Posts Tagged ‘vocal coaching’

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WANT TO SING BETTER THIS YEAR THAN LAST?

Tuesday, January 3rd, 2012

If you want to sing, SING!  But, because muscles have memory, and will memorize what you’re doing, right or wrong, I suggest the following:

MAKE SOME DELIBERATE PLANS.

Don’t get stuck in the rut of just thinking about it and wanting it.  You don’t have to know the entire path from where you are to where you want to be, but you do need to take the first step. That requires writing down your vocal strengths and weaknesses. “But,” you might say, “I don’t really know what those are.”

By admitting that, you’ve actually taken the first step, and the second step is to get some feedback and evaluation from someone with training. That can be a current or former choir director, a neighbor with some musical/vocal training or even a visit to your local community college music department. You can also schedule an Online video session with me by signing up on the Vocal Coach site.  Let whoever it is know that you are wanting their opinion on how you do with the the basics, or, if you’re more experienced with the more advanced areas of singing.

IF YOU’RE AN EXPERIENCED SINGER

If you know you need to improve your breath management and pitch accuracy you’ve got a good start. Maybe you need to add to that list the ability to smoothly move from lower notes (chest register) to higher ones (head register) smoothly.  Or, are you trying to figure out how to go from just singing a song to really mastering it with full, creative expression.

IF YOU’RE A NOVICE

Get feedback on the basics include the ability to accurately match pitch, rhythm patterns, imitate simple and complex phrases etc. The more advanced areas include how you treat phrasing, diction, dynamics and expression.


IF YOU’VE  STARTED YOUR LIST HERE ARE SOME TRAINING OPTIONS

  • Self-Training.  If you are a motivated, disciplined person you can accomplish quite a bit yourself assuming that you have good foundations like good posture, breathing and a musical ear.  You also need to have had some musical experience be it in a choir or perhaps you’re part of a family who does music together.  Your tools should be a good set of training CD’s or videos along with getting feedback from those around you with some experience and training.
  • Local Voice Teacher/Coach. The key here is to find someone who has had systematic training.  Not just someone who happens to be a good singer.  Doing it and teaching it are two different things. What works for one may not work for another. That’s why teachers are trained. You also need someone who relates to your age, culture and musical goals at least to some degree.  Sometimes a local college can help with suggestions and their staff might well teach outside of school.
  • Live, Personal Online Training.  We have found this to be a powerful tool.  I regularly teach students from around the country and even as far as 8 time zones away. Skype, FaceTime, iChat etc are great tools and any webcam system works. (Check the web site for details.)

So, depending on your goals, budget and where you live you can find a way to take the next steps to being a better singer.  And, I can tell you from personal experience as well as from watching lots of students that using your voice the right way is a lot more satisfying than just getting by.

PLEASE LET ME KNOW your thoughts and questions at chris@vocalcoach.com

I’ll be answering your questions on the blog and in videos throughout the year.

 

 

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Posted in Choir Directors, Performance, Singing and Voice Lessons, Soloist, Teaching Teens To Sing, Uncategorized, Worship Team | 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 chris@vocalcoach.com.

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 »

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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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 »

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 »

Don’t Forfeit Your Own Voice By Just Imitating Others!

Friday, April 2nd, 2010

Don’t Forfeit Your Own Voice By Just Imitating Others!

If you never take the time and effort to discover your own best vocal sound you may well forfeit, and be deprived of ever knowing your full vocal potential.  Here are some thoughts and steps to help you keep growing and be your best.

We Learn By Imitation

It is true that we learn to speak by imitation. Everything from tone quality to diction and accent will reflect those you were around during your vocally formative years.  But, you are not limited to how you began. Any performer who has taken singing or acting classes realizes the tremendous potential to expand and fine-tune the vocal instrument.

There Are Limitations, But Not That Many

That being said, there are limits to what any vocalist can do, depending on the anatomy and structure of the individual. But, few of us come close to maximizing the potential that’s just waiting to happen.  A modern day example of that is demonstrated in the American Idol TV show.  It is common to see a mediocre singer, with good potential suddenly come alive and really communicate.  How does this happen?

They are challenged, coached and rehearsed by professionals in a focused environment.  They are also forced to experience new styles and genres.  Some, that they may not even relate to.  The result?  They have the opportunity to try new things, push their abilities beyond the comfort zone and grow as artists and communicators.

Here Are Some Steps To Help You Reach Your Potential

1. Open Your Mind and Ears. Get out of the mental rut that says, “This is just how I sound.”  Change that to, “This is how I have sounded, but there’s probably much, much more I can do.”  Start listening to some other songs and styles within your comfort zone (for now) and sing along.  If you never allow your voice to try something new you will live in a vocal and stylistic rut.

2. Be Creative and Daring Alone. Become as uninhibited as a child in using not only your voice, but also your face, arms and entire body to act out the song.  Go overboard, exaggerating everything just to experience the potential.  Will you need to dial that back a little in real performance?  Maybe, but probably not as much as you first think.  Full, honest, meaningful expression is what you owe to your listener.

3. Be Creative and Daring In Front of Others. Find a few people with some performance experience and ask them to be your audience.  Let them know you are striving to expand your vocal and physical expression and get their feedback. But remember that even they should not limit your road to experimentation.

4. Use Neutral Tools. Mirrors and video feedback, using anything from a video camera, computer or iPhone can all be helpful.  And, if you’re not already doing it consider some form of systematic training. That can be in the form of a few key CD’s like Complete Breathing, Warm-up & Tone to keep you on track.  Comprehensive sets like Vocal Coach Singer include full training principles and exercises, journals and a guidebook to help you track your progress and make meaningful adjustments as you go.  You may also find a good local teacher or coach as well as classes at a community college.

There are lots of ways to learn, but do something. Don’t forfeit your best for what just happens to be there now.  Be all you can be.  It’s much more satisfying for both you and the listener.

Please Share. I’d love to know what has, and has not helped you maximize your vocal gift.  Comment here, or email me at chris@vocalcoach.com

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Posted in Choir Directors, Duets to Groups, Kids and Teens, Performance, Singing and Voice Lessons, Singing Exercises, Teaching Teens To Sing, Tips Tailored for You, Worship Team | 2 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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Vocal Coach Says: “YOU ARE THE MESSAGE” Part 1: The Vocal Side

Monday, November 9th, 2009

Vocal Coach Says “YOU ARE THE MESSAGE!”

Part 1: The Vocal Side

As Vocal Coach moves to our new BLOG format I wanted to feature a previous article that addresses a key to being a successful singer.  When you sing there needs to be a coordinated effort between a number of parts of your presentation.  If not the distractions and filters between you and the listener can completely block your message from getting through.

CONSIDER THESE KEY ELEMENTS AND HOW YOU NEED TO PREPARE:

The Sound/Tone Quality

Think about it.  Does the message invite a full rich, vibrant tone quality or a softer, almost airy sound?  Is it a declaration or conversation?  Are you testifying or asking questions? You need to answer this question then practice the various possibilities.  If you can’t think of any, try listening to accomplished singers and imitate what they do for various kinds of songs.  Then, begin in integrate some of these qualities into your own vocal sound. A caution: I said integrate, not copy.  You still need to be you, just with more possibilities of sound.

Treatment of Diction

If you’re singing a hymn or English art song, the way you pronounce the words will be handled differently than in a worship song, or a contemporary/pop style of song. If I’m singing, “My Jesus, I Love Thee,” I’ll treat the words differently than when I sing the Broadway song, “To Dream The Impossible Dream.” If I don’t, I will be putting up walls between myself, and my audience. Again, listen to the pros, imitate and play with the different options. Build some choices into your diction options.  It’s the only way to keep things real and really communicate with the listener.

Phrasing & Expression

Going back to the earlier example of the difference between “My Jesus, I Love Thee,” and “To Dream The Impossible Dream,” let’s consider phrasing and other tools of expression.  To begin with, most hymns will have built-in phrases that invite breathing at certain places.  And, though you may make things more interesting by stretching that a bit, you are still at least partially limited unless you are doing a real pop arrangement.

With other songs, however, you have more options as to where you might breath, pause, or bring attention to a word with more or less volume or a dramatic and sometime sudden change of tone quality.  The options are many and best learned by listening to those who do it best, then imitating them to feel and hear you and your voice doing it.  That’s how a singer builds a repertoire of creative options.  If you have never heard and felt yourself do it, you are not likely to draw on that option any time soon, even when it would be the perfect solution.

Summary: Get inspired by those who do it well in the same way you get inspired by watching an excellent, experienced athlete.  Observe, analyze, imitate and integrate.  And, remember throughout that to do this safely you must maintain the foundations of posture, breathing, tone, diction and expression.  It’s a lot of work . . . with a lot of rewards.

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