Tuesday, July 13th, 2010
Question from a Blog Reader: Both my daughter and I have a problem: After we sing for a time in our highest range (we’re both sopranos), we can no longer reach our lower notes. Is there something we’re doing wrong? Thanks.
Vocal Coach Answer: This is a very, very common problem and I’ve got some solutions I think you’ll like.
Common Scenario: You “kind of” warm up . . . though not all the time . . . and even then often while doing other things. As you begin a rehearsal, or performance your voice gets stronger. Because most songs don’t start on their highest notes, everything continues to feel good . . . for a while. Then it’s time to move into some higher notes for a while AND THEN SUDDENLY sing some lower notes. The same notes that were strong and easy when you started. How hard could that be?
Plenty hard if you don’t regularly exercise through your full range, from top to bottom. And the more casual you are about maintaining your voice the more likely you will encounter this situation. Does the above scenario describe your experience? If so, a great solution can be easily explained.
Solution:
First Some Background
Understand that there are 19 muscles busily adjusting so that just the right length and thickness of the vocal folds (vocal cords) are able to vibrate. As the sub-glottal breath comes up from the lungs, the vibrating leading edges of the folds produce a specific pitch, or frequency. Faster vibrations result in a higher pitch; slower vibrations, a lower pitch. The many adjustments that make this all happen can be quite effortless and automatic if, and only if you have trained and prepared your voice. It’s all about muscle memory and what your voice has memorized, be it good, or bad.
Here’s Your Course of Action
You now have one more reason to care for your voice. As you do, you and your listeners will hear the results and you will be a happy singer.
Let me know your thoughts or questions in the “comments” section below.
Chris Beatty
Tags: chris beatty, singing lessons, singing low notes, vocal coach, vocal lessons, vocal training, vocal warmups, vocalcoach.com, worship leader
Posted in From the Coach, Performance, Singing Exercises, Singing Subjects, Soloist, Vocal Range, Voice Fatigue and Strain, Warm-Ups, Worship Team | 1 Comment »
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:
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.
Tags: chris beatty, singers, singing, singing lessons, tone quality, vocal coach, vocal tone, vocal training, vocalcoach.com
Posted in Choir Directors, Performance, Singing Subjects, Tips Tailored for You, Tone, Worship Team | No Comments »
Thursday, June 3rd, 2010
Comment from Vocal Coach Chris Beatty: My guest author for this blog is one worth hearing, in words and music . Jamie Harvill is not only the author of Ancient of Days, Firm Foundation and many more popular worship songs. He is a pastor and highly experienced worship leader, guitarist, singer and one of my favorite worship leaders. If you go to Jamie’s site at jamieharvill.com you can take advantage of his summer Online-and-phone training classes for songwriters and worship leaders.
When interviewed for a magazine a few days ago I was asked the question, “What would you say are the top three priorities for worship leaders?” My answers are simple but I believe that if heeded and practiced, they will bring fruit to your worship leading experience. My suggestions are based on the teaching of Jesus from Matthew 22:37-40 when He was asked what He thought was the greatest commandment:
Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (NIV)
1. Love God. This seems obvious at first but it is a commandment from Jesus. Loving God in every area of our life is our greatest testimony. When we have a passion for God in work, when we play, when times are smooth and when they are rocky, when we are with our families and our guard is down, our passion for God is obvious and it is contagious when others see us living what we lead.
2. Love people. We must live a singular life when we lead people. We cannot be one way with our close friends and then another with those we lead at church. If we lead by influence (and this, in my opinion, is the only way to lead), and we love and respect people–stopping to listen to their story and showing care and concern for them–they will follow us. A true leader is one who never has to force people to follow. If you find yourself coercing others to follow, you are not a leader. People will follow your leadership if you care for them.
3. Bring excellence. My pastor always encourages our team to bring our “A” game each service. We have five services each weekend and it can be easy to “phone-one-in” if we are not careful.
The best way for me to bring my best is to, first, be prepared. I believe proper preparation for our worship leading brings rest. I am relaxed. This, in turn, helps my team and the congregation to be relaxed (people have a hard time focusing on God when you are fumbling around as the leader).
Second, it helps to be focused. I try to train my heart and mind to zero-in on the task at hand for the hour or so before I lead. One tool I use to help me with this is to put a cheat-sheet (notes, keys changes, chord changes, arrangements, etc.) on the floor next to my mic stand so I can look down and find my bearings, if needed, as I proceed through the worship service.
Third, I think rehearsal is so important. I can hear you saying a collective, “DUH!” right about now! We have rehearsals on Tuesday nights so we then have a few days to study the rehearsal CD before we arrive back on Saturday afternoon to lead the services. Two services Saturday and two or three Sunday in multiple sanctuaries. It’s a busy place.
I find that all of these preps bring rest and there is no better way to lead others. When we have a passion for God and people while knowing where we are going in worship, and how we are going to get there, others will gladly follow!
I have many more things to say that I can’t write here in this one post. So, if you want to learn more, I want to give you an opportunity to join me as I am starting two new web-based schools offering virtual classrooms and personal coaching. I will be the main instructor for both tracks. One track is to train and strengthen the next generation of songwriters for the church called Song Schools. The other course, Worship Consultants, is for churches and worship leaders who want to improve leadership skills, team-building and worship services. You can find out more details about each course at songschools.com, worshipconsultants.com and jamieharvill.com. Classes start in mid-July.
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Tags: chris beatty, jamie harvill, vocal coach, vocal training, worship leader, worship training
Posted in Choir Directors, From the Coach, Performance, Singing and Voice Lessons, Songwriting, Tips Tailored for You, Worship Team | 1 Comment »
Wednesday, May 19th, 2010
Lots of Experience, but Poor Technique
I recently had a new student who has been performing on stage and in the studio for many years. Recently, she has experienced several occurrences of her voice just leaving, and not returning full strength for weeks. The Ear, Nose and Throat doctor scoped her and announced, “You’re vocal folds are completely healthy.”
Good News; Bad News
It was encouraging to know that there was no visible, physical damage. At the same time it was discouraging not to know what caused the vocal loss. Her next step was coming to me, a voice teacher (technique and mechanics) and vocal coach (interpretation and expression).
A Little of the Right Kind of Training Can Go A Long Way
This gifted and experienced singer had never had regular vocal training of any kind. As we went step-by-step through her vocal technique, making adjustments along the way, she was shocked at all the big and little things that could be adjusted. She was also pleased to know the “why” of everything we did. With this full understanding, she will be able to reproduce the right technique until it becomes habit. That muscle memory will take a few months. But, meaningful changes were already starting to take place.
Start Where You Are and Don’t Stop Learning
Even if you haven’t experienced the kind of trouble this student did, there is a good chance you have more to learn. Most of us get complacent until there’s trouble. The smarter approach is to keep learning, and learning and learning. Set yourself up for success by doing regular warm-ups and singing songs. All along the way, track what’s working and what isn’t in a journal. That way you have a measure of what’s going on and can share it with a teacher or coach. Even if you don’t work with a teacher you can choose what training materials you need.
For example, if you have terrible posture during the day, and run out of breathing when singing you might consider our Compete Breathing and Complete Tone CD’s. They get right to the heart of the matter with very specific principles and exercises. If you need to be more expressive consider enrolling in a voice class or acting class at a local community college. If you have the desire, there’s probably a way to make it happen.
Let Me Know Your Thoughts in the Comments section below.
Tags: chris beatty, healthy singing, singing lessons, vocal coach, vocal health, vocal training
Posted in Performance, Singing and Voice Lessons, Soloist, Tips Tailored for You, Worship Team | 2 Comments »
Wednesday, March 10th, 2010
“When something exceeds your ability to understand how it works, it becomes kind of magical.” I recently heard that statement in an online demonstration of the Apple iPad. It occurred to me that the same descriptive applies to the human voice.
Here’s what I mean: Aren’t there times when you hear a singer that just amazes you? One who can do things with their voice that you can only imagine doing, but never actually do? That’s the “magical” aspect of the voice. The part that defies analysis, or duplication by the average listener, and even the average singer.
But, what if you really, really, really want to at least come close to delivering that kind of magical performance. And, what if you are willing to invest the time, effort and resources to take the voice as far as you possibly can. What are the steps?
In truth, it’s no different than choosing to absolutely maximize your athletic performance, or your intellectual performance. It takes sacrifice at all levels. Sacrifice that most of us, frankly, aren’t willing or able to make. Sacrifice that would make having a normal family life and job almost impossible. Like being an Olympic athlete in training. It takes all that you are, often at the expense of normalcy.
Discouraged? Don’t be! No one is asking you to give up family and friends to compete for “World’s Best Singer. But, there is sacrifice and investment involved in becoming a better, more consistent singer. And, it starts with constant, non-stop awareness of your daily posture, and the way you manage your breathing in speaking and singing.
You see, many people compromise their posture throughout the day, and that leads to poor breathing. Then, they “get straight” for singing and wonder why it feels so stiff and unnatural. The key is being upright and aligned every waking hour. I don’t mean standing at attention. I just mean being upright, like any two-year-old. It’s natural, and how we were designed to function. And, it’s one of the first things to go if we don’t get daily reminders. For years I would go so far as to put reminders in my calendar to check my posture and breathing. Seem extreme? Not if you’re really serious about being your best.
When it comes to breathing it’s a matter of management, not power or push. Untrained, three-week-old babies do fine with sharing their vocal messages to the entire household with no formal training whatsoever.
Tags: breathing technique for singers, chris beatty, vocal coach, vocal training, voice lessons, voice training
Posted in Breathing, Posture, Singing Subjects | 2 Comments »
Monday, November 2nd, 2009
Maybe it’s time you did. Why? Because many of us forget that there is are a number of physical and acoustical processes that make singing possible. One the the key players is the larynx, and the closer you two become the better, and more consistent your singing will be.
Why, just th other day I listened in to a singer-larynx conversation that went like this:*
Singer: I just want to sing.
Singer: I just want to survive your singing, and sometimes you make that tough.
Singer: Sorry about that. I get so stressed and distracted I don’t even know what I’m doing until it’s all over, and by then I’ve abused you. You actually hurt and get rough sounding.
Larynx: You got that right. But, if you’ll stop physically stressing me, I’ll stop emotionally stressing you.
Singer: Sounds like a plan. Where do we start?
Larynx: Well, since we’re kind of stuck with each other for the rest of our lives, with no replacement parts available, maybe we should get to know each other. You know, abilities, expectations etc.
Singer: I’m game. Why don’t you start.
Larynx: Well, to start with, I was designed by the greatest inventor of all time. He created the entire universe and everything and everyone in it. He also figured out the mechanics and acoustics of making sound. He’s really good! Here are some things you should know:
The vocal folds (sometimes called vocal cords) are designed to protect the lungs from foreign objects. When something heads that way, like food or liquid, the vocal folds close to protect the lungs. They can also become a one-way valve allowing you to cough the threat away. Rather clever if you ask me.
The cool thing, of course, is that these same vocal folds can vibrate as air from the lungs passes between them. And, depending on the length and thickness of their leading edge, they can produce hundreds of different pitches.
Singer: Very cool, but why can some people sing the big high notes so easily and others look and sound like they’re screaming? And it doesn’t seem to matter if they’re male or female.
Larynx: You’re right about range not being gender-specific. Most men, of course have lower voices than most women, but there are thousands of exceptions to that. If a woman has thicker and longer vocal folds she may be a natural tenor. If a man has shorter, thinner folds he may be an outstanding high tenor or even alto. The Creator gave everyone a potentially wide range, but not all the same range. Kind of like the string family in the orchestra: Violin, viola, cello and double bass. All have wide ranges, but all have different ranges.
The important thing is to discover how we were made and maximize that range. Then, to choose song arrangements that fit into our range. And, remember: No matter what our range you need to develop the skills and habits that will make us the most consistent and flexible singer we can be.
Singer: But, what if I don’t like our range? What if I’m really a bass and would prefer to be a tenor?
Larynx: You’ll have to talk to the Creator about that one. I once overheard a cello asking the Creator if he could play a violin concerto. The Creator didn’t even bother to respond.
Note to self: Stay in touch with the larynx. It’s good for both of us as well as our listeners.
Tags: chris beatty, larynx, singer's larynx, singing lessons, vocal coach, vocal training
Posted in Choir Directors, Duets to Groups, Singing Subjects, Worship Team | No Comments »
Wednesday, September 23rd, 2009
If you sing in a duet, trio, quartet, choir, chorus, band or any other group you need to ask yourself this question: Are you more like clay, or ceramic? Stay with me. I promise it will make sense. A good quality potter’s clay has substance and a certain consistency, but is still very pliable and moldable. Once that piece is glazed and baked the flexibility is gone, and either it works with the other pieces or it doesn’t. There’s no turning back or fixing it.
The obvious parallel
The obvious parallel for singers is this: Anyone who sings in a group must remain like clay. If you’re not moldable, pliable and flexible you won’t fit in and blend with others. Instead, you will stick out, like a misshaped or discolored mug in what was intended to be a matched set. And, even if you’re primarily a soloist you still need the same “clay” element in order to do different styles of music authentically and believably.
Your Job Now
Your job now is to do a meaningful self-examination and ask the big question: “Am I more like the potter’s clay, or the inflexible ceramic?” If you do find yourself in the ceramic category you can relax. Unlike the potter, who has to destroy bad pieces, God has given us the ability to rework and relearn. This allows us to keep and add to the good skills, while at the same time eliminating the bad ones. If we are diligent with this pursuit, our vocal muscle memory with be helping us really own some great vocal technique.
Your thoughts
Let me know your thoughts on this article by adding a comment or writing me at chris@vocalcoach.com
Warning: Sometimes, those of us with the most training are the ones in danger of being “academic ceramics.” If we’re not careful, we will live in a rut of just what we were taught and lose the ability to grow. Those of us who teach risk the danger of giving bad counsel due to our own inflexibilty. How do I know this? Through personal experience. I am constantly learning, reading and love chatting with other teachers and coaches.
Tags: chris beatty, singing classes, singing lessons, vocal coach, vocal training, voice lessons
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »