Posts Tagged ‘chris beatty’

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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 »

RESPONSE by Phil Wickham (Vocal Coach Review)

Saturday, October 8th, 2011

Over the years I have been given more CD’s to listen to than I can count.  Some have good vocals, some have a few good songs and some have arrangements that work for those songs and that singer.  But, most don’t have all those elements working all at the same time.  I was recently asked to review a project that might just challenge and change your life.
RESPONSE by Phil Wickham has all the right elements.  He is one of those rare singers who never gets in the way of the message, and that’s not easy.  His voice is clear.  He says what he wants to say without padding the lyrics.  He just gets it done.
Here’s my review:
“In RESPONSE this extraordinarily gifted psalmist has, once again, captured my heart and spirit.  Starting with the proclamation, “You made a way for me,” in THE VICTORY to the closing cry of, ” Let us see all that You are,” in HEAVEN we are taken on a journey of challenge and change. In the middle is SUN AND MOON, an intimate and sobering wakeup call to reevaluate where we are, adjust and commit anew to the King of Kings.  Heaven Fall Down isn’t just songs; it’s an experience from one who clearly works at his relationship with God as hard as he does at his craft. A life-changer for all who hear.”
For those of you currently developing your songwriting and vocal skills, Phil is a great example of both.  Not too much; not too little; just right.
Let me know your thoughts on RESPONSE, and check out other Reviews on this blog under “Product Reviews.”
moc.hcaoclacovnull@sirhC

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Posted in Product Reviews | 2 Comments »

ARE YOUR VOCAL FOUNDATIONS CRACKED?

Sunday, September 18th, 2011

DO YOU HAVE ANY OF THESE BATTLES WITH YOUR VOICE?  

  1. A tired voice that aches and feels fatigued?
  2. Running out of breath and having to grab air at awkward places in the song?
  3. Having to push and sometimes practically yell the big, high notes?
  4. Losing the low register after you’ve been singing high notes?
  5. Not really being sure of the sound that’s going to come out until you’re actually singing?

TRY THESE TIPS TO FIX THE ABOVE FOUNDATIONAL ISSUES:

  1. A tired voice is often due to a combination of speaking incorrectly during the day and not warming up before, and cooling down after singing.
  2. Poor breath management is common and can undermine everything you do vocally. Here’s a link on our blog site that will get you on track. Just click here, and go to Ten Steps for Better Breathing, or visit Free Resources at vocalcoach.com.
  3. Pushing for high notes means you haven’t discovered how to ALLOW your voice to move into the higher register. By first fine-tuning your posture and breathing (see #2) and then working with our Complete Tone and Complete Expanding Your Range CD’s you can learn the joy of soaring throughout your range with a consistent tone quality. When you stop over-driving the voice and start releasing it’s freedom both you, and the listener will be happier.
  4. Where did my low notes go? We’ve all been there: The solid low notes that we started the song with are suddenly . . . GONE.  It’s only 5 minutes later, but we’ve been cranking the high notes for much of that time. That means the vocal folds are “set and positioned” for higher notes (higher frequencies). So, how do we get them to relax those settings and replace them with “low note settings?”  First, make sure you always warm-up and vocalize throughout your range.  Always come back down to your lower speaking register.  Make the low notes part of your goal in warming up.  Too often the singer’s goal is the high notes. “If I can just get those I’ll be fine.” Actually, maintaining the low notes makes the higher notes more connected and easier to sing. So, plan your warm-ups to include, and always return to your lower notes. Our Daily Workouts and Ultimate Choir Warm-Ups do a great job and will help you do that. Downloads are just minutes away.
  5. Knowing what you will sound like before you sing is one of the joys of regular vocal training. Nothing replaces muscle memory and experience.  Taking the time, and investing the resources and effort to make your voice it’s best is a worthwhile goal.

REMEMBER:  FIND THE PROBLEM.  FIX THE FOUNDATIONS.  ENJOY SINGING MORE. WE’RE HERE TO HELP.

Hope this helps you on your journey.

Let me know if you have specific questions. Just email me at: moc.hcaoclacovnull@sirhc and put “Question” in the subject.

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Posted in Breathing, Expanding Your Range, Performance, Posture, Voice Fatigue and Strain | 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 »

FUN WATCHING SINGERS GROW

Thursday, June 30th, 2011

PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR A SPECIAL AUDIO MESSAGE: Chris Beatty Blog_Audio_063011

This week Carole and I have had so much fun just watching singers grow. We’ve had our usual interaction with folks via email, Facebook etc. where we get to answer questions and help singers“fill in the gaps” in the understanding of their voices.

Then there was our Tuesday night class where we had 12 singers who really want to experience all the freedom and range they can get out of their voices. Each one walked out having been challenged with concepts and exercises that took them to the next step. Since it was a class setting, they also had the added advantage of watching and listening to others trying to negotiate the same exercises.  It was just plain FUN!

Finally there were the in-person students (as apposed to Online Skype sessions).  I am absolutely amazed at what can happen in one or two hours of focused time with a student. There were two notable experiences I was aware of this week.

One was what I call “Discovery and Revelation.”  That’s when there is an area where the student and I both knew something needed to change and it happened.  Often, it was the mastering of a completely smooth and free transition from the bottom to the top of their range.   No flip, glitch or break.  Just one connected and continuous sound.

Another, is learning to OWN THE TONE.  That’s when the absence of any tension in the larynx starts to become the norm, resulting in a free, effortless sound.  As one singer said, “It just feels amazing.  It’s like I’m not working at all and there’s this big free sound coming out.”  I remember going through each of these steps in my early training and I know how significant each one was.

I hope your vocal journey leads you to the same, fun and amazing experiences. Owning vocal freedom is just plain exciting.

Have a great 4th of July, and let me know how I can help you be the best singer you can be.

Be sure to listen to the Special Audio Blog by clicking on the link at the top of this blog.

Chris

 

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Posted in From The Heart of Chris Beatty, Vocal Coach Audios | 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 »

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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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

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Posted in Carole Cares | No Comments »

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