Posts Tagged ‘chris beatty’

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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.



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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.

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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.

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Posted in Choir Directors, Duets to Groups, From The Heart of Chris Beatty, Soloist, Tips Tailored for You, Worship Team | 1 Comment »

Surprised By Worship Travis Cotrell-Vocal Coach Review

Monday, January 3rd, 2011

Special Book Review from Vocal Coach Chris Beatty

Surprised By Worship by Travis Cotrell

Reviewed by Chris Beatty

“Worship out of whatever pains you, concerns you, or absolutely delights you,” writes Travis Cottrell. That continuous state of worship “happens when we connect our heart with the heart of God.”

Travis clearly speaks from personal experience. Throughout the book we are challenged to have greater vision in letting God define who we are and who He is in our lives. He also encourages us to be willing to put aside our limited definition of what worship is and let God’s definition take the lead.

I love the idea of being Surprised By Worship.  It sets me up to look for something new and totally unexpected.  Those bigger-than-life surprises from God that let me know He’s just waiting for me to be available and vulnerable.  Travis definitely has a grasp on  where most of us are, or have been in our worship experiences.  He takes that knowledge, adds Scriptural truth and then challenges and leads us to a more satisfying experience.

In hindsight, Travis reflects: “Before placing me in a ministry of worship, God wanted me to likewise learn that worship is far more beautiful and diverse than this one-dimensional, cocky little redneck from the mountains of North Carolina had ever thought.”   Toward the end of the book Travis recalls the account of Shadrach, Meshack and Abednego from Daniel 3. These young Hebrew men were willing to walk out their faith even when it did not look too promising.  They knew what God said to do, and they did it.  How much more should we be willing to take God literally in all He says . . .  and be Surprised By Worship.

Surprised By Worship is available at amazon.com in hard copy or as a Kindle download.

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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Posted in Product Reviews | No Comments »

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 »

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.

Staying hydrated is good for the voice.

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.

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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.

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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 »

ONE VOICE with MANY SINGERS

Tuesday, October 5th, 2010

I recently taught the second in a series of 6 classes for worship leaders and their teams at World Outreach Church in Murfreesboro TN.  This very large and active church has eight weekend services requiring many committed singers and instrumentalists. Our goals in this series of classes is to help each singer bring out their personal strengths while at the same time having the ability to bond into that one-voice sound that is so important to any group.

This class was called One Voice, and this was our process:

  1. We talked through the concept of giving up individuality, in favor of becoming many-singers-with-one-sound.
  2. With this One Voice concept in mind we then did a series of general warm-ups.  In this time we started standing backed up against a wall to remind of upright, aligned posture.
  3. We took the first big step toward giving up individuality: We moved into a circle (limit circles to no more than 8-10) and all held hands as we continued to warm up. We came from different backgrounds and ranged in age from 25 to 66 but quickly began to have a single sound just by being “in touch” and listening. We had given up our unique sounds and yielded to a common sound. It’s exciting to experience, or even just hear this process.
  4. The next step was to maintain that unified blend with a more difficult hearing environment so we stayed in the circle, but turned facing away from each other. We again joined hands and continued to warm up, this time having to listen much harder.
  5. I played a CD with four different worship leaders and teams singing in four different styles including traditional, contemporary, Gospel and pop.  Still in a circle, holding hands and facing each other we listened to a track, then matched and blended with that leader’s style and voice quality.  This was also done facing away from each other, still in the circle to require focused listening and matching.
  6. After we had done that with each leader/style I quickly moved randomly from track to track requiring the singers to listen, adjust and yield to that singer and each other. They quickly started to own their new skills of listening and flexibility.

The next step is for the individual singers to practice these flexibility and blending skills on their own, then bring those skills to the next class, rehearsal or service.  And, while this class was in a church setting, the same principles work for choirs, choruses, bands, duos, trios, quartets etc.

Remember: Practice Makes Permanent, and Muscles Have Memory.  Practice and memorize the right skills and you’ll own them.

Need more great ideas and some “tools” to help you and your singers be their best? Share this free blog with your teams and be sure to visit our newest Online tool on FaceBook. Just search on VOCAL COACH WITH CHRIS AND CAROLE BEATTY then click the “Like” icon at the top of the page. That page also has open discussions that we’d love to have you join.

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Posted in Blend, Choir Directors, From the Coach, Singing Subjects, Tips Tailored for You, Uncategorized, Worship Team | No Comments »

HAVEN’T SUNG FOR A WHILE, BUT NOW YOU ARE?

Tuesday, September 28th, 2010

A SINGER RECENTLY WROTE: After being a worship leader for many years I had a season of very little singing.  Now I’m back to leading worship and teaching again. Moice tires easily and has gotten a bit “fuzzy,” compared with what it used to be.  I might add that I’m not getting any younger and wondered about how age affects the voice.  Also, I took some Aspirin and Tylenol. While my voice then felt and sounded better, I still wanted your opinion and more guidelines.

VOCAL COACH THOUGHTS: What a great question and you’re not alone being in this situation. Due to the fact that what we call “the voice” is a combination of physical, mechanical and acoustical functions, all working together, aging will have an impact.  But, with a little knowledge and some new habits you should do just fine.  Consider these points:

1. Aging does impact the voice. As we age we become less flexible, can lose stamina and our bodies have a harder time maintaining moisture and lubrication.  Everything from our eyes to our skin gets dryer. Solution: Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate, and avoid caffeine. At least half your body weight in ounces of water, per day. (180 lbs=90 oz water.) Also, consider using Entertainer’s Secret Throat Relief Spray (ADD LINK) as a way to topically moisturize the sinuses, nasal passages, and upper throat.

2. What we call “the voice” is really a number of physical, mechanical and acoustical systems working together.  The muscles involved can get weak.  If unused for a long period they can suffer a gradual decline of effectiveness due to underuse or neglect.  But, don’t panic. A rebuilding process can change all that, so read on.

3. Regaining or rebuilding the voice simply means understanding and applying the right concepts and exercises. This means identifying the foundations, getting those foundations in order through systematic exercises and finally owning them.  How long might this take?  One minute to begin; several months to own. You achieve success by constant vocal awareness throughout the day combined with short periods of focused exercises.

4. Pace yourself and your voice usage.  Don’t try to go from 0-60 too quickly.  Get in the habit of daily, systematic and sensible warm-up.  When you can, let your voice rest before and after singing. Especially while your getting back up-to-speed. And remember: Talking is using the voice, often with less awareness of what you’re doing than during singing.

5. Caution: If your voice is tired and raspy after singing give it a day off from unnecessary use.  But, don’t whisper as that is more harmful than just speaking softly in a normal voice.

6. Aspirin and Tylenol. This reader did mention that these medications helped when his voice got rough. That’s because he had overworked the voice to the point of some minor inflammation, or swelling.  The anti-inflammatory medication would help that, but there could also be a side-effect of more drying.  When in doubt, breathing steam might be a better way to return the leading edges of the vocal folks to normal and get rid of that rough, raspy sound. The Vic’s Personal Steam Inhaler is a great, inexpensive tool for that.  I always have one nearby for those times when I’ve taxed my voice a bit too much.

ABOUT THOSE FOUNDATIONS

1. Posture is where it all starts. Sloppy posture undermines everything else. Be upright and relaxed. Visit the “Posture” category in the Vocal Coach Blog for more.

2. Good Breathing, or Breath Management will become natural as you understand and exercise these strong muscles.  Check out “Ten Steps To Better Breathing” on our Free Singing Resources page. Also, read other Blogs in the “Breathing” Category.  If you want a powerful resource get the CD or download for Complete Breathing.

3. Tone, is the sound quality of your voice.  The goal is to use minimal breath and good acoustics to easily project your voice to the point you are as efficient as a baby or child.  They have no problem getting their messages out there with no voice fatigue.

Click here for a short Vocal Coach Video on Tone called “What Does Your Voice Sound Like?”

4. Warming up your voice is critical to getting the most out of your instrument without sacrificing it. Starting the day with humming in your middle range is a good way to get things awake and moving.  From there (with good posture, breathing, and light buzzing tone) move higher and lower in your range. Moving to the lip-thrill, and finally songs, should get you ready to sing and speak safely throughout the day. Complete Warm-Up is a powerful tool to educate and exercise you and your voice.

Finally, here is the THE VOCAL COACH “BEFORE I SING” CHECK LISTWe use in our Vocal Coach Classes and private coaching. Print this out and carry it with you.

1. I’m an upright Child of the King, and should stand and sit like it all day long.

2. As I inhale I breathe down, expanding front, sides and back.  As I exhale the ribs and chest remain stable.

3. I am a sound system with my own resonators and amplifiers that I can feel.

4. I warm up my voice like the vocal athlete I am, starting in mid-range, then moving higher and lower.

Humming and Lip-Trills are the best start.

5. I make my words easy to understand by using my lips, tongue and teeth.  This takes stress off my larynx.

6. By being vocally-aware throughout the day I will be establishing good  Muscle Memory.

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Posted in Ask the Coach, From the Coach, Performance, Posture, The Senior Voice, Uncategorized, Warm-Ups, Worship Team | 3 Comments »

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