Posts Tagged ‘singing’

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SERIOUS SINGERS NEED TO STAY IN THE GAME

Monday, April 30th, 2012

DALLAS WORKSHOP May 12th

There are only a few seats left for the May 12th Vocal Coach Workshop in Plano TX.  This small-group, personal training format (max of 15 people) will be taught via live, interactive audio/video from our Nashville studio.  This is a completely interactive, powerful and economical way ($75) to get great teaching and personal feedback on your voice.  There are also private coaching times available that afternoon. To sign up visit the VOICE KITCHEN  voicekitchen.com or call Jill at 469-383-8885.

SERIOUS SINGERS NEED TO STAY IN THE GAME

THE NON-SINGING PART OF YOUR LIFE EFFECTS YOUR SINGING

Serious singers need to “stay in the game” even in non-singing times.  The way you live your daily life heavily impacts your singing voice. Many singers are very surprised at how little they consider their voices during non-singing times. But if you’re a real singer, one who is looking for the most from your instrument you will keep your head in the game all day, every day.  Why? Because all parts of your life are intertwined.

A Sobering Truth

Most serious students-in-training are very focused during their lessons, practices, rehearsals and performances.  But, the minute they leave the training environment they pay little attention to posture, vocal tone quality and speaking diction.

The other area of abuse is the lack of attention and discipline in the areas of eating, exercise and rest.  High school and college age singers in particular seem to live life to the fullest and try and squeeze in some vocal disciplines “as needed.”  And guest what? If you’re a casual singer there is nothing wrong with that.  You can’t focus on all things all the time.  But know that the way you schedule and use your time shows your real priorities.  If you are set on making your voice the best, most consistent instrument it can be, you need to put in the work and pay the price.

Put In the Work

The mental and physical work required to become an excellent singer are substantial.  You not only have to develop the voice, you have to become more knowledgable in the things of music.

Pay The Price

Developing any skill to the point of excellence requires sacrifice in the areas of time, energy and often, finances.  Many times it’s not inconvenient or easy.  This is true for academics, sports and, not surprisingly, singing.  That’s just the way most things work.

Start Where You’re Planted

Begin, by taking full advantage of the people and situations around you.  If you’re in school that means get in every singing group you can, whether school or church to develop your ear and musical disciplines.  Even if that’s not the style you are heading for it can still help lay the foundations of ear training, tone, blend and the mechanics of posture, breathing and diction. If you’re a bit older look for local community college classes or personal training.  Larger churches may have Fine Arts departments with training available. You might be surprised at the level of teaching available in your community.

Other Options

Somewhere along the way you may want to invest in training materials from Vocal Coach. For many, this may even be where you start, but I wanted to make sure your eyes were open to all the options available to you.

 Need Feedback Along The Way?

Throughout the process, whether working on foundations or getting a song ready for performance or recording Vocal Coach is here with our Online two-way coaching.  Check the web site for details.

 Summary: Get In The Game and Stay In The Game.

Don’t just think about.  Don’t just dream about it. If you really, really want to sing in public, and do it well then do the work.  Pay the price.  Make the sacrifice.  Get the training.  Then carry what you’re learning into your daily life.

 

If you have questions for vocal coach Chris Beatty just email moc.hcaoclacovnull@sirhc

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Posted in From The Heart of Chris Beatty, Singing and Voice Lessons, Uncategorized, Vocal Training & Practice Helps | No Comments »

How Do You Find Your Best Tone Quality?

Tuesday, June 8th, 2010

Recently, I’ve been teaching a series of classes at our church for current and developing worship leaders.  We have a congregation of over 7,500 with seven weekend services, plus weekly teen and children’s events and more.  That adds up to a lot of very busy singers and instrumentalists.

One of the critical skills we focus on is being able to reproduce a good  blendable, relaxed and resonant tone quality.  Here’s how we get there:

  1. We go step-by-step through the process of checking posture and breathing using the same principles and exercises each time (see blog posts on breathing).
  2. We address diction, making sure the lips, tongue and teeth are engaged.  No mumbling allowed.
  3. We speak the text, conversationally, to mentally connect with the message.
  4. Speaking the text in rhythm starts connecting the words to the music.
  5. We address resonance and the physical sensations of good tone.  For more on that, see the “What Does YOUR Voice Sound Like To Others?” video on our Vocal Coach Free Resources page.

As the singers start getting on the same page, by thinking the same principles and using the same technique, the well-blended tone is there, and it’s amazing to hear.  What began as a group of individual voices has become one voice, with many participants and multiple parts.

Remember: The key is in being able to reproduce that blendable tone by memorizing the process and physical sensations. Our singers now have a tone quality that they can more easily recall and reproduce. So can yours.

To learn more about achieving these skills with your singers check out the Tone, Blend and Group Warm-Ups CD’s. They are available individually or in the Singer and Groups sets and physical products or downloads at the Vocal Coach store.

What helps you find your best tone quality?  Let me know in the “comments” section below.  I’d love to hear your thoughts.

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Posted in Choir Directors, Performance, Singing Subjects, Tips Tailored for You, Tone, Worship Team | No Comments »

Lessons from the Olympics and American Idol!

Monday, February 22nd, 2010

Have you ever noticed that those who act on their dreams with discipline and training are the ones who reach their goals?  And, those who are dreamers-only, without discipline and training usually don’t accomplish their goals?

In the Olympics we see only the best of the best.  Those who for years have paid the price to physically and mentally prepare for the toughest competitions in the world. The ones who know that 2/100ths of a second can make the difference between winning and loosing.

They have to train well, eat well, rest well and do everything in their power to stay healthy.  Even a small cold or upset stomach can compromise their performance, and they know it. Performing at the Olympic level is very inconvenient and costly, but that’s what it takes, and they are willing to pay the price.

In contrast, American Idol shows it all.  We see everything from the very gifted and talented to those who have no idea what they are doing.  Many have been encouraged to audition based on their talents and dedication.  Others have been encouraged to audition by well-meaning family and friends when what they really needed was more training.  It’s no different than sports.  It takes more than just wanting it.

What really shows the value of intense, professional training and coaching is what happens in the performances of even the best singers.  They continue to improve.  Many become truly great vocal communicators.  They learn to own it all: The high notes, movement and expression.  They deliver complete message to the audience, and that takes work, and the right kind of training.

One big lesson for us all is to know when to just encourage someone with positive comments and when to point them towards excellent training. As I have said many of times, Inspiration Without Preparation leaves you incomplete, lacking necessary skills and consistency. And, Preparation Without Inspiration often leaves you mechanical, and boring.

Does that mean we should only dream about things we are sure to accomplish?  No. I regularly dream about doing all kinds of things that I couldn’t possibly accomplish in one lifetime, and I’m fine with that.  But, I also realize that if I am honestly interested in accomplishing a certain goal, I have to be willing to pay the price of training and discipline.  Sometimes I am willing; sometimes I’m not, but at least I know it.

How do these thoughts challenge you? Hopefully, you will look at where you are now as a singer, where you would like to be and make the big decision: Am I willing to pay the price to get to the next level?  Will I sacrifice to make the time and resources available for my training?

If the answer is yes, do the necessary research to see what training is available in your area, or what resources you should purchase.  If the answer is no, that’s fine, too. You can still enjoy singing at your current level and stop being anxious about not being more accomplished at this time. In either case, it’s good to identify what should, or should not be happening right now and act accordingly.

Review the underlined phrases above and sing on!

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Posted in Choir Directors, Duets to Groups, Performance, Soloist, Teaching Teens To Sing, Worship Team | No Comments »

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