Posts Tagged ‘singing lessons’

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What Is The Lip-Trill or Bubble Exercise? & Dallas area, here we come.

Monday, November 7th, 2011

THE LIP-TRILL MYSTERY SOLVED (with Audio Demonstration)! 

Recently, I’ve been getting a lot of questions regarding one of the most powerful vocal exercises any singer or speaker can do: THE LIP-TRILL, BUBBLE or MOTOR exercise.

Before you listen to the audio link below prepare your mind with these thoughts:

1. The lip-trill is done naturally by all babies and toddlers. Yes, YOU did it when you were younger!

2. It brings an awareness of the many parts of the face and head that are involved when you speak and sing.

3. It is the safest way to venture into your highest notes without straining or pushing.

4. It helps the body produce the right lubrication for the leading edges of the vocal folds.

5. It serves as a natural decongestant since it helps vibrate loose any thick mucus in the sinuses and nasal passages.

6. This exercise is so freeing you may literally open up entire new areas of your voice.

How important is the Lip-Trill? I have all my students sing their songs on the lip-trill sound to discover how the song SHOULD FEEL when they sing it.

CLICK HERE: Lip Trill Demo by Vocal Coach Chris Beatty

 

 

DO YOU LIVE ANYWHERE NEAR DALLAS/PLANO?

Has Your Voice Had A Tune-Up Lately?

Join us Saturday, November 12 from 9:00-Noon for a live, interactive Vocal Coach Workshop.

  • LIMITED TO 15 STUDENTS.
  • LIVE VIDEO FEED BETWEEN CHRIS BEATTY IN THE VOCAL COACH STUDIO IN TN & YOU IN THE VOICE KITCHEN STUDIO IN PLANO.
  • A WONDERFUL AND INEXPENSIVE WAY TO GET THE PERSONAL ATTENTION YOU NEED TO BE YOUR BEST.

Please click here for more details and to sign up: Vocal Coach Workshop at the Voice Kitchen, Dallas.

The voice Kitchen is located at:   7005 Chase Oaks Blvd., Suite 250, Plano, TX 75025

Have Questions?  Just call Jill at 469-383-8885


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Posted in Choir Directors, Singing Exercises, Singing Subjects, Soloist, Teaching Teens To Sing, Tone, Uncategorized, Vocal Coach Audios, Vocal Coach Workshops, Vocal Range, Warm-Ups | No Comments »

“I WANT A VOCAL COACH, NOT MORE CD’S!”

Thursday, November 3rd, 2011

REMINDER OF DALLAS VOCAL COACH WORKSHOP

HAS YOUR VOICE HAD A TUNE-UP LATLEY?

There are still a few openings left for the Saturday, November 12th Vocal Coach Workshop in Dallas. It will be held at the “Voice Kitchen” video studio and limited to 15 students. I will be teaching “live” from my studio in TN and we’ll all see and hear each other throughout.  9:00-Noon Nov 12th. This is a great value.  Just click here for more info or to sign up.

 “I WANT A VOCAL COACH, NOT MORE CD’s!”

I totally get that statement.  Regular, personal training from a skilled and experienced teacher/coach is the ideal.  BUT, in real life that means living near one of those teachers who is probably going to charge a good bit, and they deserve it.

I HONESTLY BELIEVE you can get the “information” and “personal feedback”  you need by using a combination of affordable methods.

TO START WITH, you really can learn (or be reminded of) much of the fundamentals through carefully structured CD’s. (There has to be a reason we’ve sold over 1 million of them.)

TO CONTINUE learning you will, at some point, want feedback and interaction from a teacher, or coach. In my case I am both voice teacher (technique) and coach (expression, interpretation, staging etc.). Because we live in the Internet Age you can literally be interacting with a teacher fom a desktop, laptop, iPad or even iPhone with full audio and video.  If you’re in the Dallas areas you can start with the Nov small class. Or just schedule an ONLINE SESSION with me on our site.  All you need is an Internet connection and a web cam and mic which are part of most computers or very inexpensive to add.

SUMMARY: TAKE ADVANTAGE OF IT ALL TO BE THE BEST YOU CAN BE.  You can download a training CD in 5 minutes from our VOCAL COACH STORE at vocalcoach.com where you can also schedule an online session.  And, don’t forget the free tips and other free resources our site, or email me at moc.hcaoclacovnull@sirhc.

Hope to hear from you or see you soon Online.

Chris

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Posted in From the Coach, Singing and Voice Lessons, Vocal Coach Workshops | No 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 »

DISTANCE LEARNING FROM VOCAL COACH

Tuesday, August 9th, 2011

VOCAL COACHING USING LONG OR SHORT DISTANCE LEARNING IS CONVENIENT, LESS EXPENSIVE AND REALLY GETS THE JOB DONE!

What a fun time we live in when it comes to distance learning.  Some of our students travel half way across the country for one-on-one, in person coaching in our Brentwood TN studio.  Many, however, are traveling only a few feet to their laptops, desktops or iPads. The really amazing thing about live, distance learning is how affordable, yet powerful it is. I see and hear you; you see and hear me.  That combination can accomplish a lot in a short time at a very minimal cost.

Here are some examples from the last month that I know you will enjoy hearing about:

  1. A singer-songwriter and physician from the East Coast needed help preparing for a recording project.  We worked through diction and tone exercises as well as interpretation and phrasing.  We got the job done using Skype, and now he’s ordered our Singer Series to continue the process.
  2. A singer-songwriter and United Nations delegate had some serious vocal challenges that we got a handle on in just a few hours in our Brentwood studio.  Finding the free, natural tone quality and establishing efficient breathing (actually using less breath) were on our agenda.
  3. A teen worship leader needed direction to free up his maturing voice.  He got more comfortable with the mechanics of singing and started to experience a more free transition between registers.  All this with webcams and the free program Skype.
  4. A twenty-something worship leader and church soloist asked for  coaching to help him “own” a particular song. After discussing the real message of the song we used such tools as lip-syncing, exaggerating diction and stabilizing posture to bring out the best vocal sound. Inspiration plus thorough preparation is always the best combination.
  5. In a few weeks I’ll be working with a touring artist who just had throat surgery.  He and is having a challenging recovery and needs a little help making sure he is using the instrument the right way.  This is just one of the many instances where the right coaching can help save a voice and a career.
  6. One of our students (who is a well-known singer) just called while on tour.  He was having a difficult time getting over some vocal issues.  Because we are on the same page as  teacher and student we were able to accomplish much just over the phone.

There is nothing more satisfying and rewarding to me than watching singers overcome obstacles and be all they can be in every way. I’ve been seeing this for many years and it never stops touching my heart. That’s what Vocal Coach is all about.

Is it YOUR TIME for some personal training?

If you have questions about Vocal Coach Distance Learning or any of our Vocal Coach products please let me know in one of the following ways:

Hope to hear from you soon, and maybe even see you.
Chris Beatty

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Posted in Choir Directors, Duets to Groups, From The Heart of Chris Beatty, Singing and Voice Lessons, Soloist, Teaching Teens To Sing, Uncategorized | No Comments »

SOME QUICK TIPS FROM VOCAL COACH CHRIS BEATTY

Tuesday, July 12th, 2011

EXTREME HEAT CAN = DRY THROAT? 

Dressed for HOT weather

Dressed for HOT weather

 

Much of the country is experiencing extreme heat.  We had a heat index of 110 yesterday in Nashville which is very, very unusual.  The good news for Carole and me is that we don’t have to leave the home/office/studio.  The bad news is that with the air conditioner on much of the day the air is almost dangerously dry. Dry skin, dry contact lenses and, if we’re not careful, dry throat.  The one and only solution is a substantial increase in water intake. So, give thanks for air conditioning, and, at the same time recognize the need to super-hydrate.

DON’T WORRY ABOUT IT, DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT

We singers are notorious about nervously wondering if the voice will “be there for us” every time.  Why is this? Because, for most of us there have been times when all did not go . . . perfectly.

The solution is twofold. First, don’t waste time worrying about it. Worrying doesn’t accomplish anything. In fact, the stress caused by worrying is likely to make things worse by making you less confident, drying out your throat due to increased adrenaline and, if you are a Christ-Follower you are clearly told NOT to be anxious and worry. It will interfere with what God has for you.  Just check out Matthew 6:25-27 and Philippians 4:6-7.

Second, take action and train with a goal of being the best, most consistent singers and communicator you can be.  I often say that singers are vocal athletes, and really good athletes never stop training. They know that bad habits can and will creep in to your technique and the only way to avoid that is by continuing to get meaningful feedback, being honest with that feedback and being proactive in making changes.

THE GOOD NEWS FOR SINGERS is that you can incorporate many aspects of your vocal training into normal, daily life. Violin players and professional basketball players don’t have it so easy. They have to have an instrument or basketball.

How does this translate to singers?  Simply by practicing and reinforcing the following:

  1. Upright, balanced posture whether sitting or standing.
  2. Breathing that goes low and doesn’t require heaving of the chest.
  3. Speaking with a resonant tone quality whether you are using a soft or loud volume.
  4. Articulating every word clearly when talking to a friend, on the phone or teaching.

By turning your everyday voice technique into a nonstop training session you will be building a muscle memory base that can transfer right into your singing.

LET US KNOW HOW WE CAN HELP YOU BE THE BEST YOU CAN BE.  Email moc.hcaoclacovnull@sirhc

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

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

Wednesday, July 6th, 2011

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

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

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

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

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

Chris

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

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 »

DICTION. IT’S MORE THAN WORDS.

Tuesday, April 19th, 2011

DICTION REALLY IS ABOUT MORE THAN WORDS

Most people know that diction is all about making your message understandable to the listener.  But, for the singer, there is a lot more at stake than just the message. There are vocal issues!  Issues like tone quality, pitch and vocal stamina.  These areas and more are impacted by the way you pronounce your words.

Example 1: if you’re a mumbler, there’s a good chance your larynx is working overtime trying to fix the unclear words coming out of your mouth.  It can’t, of course, since diction has to be taken care of with lips, tongue, teeth and an ear that knows what to listen for. Clearing up the diction will reduce vocal stress and make you a better singer.

Example 2: If you have sloppy diction when you record and depend on “fixing it in the mix” you’re building some really bad habits. It’s true that programs like ProTools, Logic Pro and AutoTune allow the engineer to correct pitch, reduce the amount of SSS or TTT and even move a syllable within the phrase.  But, some things are better being done right in real-time, every time.  It’s healthier for your voice, makes a better performer and makes you more fun to record.

SOME THINGS YOU CAN DO RIGHT NOW

Begin by looking at your self in a mirror and lip-syncing the words to a song.  No sound, but moving lips, face and tongue.  It will help you get in touch with all the muscles involved with good diction.  Next, still with no sound, be even more expressive as you “sing” the song and memorize the “feeling” of good diction and expression. Finally, make sure your voice is warmed up and put the music to it.  Try and duplicate what you felt in the first exercises.

VERY SPECIAL OFFER

Because DICTION is one of those important-but-often-neglected areas of singing, WE ARE OFFERING THE COMPLETE DICTION CD at a special price.  Just CLICK HERE to learn more and save 20%.

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Posted in Choir Directors, Diction, Performance, Soloist, Teaching Teens To Sing, Tone, Uncategorized, Worship Team | No Comments »

“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 »

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