Posts Tagged ‘vocalcoach.com’
« Older Entries |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
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
Tags: chris beatty, performance training, singing, singing help, singing lessons, vocalcoach.com, voice training
Posted in From The Heart of Chris Beatty, Singing and Voice Lessons, Uncategorized, Vocal Training & Practice Helps | No Comments »
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 moc.hcaoclacovnull@sirhc
I’ll be answering your questions on the blog and in videos throughout the year.
Tags: chris beatty, singing lessons, vocal coaching, vocal training, vocalcoach.com
Posted in Choir Directors, Performance, Singing and Voice Lessons, Soloist, Teaching Teens To Sing, Uncategorized, Worship Team | No Comments »
I am His, & He is mine.
Saturday, December 31st, 2011
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL
New Year Thoughts from Carole
2011 has been a year we all would like to forget because of the economy. But my Father owns all the cattle on a thousand hills & He has never failed to provide over & above what I could ever think or ask. As we enter 2012, I know the thoughts that the Lord thinks towards me are thoughts of peace and not of evil, but to give me a future & a hope. Jeremiah 29:11. How I rejoice in knowing I am His, & He is mine.
May this be a year of victory and of peace in your life.
Carole
Tags: chris beatty vocalcoach.com, singing lessons, vocal training, vocalcoach.com
Posted in Carole Cares | No Comments »
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
Tags: blog.vocalcoach.com, chris beatty, Lip Trill Exercise, singing lessons, vocal training, Vocal Warm-ups, Vocal Workshop, vocalcoach.com, voice lessons
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 »
RESPONSE by Phil Wickham (Vocal Coach Review)
Saturday, October 8th, 2011
Tags: blog.vocalcoach.com, chris beatty, Christian CD Reviews, Haven Fall Down, Phil Wickham, vocalcoach.com
Posted in Product Reviews | 2 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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:
- Email me at moc.hcaoclacovnull@sirhc
- Call our NEW OFFICE PHONE NUMBER: 615-649-8067.
- Go to the Vocal Coach Web Site and check out Personal Lessons and the Vocal Coach Store.
Hope to hear from you soon, and maybe even see you.
Chris Beatty
Tags: blog.vocalcoach.com, chris and carole beatty, good foundations, performance training, singing lessons, vocalcoach.com, voice lessons, worship leader
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:
- Upright, balanced posture whether sitting or standing.
- Breathing that goes low and doesn’t require heaving of the chest.
- Speaking with a resonant tone quality whether you are using a soft or loud volume.
- 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
Tags: blog.vocalcoach.com, chris beatty, performance stress, singing lessons, vocal training, vocalcoach.com
Posted in Soloist, Speaking Tips, Uncategorized, Vocal Health, Worship Team | 4 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.
Tags: chris beatty, performance coaching, Pitch, singing lessons, vocal training, vocalcoach.com
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.
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%.
Tags: complete diction, Diction, diction for singers, singing diction, singing lessons, vocal coach chris beatty, vocalcoach.com, voice training
Posted in Choir Directors, Diction, Performance, Soloist, Teaching Teens To Sing, Tone, Uncategorized, Worship Team | 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.
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.
Tags: blog.vocalcoach.com, chris beatty, discovery launch, vocal coaching, vocal training, vocalcoach.com
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
Let us know what you think
Loading ...