Be posture-aware, and make sure your posture and message are in agreement.
3. Face. Just like posture, your facial expression needs to agree with your words. If you’re genuinely excited but have trouble showing it, practice being excited in the mirror. It may just be that your facial muscles don’t know what to do. On the other hand, if you tend to over-express yourself to the point of alarming the listener, don’t hesitate to practice being less physically expressive while still sharing your message.
The bottom line is this: If you will put a little effort into listening to and watching what you’re doing in your spoken communications, it can make a huge difference. Making just a few needed adjustments will make you a more successful communicator. If you’re really daring, set up a camera in the corner of a room where you’re talking to people and then study what you do in real life. If you’re fortunate enough to have a skilled public speaker in your arena of friends, ask them to honestly evaluate your “daily speech” performance. This assumes, of course, you are ready and willing to do something with the input.
Cathy staying hydrated.
Finally, remember that speaking, just like singing, takes moisture from your body. Therefore, the more you talk the more water you need to drink. A passionate singer can lose as much as a gallon of water in a two-hour concert. If you talk on the phone throughout the day, host frequent meetings, teach classes or heavily use your voice in any way you need to stay hydrated. The minimum you need is half your body weight in ounces of water a day (160 lbs=80 ounces of water.) If you’re in a noisy environment, or dried out from air conditioning or heat consider using the topical moisturizer Entertainer’s Secret. We have used and sold it for years and know it really works. It now comes with a new and more effective spray nozzle. Click here to check it out.
Comments or questions? Let me know at moc.hcaoclacovnull@sirhc. My goal is to provide answers to your questions.
Tags: chris beatty, chris beatty vocalcoach.com, expression, improve speaking voice, speaking voice, vocal health, vocal training
Posted in Speaking Tips, Vocal Health, Voice Fatigue and Strain | 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 »
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